This chapter lists the land uses that may be allowed within the commercial zoning districts established by Section 20-20.020 (Zoning Map and Zoning Districts), determines the type of land use permit/approval required for each use, and provides basic standards for site layout and building size.
(Ord. 3677 § 1, 2004)
The purposes of the individual commercial zoning districts and the manner in which they are applied are as follows:
A. 
CO (Office Commercial) district. The CO zoning district is applied to areas appropriate for administrative, business, financial, medical, professional, and public office uses, together with similar and related compatible uses. Residential uses may also be accommodated as part of mixed use projects. The CO zoning district is consistent with and implements the Office land use classification of the General Plan.
B. 
CN (Neighborhood Commercial) district. The CN zoning district is applied to areas within and adjacent to Residential neighborhoods appropriate for limited retail and service centers for convenience shopping. Uses in these centers are intended to provide for the day-to-day needs of local neighborhoods and workplaces, but not to be of such scope and variety as to attract substantial traffic volumes from outside the neighborhood. New development is encouraged to include both a residential and nonresidential component as noted by Section 20-23.030 (Commercial district land uses and permit requirements). The CN zoning district is consistent with and implements the Neighborhood Shopping Center land use classification of the General Plan.
C. 
CG (General Commercial) district. The CG zoning district is applied to areas appropriate for a range of retail and service land uses that primarily serve residents and businesses throughout the City, including shops, personal and business services, and restaurants. Residential uses may also be accommodated as part of mixed use projects, and independent residential developments. The CG zoning district is consistent with the Retail and Business Services land use classification of the General Plan.
D. 
CV (Motor Vehicle Sales) district. The CV zoning district is applied to areas appropriate for a concentration of new and used motor vehicle sales establishments and related support uses.
The CV zoning district is consistent with the Retail and Business Services land use classification of the General Plan.
E. 
CMU (Core Mixed Use) district. The CMU zoning district is applied to areas within downtown Santa Rosa to foster a mix of residential and nonresidential uses to activate the greater Old Courthouse Square area and key transit corridors. The principal objectives of the CMU designation are to strengthen the role of this area as a business, governmental, retail, tourism, entertainment, and cultural hub for the region, and to accommodate significant new residential development. New residential development will serve as a catalyst for increased activity and create a built-in market for retail, service, and entertainment uses. High-rise development in all residential or mixed-use buildings is envisioned in a walkable, bikeable environment with public gathering places such as plazas, courtyards, or parks and easy access to public transit. The CMU zoning district implements and is consistent with the Core Mixed Use land use classification of the General Plan.
F. 
SMU (Station Mixed Use) district. The SMU zoning district is applied to areas within downtown Santa Rosa to provide for a range of visitor-serving uses, including retail, restaurants, entertainment, cultural amenities, and hotels in proximity to the Downtown SMART station. While commercial uses are emphasized, new multi-family housing will also be allowed to support the daytime and evening vitality of the Downtown Station Area. New development will be required to respect the historic character of the Railroad Square area, adding to the mix of uses and enhancing the walkable, pedestrian-oriented streets and public spaces that attract locals, SMART train riders, and visitors from the wider region. The SMU zoning district implements and is consistent with the Station Mixed Use land use classification of the General Plan.
G. 
MMU (Maker Mixed Use) district. The MMU zoning district is applied to areas within downtown Santa Rosa to emphasize a balanced mix of residential, creative, and maker-oriented uses, including artisan shops, studios, media production, printing and publishing, distilleries and micro-breweries, cannabis, tech start-ups, research and development facilities, limited light industrial uses, and other home-based businesses. Multi-family residential and live/work units are encouraged in all-residential or mixed-use buildings. Supportive uses that contribute to a vibrant village atmosphere, such as bodegas, specialty food stores, cafés, coffee shops, performing arts venues, theatres, restaurants, schools, and educational facilities are also permitted. The MMU zoning district implements and is consistent with the Maker Mixed Use land use classification of the General Plan.
H. 
CSC (Community Shopping Center) district. The CSC zoning district is applied to areas appropriate for complexes of retail establishments, anchored by a large grocery store, serving clients from the community as a whole and in particular surrounding residential neighborhoods. These centers are intended to be designed to facilitate pedestrian and bicycle access in addition to vehicular access. Proposed commercial development is required to include a residential component when significant additions or reconstruction is proposed as noted by Section 20-23.030(Commercial district land uses and permit requirements), Table 2-6 and Section 20-23.080. The CSC zoning district is consistent with and implements the Community Shopping Center land use classification of the General Plan.
I. 
TV-M (Transit Village-Mixed) district. The TV-M zoning district is applied to areas within approximately one-quarter mile of a transit facility outside of the Downtown Station Area that are appropriate for a mix of higher density residential, office and commercial uses.
Development is designed and oriented to create a central node of activity at or near the transit facility. The minimum allowable density is 40 dwellings per acre; there is no maximum density. The TV-M zoning district is consistent with and implements the Transit Village Mixed Use land use classification of the General Plan.
(Ord. 3677 § 1, 2004; Ord. 3950 § 8, 2010; Ord. 3987 § 2, 2012; Ord. 2020-014 § 9; Ord. 2021-012 § 11)
Table 2-6 identifies the uses of land allowed by this Zoning Code in the commercial zoning districts, and the land use permit required to establish each use, in compliance with Section 20-21.030 (Allowable Land Uses and Permit Requirements).
Note: Where the last column in the table ("Specific Use Regulations") includes a section number, the regulations in the referenced section apply to the use. Provisions in other sections of this Zoning Code may also apply.
TABLE 2-6
Allowed Land Uses and Permit Requirements for Commercial Zoning Districts*
P
MUP
CUP
S
Permitted Use, Zoning Clearance required
Minor Conditional Use Permit required
Conditional Use Permit required
See Specific Use Regulations for permit requirement
Use not allowed
PERMIT REQUIRED BY DISTRICT
LAND USE (1)
CO
CN (7)
CG
CV
CMU
SMU
MMU
CSC (2)
TV-M
Specific Use Regulations
INDUSTRY, MANUFACTURING & PROCESSING, WHOLESALING
Artisan/craft product manufacturing
MUP
P
MUP
MUP
P
P
 
Brewery—Brew pub
MUP
MUP
MUP
MUP
P
MUP
MUP
 
Cannabis—Commercial cultivation—up to 5,000 sq ft
MUP
 
Cannabis—Distribution
MUP
 
Cannabis—Manufacturing Level 1 (non-volatile)
MUP
 
Cannabis Microbusiness
MUP
 
Cannabis—Testing laboratory
MUP
P
20-46
Laboratory—Medical, analytical
MUP
MUP
MUP
P
 
Manufacturing/processing— Light
P
 
Manufacturing/processing— Medium
MUP
 
Media production
P
 
Printing and publishing
MUP
MUP
P
 
Recycling—Reverse vending machines
P
P
P
20-42.120
Recycling—Small collection facilities
MUP
MUP
20-42.120
Research and development
MUP
P
P
 
Storage—Accessory
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
 
Storage—Personal storage facility (mini-storage)
MUP
 
20-42.180
Winery—Boutique
MUP
MUP
MUP
P
MUP
MUP
 
Winery—Production
CUP
CUP
CUP
MUP
CUP
 
RECREATION, EDUCATION & PUBLIC ASSEMBLY USESP
Adult entertainment business
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
20-40
Commercial recreation facility—Indoor
MUP
MUP
MUP
MUP
MUP
MUP
 
Community garden (6)
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
 
Conference/convention facility
CUP
MUP
MUP
CUP
CUP
 
Health/fitness facility— Commercial
MUP
P
P
P
P
P
MUP
 
Health/fitness facility—Quasi-public
MUP
P
P
P
P
P
MUP
 
Library, museum
P
P
P
MUP
P
P
P
P
P
 
Meeting facility, public or private
MUP
MUP
MUP
MUP
MUP
MUP
MUP
MUP
MUP
 
Park, playground
P
P
P
MUP
P
P
P
P
P
 
School, public or private
MUP
MUP
MUP
MUP
MUP
MUP
MUP
MUP
MUP
 
Sports and entertainment assembly facility
CUP
MUP
MUP
CUP
 
Studio—Art, dance, martial arts, music, etc.
MUP
P
P
P
P
P
P
MUP
 
Theater, auditorium
CUP
MUP
MUP
MUP
CUP
MUP
 
RESIDENTIAL USES (See Section 20-28.080, Senior Housing (-SH) combining district, for specific requirements regarding proposed senior housing developments)
Animal keeping—Domestic and exotic
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
20-42.040
Community care facility—6 or fewer clients
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
20-42.060
Community care facility—7 or more clients
MUP
MUP
MUP
MUP
MUP
MUP
MUP
MUP
20-42.060
Emergency shelter—50 or fewer beds
CUP
CUP
P
CUP
CUP
CUP
CUP
CUP
CUP
20-42.190
Emergency shelter—51 or more beds
CUP
CUP
CUP
CUP
CUP
CUP
CUP
CUP
CUP
20-42.190
Home occupation
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
20-42.070
Live/work
MUP
MUP
MUP
P
P
P
MUP
MUP
20-42.080
Multi-family dwelling
CUP
P
MUP
P
P
P
P
P(5)
 
Residential accessory uses and structures
P
P
P
P
 
 
P
P
20-42.030
Residential component of a mixed use project
MUP
P
MUP
P
P
P
P
P(5)
20-42.090
Single-family dwelling— Attached only
CUP
P
CUP
MUP
MUP
P
P
P(5)
 
Single room occupancy facility
 
 
CUP
 
MUP
MUP
MUP
CUP
20-42.164
Supportive housing (12)
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
 
Transitional housing
CUP
CUP
CUP
CUP
MUP
MUP
MUP
CUP
 
Work/live
MUP
MUP
MUP
MUP
MUP
MUP
MUP
MUP
MUP
20-42.060
RETAIL TRADE
Accessory retail uses
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
20-42.024
Alcoholic beverage sales
CUP
CUP
CUP
CUP
CUP
CUP
CUP
20-42.034
Artisan shop
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
 
Auto and vehicle sales and rental
MUP(11)
P
 
Auto parts sales (no installation services)
P(11)
P
P
 
Bar/tavern
CUP
CUP
CUP
CUP
CUP
CUP
CUP
20-42.034
Building and landscape materials sales—Indoor
P(11)
P
 
Building and landscape materials sales—Outdoor
MUP
MUP
20-42.100
Cannabis—Retail (dispensary) and delivery
CUP(10)
CUP(10)
CUP(10)
CUP(10)
20-46
Construction and heavy equipment sales and rental
MUP
 
Drive-through retail sales
CUP
CUP(11)
CUP
20-42.064
Electric vehicle sales
MUP
MUP
MUP
 
Farm supply and feed store
MUP
MUP
 
Fuel dealer (propane for home and farm use, etc.)
CUP
 
Furniture, furnishings, appliance/equipment store
P
P
P
P
P
MUP
 
Gas station
 
General retail—Up to 20,000 sf of floor area
P(11)
P
P
P
P
P
P
 
General retail—More than 20,000 sf, up to 50,000 sf
MUP(11)
P(11)
P
P
MUP
P
MUP
 
General retail—More than 50,000 sf of floor area
CUP(11)
P
 
Grocery store, small—Less than 20,000 sf
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
 
Grocery store, large—20,000 sf and greater
CUP(11)
CUP(11)
P
P
P
P
CUP
20-42.200
Mobile food vending
MUP(9)
MUP
MUP
MUP
20-42.210
Mobile home, boat, or RV sales
MUP
P
 
Neighborhood center
MUP
P
P
CUP
P
P
P
P
MUP
 
Night club
MUP(11)
MUP
MUP
MUP
MUP
MUP
 
Office—Supporting retail
MUP
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
 
Outdoor display and sales
MUP
MUP
MUP (13)
MUP(13)
MUP (13)
CUP
CUP
20-42.110
Pharmacy
MUP
P
P
P
P
P
P
MUP
 
Restaurant, café, coffee shop— Counter ordering
MUP
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
 
Restaurant, café, coffee shop— Outdoor dining
P(8)
P(8)
P(8)
P(8)
P(8)
P(8)
P(8)
P(8)
20-42.110, 20-42.160
Restaurant, café, coffee shop— Serving alcohol (no bar)
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
 
Restaurant, café, coffee shop— Table service
MUP
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
 
Second hand store
MUP
MUP
MUP
MUP
MUP
MUP
MUP
 
Shopping center
P
P
P
P
P
 
Tasting room
MUP
P
P
P
P
P
P
 
Tobacco or smoke shop
MUP
MUP
MUP
MUP
MUP
 
Warehouse retail
CUP(11)
CUP
 
SERVICES—BUSINESS, FINANCIAL, PROFESSIONAL
ATM
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
20-42.044
Bank, financial services
MUP
P
P
P
P(5)
P(5)
P
P(5)
 
Business support service
MUP
MUP
P
P
P
P
P
P
 
Medical service—Clinic, urgent care
P
MUP
P
P
P
MUP
P
MUP
 
Medical service—Doctor office
P
P
P
P
P(5)
MUP
P
P(5)
 
Medical service—Health care facility
MUP
MUP
20-42.060
Medical service—Hospital
CUP
CUP(11)
CUP(11)
CUP
CUP
CUP
CUP
CUP
CUP
 
Medical service—Integrated medical health center
P
MUP
P
P
P
P
P
MUP
 
Medical service—Lab
P
P
MUP
 
Medical service—Veterinary clinic, animal hospital
MUP
MUP
MUP
 
Office—Accessory
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
 
Office—Business/service
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P(5)
 
Office—Government
P
MUP
MUP
MUP
P
MUP
MUP
MUP
MUP
 
Office—Processing
MUP
MUP
MUP
MUP
MUP
MUP
 
Office—Professional
P
MUP
P
P
P
P
P(5)
 
SERVICES—GENERAL
Accessory services
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
20-42.030
Adult day care
P
MUP
MUP
MUP
MUP
P
MUP
 
Catering service
P
P
 
Child day care—Large family day care home
MUP
MUP
MUP
P
P
P
MUP
MUP
20-42.050
Child day care—Small family day care home
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
20-42.050
Child day care center
MUP
MUP
MUP
MUP
MUP
MUP
MUP
MUP
20-42.050
Drive-through service
CUP
CUP
CUP
20-42.064
Equipment rental
P(4)
 
Extended hours of operation (11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.)
MUP
MUP
P
P
P
MUP
MUP
 
Lodging—Bed and breakfast inn (B&B)
MUP
P
P
P
MUP
 
Lodging—Hotel or motel
MUP
MUP
P(4)
P(4)
P(4)
P
 
Mortuary, funeral home
CUP
 
Personal services
P
P(2)
P
P
P
P
P
P
 
Personal services—Restricted
MUP
MUP
MUP
MUP
MUP
 
Public safety facility
MUP
MUP
MUP
MUP
MUP
MUP
MUP
MUP
MUP
 
Repair service—Equipment, large appliances, etc.
MUP
 
Social service organization
MUP
MUP
MUP
MUP
MUP
 
Vehicle services—Major repair/body work
P(4)
 
Vehicle services—Minor maintenance/repair
MUP
P(4) (11)
MUP
MUP
 
TRANSPORTATION, COMMUNICATION & INFRASTRUCTURE
Broadcasting studio
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
 
Parking facility, public or commercial
MUP
MUP
P(4)
PP(4)
MUP
MUP
 
Telecommunications facilities
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
20-44
Transit station or terminal
MUP
MUP
MUP
MUP
MUP
MUP
MUP
MUP
MUP
 
Utility facility
CUP
CUP
CUP
CUP
CUP
CUP
CUP
CUP
CUP
 
Utility infrastructure
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
 
Key to Zoning District Symbols
CO
Office Commercial
CD
Downtown Commercial
CMU
Core Mixed Use
CN
Neighborhood Commercial
CSC
Community Shopping Center
SMU
Station Mixed Use
CG
General Commercial
TV-M
Transit Village— Mixed
MMU
Maker Mixed Use
CV
Motor Vehicle Sales
Notes:
(1)
See Division 7 for land use definitions.
(2)
Each new development or project involving significant additions or reconstruction is required to be a mixed use project with a residential component in compliance with the residential density requirements for the CSC zoning district as described in Sections20-23.040 and 20-23.080.
(3)
Each new development on a site shown in Figure 2-1, Section 20-23.060.C shall be a mixed use project, and each new development within the Courthouse Square Sub-Area of the Downtown Station Area Specific Plan shall provide activity-generating uses at the ground floor along all public streets.
(4)
Minor Conditional Use Permit required when site abuts residential zoning district or parcel with residential use.
(5)
Uses permitted on upper stories of building, Minor Use Permit required when proposed on ground floor.
(6)
A community garden is allowed on the same property as an existing permitted meeting facility provided that the establishment of the garden does not trigger a grading permit or affect the operation and design of the meeting facility.
(7)
Residential uses are encouraged as part of new development on sites zoned CN, as described in Section 20-23.050.
(8)
Administrative Design Review is required when a project is not part of a building permit application.
(9)
Mobile food vending is permitted on private property, with the approval of a Minor Use Permit, only on sites located within the CG zoning district that have street frontage on Sebastopol Road, between Stony Point Road and Olive Street, as described in Section 20-42.210.
(10)
Subject to a 600-foot minimum setback requirement to a "school," as defined by the Health and Safety Code Section 11362.768. In addition, a cannabis retail use shall not be established within 600 feet of any other cannabis retail use established within and permitted by the City of Santa Rosa.
(11)
Not permitted in the Southeast Greenway area.
(12)
Supportive housing is allowed only when the proposed use meets each of the requirements of Assembly Bill 2162, as specified in Government Code Section 65651.
(13)
Outdoor dining permitted by right, pursuant to Section 20-42.110.B.
*
The land use and permit requirements set forth in this Table shall be waived for all land uses approved under the provisions of Chapter 20-16, Resilient City Development Measures.
(Ord. 3677 § 1, 2004; Ord. 3711 § 1 Exh. A, 2005; Ord. 3760 § 2 Exh. A, 2006; Ord. 3766 § 1 Exh. A, 2006; Ord. 3889 § 2, 2008; Ord. 3908 §§ 2, 3, 2009; Ord. 3950 § 9, 2010; Ord. 3968 § 3, 2011; Ord. 3978 § 4, 2012; Ord. 3987 § 3, 2012; Ord. 3989 § 2, 2012; Ord. 3995 § 4, 2012; Ord. 3997 § 4, 2012; Ord. 4001 § 3, 2012; Ord. 4002 § 3, 2012; Ord. 4042 § 2, 2015; Ord. 4074 § 2, 2016; Ord. 2017-017 § 2; Ord. 2017-025 § 3; Ord. 2018-012 § 3; Ord. 2019-009 § 2; Ord. 2020-001 § 4; Ord. 2020-014 § 10; Ord. 2021-012 § 12; Ord. 2022-010 § 2)
A. 
General requirements. Subdivisions, new land uses and structures, and alterations to existing land uses and structures, shall be designed, constructed, and/or established in compliance with the requirements in Tables 2-7 and 2-8, in addi-tion to the applicable development standards (e.g., landscaping, parking and loading, etc.) in Division 3 of this Zoning Code.
B. 
Modifications to standards. The requirements of Tables 2-7 and 2-8 may be modified by the Commission through Conditional Use Permit approval.
C. 
Design Guidelines. See also Sections 2 (Core Area), 3.3 (Retail Centers and Commercial Districts) and 4.3 (Infill Development) of the City's Design Guidelines.
TABLE 2-7—CO, CN, AND CG DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
 
Requirement by Zoning District
Development Feature
CO
CN
CG
Minimum lot size
Minimum area and dimensions for parcels proposed in new subdivisions.
Area (1)
6,000 sf—Interior lot
7,000 sf—Corner lot
None required
Determined by CUP
Dimensions (1)
None required
Residential density
Maximum number of dwelling units allowed on a parcel. The actual number of units will be determined by the City through subdivision or land use permit approval.
Maximum or required density
30 units per acre, maximum
1 unit required per 4,000 sf of non-residential use, to a max. 30 units per acre
30 units per acre, maximum
Setbacks (1) (2)
Minimum setbacks required. See Section 20-30.110 for setback measurement instructions.
Front
15 ft
7.5 ft adjacent to a residential zone or use, or more as required by Design Review; none required elsewhere
Side—Interior (each)
5 ft
5 ft adjacent to a residential zone or use, or more as required by Design Review; none required elsewhere
Side—Corner
15 ft
Rear
1-story building—5 ft
2-story building—10ft;
15 ft adjacent to R zone
3 or more stories—15 ft 25 ft adjacent to R zone
10 ft adjacent to a residential zone or use, or more as required by Design Review; none required elsewhere
Lot coverage (1)
Maximum percentage of total lot area that may be covered by structures.
Maximum coverage
65%
85% for retail/service uses other than lodging;
65% for recreation, education, public assembly, lodging, public buildings and utilities
100%
Height limit
Maximum allowable height of structures. See Section 20-30.070 (Height Limits and Exceptions) for height measurement requirements, and height limit exceptions.
Maximum height
35 ft
45 ft
55 ft
Landscaping
See Chapter 20-34 (Landscaping Standards)
Parking
See Chapter 20-36 (Parking and Loading)
Signs
See Chapter 20-38 (Signs)
Notes:
(1)
Subdivision or Conditional Use Permit approval may establish specific requirements for minimum lot area, maximum lot coverage, set backs, and/or dimensions based on the characteristics of the site or surroundings, environmental constraints, and/or other issues.
(2)
The Design Review process may require larger setbacks.
TABLE 2-8—CV, CMU, SMU, MMU, AND CSC DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
Development Feature
Requirement by Zoning District
CV
CMU(4)
SMU(4)
MMU(4)
CSC
Minimum lot size
Minimum area and dimensions for parcels proposed in new subdivisions.
Area
20,000 sf
None required
Determined by CUP
Dimensions
None required (1)
Residential density
Maximum number of dwelling units allowed on a parcel. The actual number of units will be determined by the City through subdivision or land use permit approval.
Maximum density
Not allowed
See FAR Section 20.23.060. None required for parcels without an assigned FAR.
See FAR Section 20-23.060.
1 unit required per 4,000 sf of nonresidential floor area to a maximum of 30 units per acre.
Setbacks (1) (2)
Minimum setbacks required. See Section 20-30.110 for setback measurement instructions.
Front
20 ft (3)
Nonresidential Ground Floor
0-10 ft (min/max)
7.5 ft adjacent to a residential zone or use; none required elsewhere
Residential Ground Floor
5-12 ft (min/max)
Side—Interior (each)
5 ft adjacent to a residential zone or use; none required elsewhere.
0 -10 ft (min/max); 5 ft required when directly abutting existing low-density residential development.
5 ft adjacent to a residential zone or use; none required elsewhere.
Side—Corner
Same as interior side
0-10 ft (min/max)
Same as interior side
Rear
20 ft
5 ft adjacent to a low-density or medium low-density residential zone or use; none required elsewhere.
5 ft adjacent to a residential zone or use; none required elsewhere.
Lot coverage (1)
Maximum percentage of total lot area that may be covered by structures.
Maximum coverage
85%
100%
Height limit
Maximum allowable height of structures. See Section 20-30.070 (Height Limits and Exceptions) for height measurement requirements, and height limit exceptions.
Maximum height
55 ft
See FAR Section 20-23.060. For properties without an assigned FAR, a max of 35 ft
See FAR Section 20-23.060.
55 ft
Landscaping
See Chapter 20-34 (Landscaping Standards)
Parking
See Chapter 20-36 (Parking and Loading)
Signs
See Chapter 20-38 (Signs)
Notes:
(1)
Subdivision or Conditional Use Permit approval may establish specific requirements for minimum lot area, maximum lot coverage, set backs, and/or dimensions based on the characteristics of the site or surroundings, environmental constraints, and/or other issues.
(2)
The Design Review process may require larger setbacks.
(3)
A 20-foot front setback is required for buildings and off-street parking areas; outdoor auto display areas require no front setback.
(4)
See Zoning Code Section 20-23.060 for additional zoning district development standards.
TABLE 2-9—TV-M DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
Development Feature
Requirement by Zoning District
TV-M
Minimum lot size
Minimum area and dimensions for parcels proposed in new subdivisions.
Area (1)
None required (1)
Dimensions (1)
None required (1)
Residential density
Maximum number of dwelling units allowed on a parcel. The actual number of units will be determined by the City through subdivision or land use permit approval.
Maximum density
40 units per acre minimum
Setbacks (1) (2)
Minimum setbacks required. See Section 20-30.110 for setback measurement instructions.
Front
None, except as required by the review authority (3)
Side—Interior (each)
Side—Corner
None, except as required by the review authority (3)
Rear
None, except as required by the review authority (3)
Lot coverage (1)
Maximum percentage of total lot area that may be covered by structures.
Maximum coverage
100%
Height limit
Maximum allowable height of structures. See Section 20-30.070 (Height Limits and Exceptions) for height measurement requirements, and height limit exceptions.
Maximum height
7 stories for properties south of 3rd Street
5 stories for properties north of 3rd Street (4)
All new development must be a minimum of 2 stories.
Landscaping
See Chapter 20-34 (Landscaping Standards)
Parking
See Chapter 20-36 (Parking and Loading)
Signs
See Chapter 20-38 (Signs)
Notes:
(1)
Subdivision or Conditional Use Permit approval may establish specific requirements for minimum lot area, maximum lot coverage, set backs, and/or dimensions based on the characteristics of the site or surroundings, environmental constraints, and/or other issues.
(2)
The Design Review process may require larger setbacks.
(3)
The Station Area Streets Combining District may require special setbacks.
(4)
All projects north of 3rd Street that are over 35 feet tall or two stories are subject to review and approval by the Cultural Heritage Board and Design Review Board per requirements of the –H Combining District.
(Ord. 3677 § 1, 2004; Ord. 3711 § 1 Exh. A, 2005; Ord. 3799 § 1, 2006; Ord. 3810 § 1, 2007; Ord. 3950 § 10, 2010; Ord. 2020-014 § 11)
All commercial development within the CN zoning district shall comply with the following standards, in addition to the other applicable requirements of this Chapter and Zoning Code. See also Section 3.3 (Retail Centers and Commercial Districts) of the City's Design Guidelines.
A. 
Mixed use development encouraged. Each new development is encouraged to be a mixed use project with a residential component in compliance with the residential density requirements of the CN zoning district in Table 2-7. Residential uses may be either vertically or horizontally integrated with the nonresidential uses.
B. 
Multiple tenancies required. All proposed development shall be designed for multiple nonresidential tenants, with no one tenant space exceeding 50 percent of the aggregate commercial floor area.
C. 
Site design, hours of operation. Site design and hours of operation shall be as determined by the review authority to be compatible with surrounding neighborhood uses.
(Ord. 3677 § 1, 2004; Ord. 3711 § 1 Exh. A, 2005; Ord. 3750 § 1 Exh. A, 2005; Ord. 3987 § 4, 2012)
The standards of this section are intended to support a mixed use and pedestrian-oriented Downtown. Development within the CMU, SMU, MMU, NMU zoning districts shall comply with the following standards and any other applicable requirements of this Chapter and Zoning Code. See also the General Plan and Section 2 – Core Area of the City's Design Guidelines.
A. 
Floor area ratio (FAR).
1. 
The following map shows the maximum base FAR allowed within specified areas of the CMU, SMU, MMU, and NMU zoning districts.
a. 
12 historic properties within the CMU zoning district have no assigned FAR (eastside of B Street between 7th Street and Lincoln Street, and one property on 10th Street as shown in Figure 2-1.A). See Table 2-8 for height and density development standards.
-Image-4.tif
Figure 2-1.A
2. 
Calculations. FAR is a ratio of the building(s) total floor area divided by gross lot area as follows:
a. 
Building total floor area is the entire area within the walls of a building, measured in a horizontal plane from the outside edge of exterior wall to exterior wall or from the center line of common walls to the outside edge of exterior walls, in square feet. For FAR calculation, total floor area excludes:
Crawl spaces.
Structured parking and carports.
Breezeways.
Attics without floors.
Porches, balconies, and terraces.
Below-grade structures.
Outdoor recreational spaces (common, public, or private).
The area of any designated historic structure to be preserved on a specific site, so long as the historic and/or architectural character of the structure is rehabilitated and not adversely affected.
Active ground floor uses in areas where active ground floor requirements apply in the AGF combining district.
b. 
For an interior building space where the ceiling height exceeds 20 feet above floor height, the floor area square footage is doubled for the purpose of calculating FAR. This is to ensure that double-height lobbies, ballrooms, and similar spaces are adequately accounted for in the FAR calculation.
c. 
Gross lot area is the total area included within the lot lines of a lot, exclusive of adjacent dedicated street rights-of-way.
3. 
New development is required to achieve the mid-point or higher of the maximum FAR. Exceptions are allowed where parcel configuration, historic preservation, or utility constraints make the mid-point impossible to achieve.
B. 
Site design and building placement.
1. 
All development is subject to sight distance and vision triangle requirements contained in Section 20-30.110.
2. 
Setbacks. Building placement shall comply with the respective zoning district standards shown in Section 20-22.050 Table 2-5, or Section 20-23.040 Table2-8.
3. 
Buildings shall be constructed at the required front setback for at least 70 percent of linear street frontage. This build-to-line requirement may be modified or waived if elements such as entry courtyards, plazas, entries, outdoor eating and display areas, or mature heritage trees, are located between the build-to line and building, provided that the buildings are built to the edge of the courtyard, plaza, dining, or landscaped area.
4. 
Development on lots over 60,000 square feet in size shall comply with tower separation requirements shown on Figure 2-1.B. Residential towers over 100 feet tall shall be separated from other towers by a minimum of 100 feet as measured from the closest point of the face of one tower to the next, while nonresidential towers over 100 feet tall shall be separated by a minimum of 80 feet, measured similarly.
-Image-5.tif
Figure 2-1.B
5. 
For portions of buildings above 100 feet, as shown in Figure 2-1.B, the dimension of the longest building side and the diagonal shall not exceed the following:
Commercial uses. Maximum side: 200 feet; maximum diagonal: 220 feet;
Residential uses. Maximum side: 140 feet; maximum diagonal: 160 feet.
6. 
Development on First Street or Third Street between A Street and D Street in the Core Area shall not cast shadows covering more than 25 percent of Courthouse Square for more than three hours between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time (between late October and early April), or for more than four hours between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time (between early April and late October). See Shadow Study, Figure 2-1.C.
-Image-6.tif
Figure 2-1.C
C. 
Building design.
1. 
Dimensional relief. Building design shall create visual interest and avoid large-scale, bulky, or box-like appearance (see Figure 2-1.D). Design alternatives include, but are not limited to:
a. 
Wall plane variety;
b. 
Height or roof form variety; and
c. 
Incorporation of architectural detail or vegetative elements into façade design.
-Image-7.tif
Figure 2-1.D
2. 
Design extent. Façade architectural articulation and finishes shall be consistently applied to all sides of the structure.
3. 
Transparency (fenestration) requirements. Primary and side street non-residential building facades shall incorporate ground floor transparency/fenestration for 60 percent of the main frontage and 25 percent of the side façade, or as allowed by local building code.
4. 
Ground level design requirements.
a. 
Ceiling height. The minimum floor-to-ceiling height of the ground floor commercial space shall be at least 12 feet, as shown in Figure 2-1.E.
-Image-8.tif
Figure 2-1.E
b. 
Primary building entrance. A primary building entrance may be individual or shared. The entrance shall be prominent and easy to identify; shall face a public street or paseo; and shall incorporate a projection (porch, stoop, bay window, etc.), recess, or a combination of porch or recess.
c. 
Architectural features. Ground-level architectural features such as porches and stoops may project up to six feet into the required setbacks. Architectural features such as balconies, bay windows, and awnings may project up to six feet over the property line, if located at least 10 feet above sidewalk grade.
d. 
The depth of ground floor commercial space shall be sufficient to encourage small scale, or larger, commercial retail tenancies. Smaller tenant spaces, including pop-up stores and mini-shops, may be approved in certain locations, such as on side streets or garage frontages.
e. 
No street-facing walls may run in a continuous plane for more than 20 feet without an opening. Openings fulfilling this requirement shall have transparent glazing and provide views into work areas, display areas, sales areas, lobbies, or similar active spaces, or into window displays that are at least three feet deep. The maximum length of the blank wall may be 30 feet for retail establishments with a gross floor area of 25,000 square feet or greater, as shown in Figure 2-1.F.
-Image-9.tif
Figure 2-1.F
f. 
Franchise architecture that is generic in nature, intended to be repeated on a mass-scale throughout a large region without consideration of and adaptation to local visual or cultural context, is prohibited unless doing so would violate State or Federal law.
(Ord. 2020-014 § 12; Ord. 2021-012 § 14)
The standards of this section are intended to support a diverse mix of high density residential, hotel, office, and retail uses and maintain a vibrant and activity generating specialty shopping district. See also the General Plan and Section 4.10 (North Santa Rosa Station Area Specific Plan) of the City's Design Guidelines.
A. 
Height limit. All new development within this area is required to be a minimum of two stories.
B. 
Site design, hours of operation. Site design and hours of operation shall be as determined by the review authority to be compatible with surrounding neighborhood uses.
C. 
Ground floor uses. Require activity generating uses such as retail at the street level.
(Ord. 3950 § 11, 2010; Ord. 3992 § 2, 2012; Ord. 2020-014 § 13)
A. 
Mixed use development required. Each new development shall be a mixed use project involving commercial uses with a residential component in compliance with the residential density requirements of the CSC zoning district in Table 2-7.
B. 
Changes at existing Community Shopping Centers:
1. 
Minor repairs or reconstruction of an existing commercial structure or center does not trigger the residential requirement.
2. 
When a significant addition or reconstruction is proposed, commercial development is required to include a residential component. However, single-use projects may be considered through the Design Review process provided that it is demonstrated through site planning that a well integrated mix of commercial and residential uses is not precluded by the single-use project design.
C. 
All new development shall demonstrate pedestrian orientation. Residential uses may be either vertically or horizontally integrated with the nonresidential uses.
(Ord. 3987 § 5, 2012)