A. 
This Chapter expands upon the zoning development standards of Division 2 (Allowed Uses and Development Standards for All Zones) by addressing particular aspects of development; including, but not limited to, site planning, project design, and the operation of land uses.
B. 
The standards of this Chapter apply to property regardless of zone designation or use, unless otherwise noted, and are intended to ensure that proposed development is compatible with existing and future development on neighboring properties.
(Ord. 1670(19) § 11)
A. 
Attached Accessory Structures.
1. 
Attached accessory structures shall be made structurally a part of and have a common roof with the primary structure, such as the same roof material or similar pitch.
2. 
An accessory structure attached to the primary structure shall comply with the development standards of the applicable zone.
3. 
Accessory structures shall be attached to the primary structure that it is designed to serve, and not to any other structure.
B. 
Detached Accessory Structures. The following standards shall apply to detached accessory structures unless otherwise provided in this Code.
1. 
A detached accessory structure shall comply with the development standards of the applicable zone unless other standards are provided in this Section.
2. 
No detached accessory structure shall be located within a required front or street side setback.
3. 
A detached accessory structure shall be located on the rear half of a lot, and a minimum of five feet shall be maintained between a primary structure and a detached accessory structure and between accessory structures on the same lot (see Figure 17.304.020.1 (Accessory Structures)). Carports are not subject to this requirement.
Figure 17.304.020.1: Accessory Structures
4. 
Non-Residential Zones. In non-residential zones, a detached accessory structure may extend into the interior side and rear setbacks. The design of the accessory structures shall adhere to the Architectural Guidelines.
5. 
Residential Zones. In residential zones, a detached accessory structure may extend into the interior side and rear setbacks provided no portion of the accessory structure exceeds nine feet in height at the property line, increasing progressively to the maximum height of 20 feet at a point five feet from the property line (increasing at a rate of 2.2 feet or 26.4 inches in height per each additional foot of distance from the property line), and the accessory structure complies with California Building Code (see Figure 17.304.020.2).
Figure 17.304.020.2: Detached Accessory Structures in Residential Zones Along Interior and Rear Property Lines
C. 
Within the rear and side setback, single story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses, with a floor area no more than 120 square feet (and no plumbing or electric), that are exempt from Building Permit requirements in accordance with the California Building Code, shall still adhere to this Section.
(Ord. 1670(19) § 11)
A. 
Measurement of Setbacks. Required setbacks shall be measured horizontally from the nearest point of the front, side, or rear property line of the parcel to the nearest wall of the structure, see Figure 17.304.030.1 (Measurement of Setbacks). For irregular shaped parcel, required setbacks (e.g., front, side, rear setbacks) shall be determined by the review authority.
Figure 17.304.030.1: Measurement of Setbacks
(Ord. 1670(19) § 11)
A. 
Purpose and Applicability. This Section provides standards for the allowed encroachment or projection of structures into required setbacks. This allows for specific architectural features or accessory structures to be developed in areas that might otherwise prohibit such features, providing more flexibility to property owners.
B. 
Encroachments into Minimum Required Setbacks. An architectural feature attached to a primary structure may extend beyond the wall of the structure and into a required front, side, or rear setback in compliance with Table 17.304.040.A (Allowed Projections into Setbacks). Table 17.304.040.A applies to all zones unless otherwise specified in the Table.
Table 17.304.040.A: Allowed Projections into Setbacks
Feature or Structure
Maximum Encroachment1
Raised Porches, Landing Places, or Outside Stairways2
Front or Rear Setback
6 ft.
Side Setback
3 ft. from side lot line
R-1 Zone, Side Setback
1 ft.
Proximity to Side Property Line
3 ft.
Accessory Structures ≤ 120 s.f.
See 17.304.020.C
Architectural Features (Eaves, Cornices, Canopies, Fireplaces3)
All Setbacks
2.5 ft.
Notes:
1
If the maximum encroachment exceeds the minimum setback, the projection may extend to the property line.
2
May be covered but cannot be enclosed.
3
Applicable to fireplaces not exceeding 8 ft. in width in side yard setbacks.
(Ord. 1670(19) § 11)
A. 
Space Between Buildings. In the case where more than one residential structure is located on a lot, or where the entrance of a residential structure is not directly fronting a street, open space shall be provided and maintained as follows:
1. 
Between primary structures. A minimum of 10 feet of space shall be maintained between every primary structure on the same lot, including, but not limited to, a hotel, multi-family residential building, or single-family dwelling.
2. 
Wildland fire risk areas.
a. 
A minimum of 60 feet of space shall be maintained between buildings in wildland fire risk areas, unless a property includes the following conditions:
(i) 
Properly built access roads;
(ii) 
Availability of an adequate water supply;
(iii) 
The use of materials and construction methods which provide greater fire resistance than standards requirements;
(iv) 
Strict adherence to clearance requirements; and
(v) 
Construction and maintenance of fuel breaks.
b. 
The reductions to the minimum spacing requirements may be cumulative but shall not be less than otherwise specified in Subsection A.
c. 
Compliance with the separation requirements of this Subsection may result in reduced densities on the property.
B. 
Residential Lots.
1. 
In single-family residential zones, when any lot line between legal lots runs through a legal nonconforming dwelling, other than an accessory structure, the parcels may be divided as to create a new parcel of not less than 6,000 square feet.
2. 
The following exception applies within the portion of the City establishing urban blocks 1 through 136 consecutively; blocks 139, 140, 201, 202, 203, 239, 246, 247, 248, 264, and 265; and including, from the same blocks, those blocks or portions of blocks subsequently reverted to acre-age or redivided such that the original 25-foot lots compromising the blocks or portions of the block are no longer described by the latest equalized County assessment roll. The width of any lot may be 50 feet, provided the following:
a. 
The property is located in the R-1 Zone;
b. 
The building site is a minimum of 7,000 square feet; and
c. 
The lot, when created, cannot be further reduced.
C. 
Exceptions for Green Buildings. Exceptions to site development standards may be considered by the review authority as necessary to ensure compliance with Title 15 Building and Construction, Chapter 15.68 (Green Building Standards Code).
D. 
Connectivity. New projects shall provide safe and effective connectivity for pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicles between the project site and adjacent neighborhoods, parks, and open space areas as determined by the Director and Public Works Director.
(Ord. 1670(19) § 11)
A. 
Purpose. This Section provides for the reasonable use of hillside areas while protecting the public health, safety, and welfare by ensuring that development will not induce soil erosion, result in excessive grading, create sewage disposal problems, increase wildfire danger and slope instability, or lead to a loss of aesthetic value.
B. 
Applicability. This Section implements the goals and policies of the General Plan and sets specific standards for all grading and development on slopes of 20% or greater.
C. 
Architectural Design and Site Development Review.
1. 
No development shall occur, no use shall be established, and no building or Grading Permit shall be issued for any development in areas with a slope greater than 20% until approval of Architectural Design and Site Development Review in compliance with Chapter 17.512 (Architectural Design and Site Development Review).
2. 
Prior to Architectural Design and Site Development Review, the review authority shall require geotechnical reports, grading plans, and drainage plans for any development on slopes greater than 20%.
a. 
Hillside drainage plans shall be developed and implemented to reduce the risk of further movement by existing landslides.
b. 
Site-specific slope stability investigations and analyses shall be performed by a Registered Geotechnical Engineer.
D. 
Slope Lot Standards.
1. 
The minimum requirement for lot area width and depth for a residential lot shall comply with Table 17.304.060.A (Slope Lot Standards), unless otherwise provided by this Code.
Table 17.304.060.A: Slope Lot Standards
Slope
Minimum Area
Minimum Average Width1
Minimum Average Depth
Ungraded
10 - 20%
10,000 s.f.
75 ft.
100 ft.
10%
20 - 30%
15,000 s.f.
90 ft.
110 ft.
40%
> 30%
20,000 s.f.
90 ft.
110 ft.
55%
Note:
1
The width at the front property line may be reduced to 2/3 the average width requirement, but not less than 45 feet where the frontage abuts the outside of any sharp curve with a center line radius of less than 100 feet or with any other irregularly shaped parcels.
2. 
All proposed residential lots with a slope greater than 25% shall be considered concurrently or after approval of an Architectural Design and Site Development Review of the same site.
E. 
Calculation of Slope.
1. 
Lot slope is calculated as an average slope of the ground area within the required setback lines for primary structures on a lot.
2. 
Lot slope is based on natural or existing grade.
3. 
The elevations of the points where required setback lines intersect are used to determine the average elevation of each setback line. Specifically, the average elevation of each setback line is calculated by adding the elevations at the line's intersection points and dividing by two. The average lot slope is then calculated by subtracting the average elevation of the most uphill setback line and the average elevation of the most downhill setback line and dividing the sum by the average distance between these two setback lines. See Figure 17.304.060.1 (Lot Slope).
4. 
Where required setback lines do not intersect to form a four-sided polygon, average lot slope shall be calculated by dividing the difference between the elevations of the highest and lowest points within the buildable area by the horizontal distance between those two points.
Figure 17.304.060.1: Lot Slope
F. 
Hillside Development Standards for Slopes 20% or Greater. Development on slopes 20% or greater shall be avoided to the maximum extent feasible. In the case that there is no alternative building site on the lot, development on steep slopes shall comply with the following:
1. 
General.
a. 
Structures shall be located to avoid slopes of 20% or greater where feasible and the toes of existing landslide surfaces.
b. 
Building techniques, including, but not limited to, stepped foundation and building design compatible with natural terrain, to reduce potential risk and damage from landslide movement shall be applied as feasible.
2. 
Grading. Grading shall respect the natural contour of the existing terrain whenever possible. The following grading standards shall apply to all land subject to this Subsection, in addition to the grading requirements of LMC Chapter 15.72 (Grading).
a. 
Grading shall be limited to building pads and their access drives as required, and extensive grading shall be discouraged.
b. 
No cuts greater than 16 feet in height from top to toe shall be allowed.
c. 
Where grading is necessary, the principles of contour grading shall be employed:
(i) 
Cut slopes shall not exceed two horizontal to one vertical unless determined to be necessary by soils and geological investigations; and
(ii) 
Graded slopes should be rounded and shaped to stimulate the natural terrain.
d. 
Graded slopes should be screened from view under or behind buildings or by landscaping or natural topographic features wherever possible.
e. 
Narrower roadway widths may be approved by the Public Works Director to minimize the amount of grading where adequate safety can still be maintained.
f. 
Graded slopes shall be revegetated with a mixture of grass seed or shrubs as recommended by the USDA Soil Conservation Service or approved by the Public Works Director. Planting may be waived by the Public Works Director for slopes that, due to the rock character of the material, will not support plant growth.
3. 
Drainage. All proposed drainage facilities shall respect the natural terrain, preserve major drainage channels in their natural state, and be designed in such a manner as to minimize soil erosion and to otherwise preserve the public health, safety, and welfare. The following standards shall apply to all lands subject to this Subsection in addition to the requirements of the City of Lompoc Storm Water Management Ordinance and the adopted Post-Construction Hydro-modification Development Guidelines.
a. 
To the maximum extent possible, property containing riparian vegetation or native vegetation should preserve that riparian vegetation and/or native vegetation associated with a natural urban/wildland interface through the use of a 30-foot setback buffer from the outer drip line of that same riparian or native vegetation.
b. 
In the event off-site drainage facilities will be required to handle increased runoff, interim drainage facilities which provide for no increase in peak runoff from a 10-year storm shall be constructed and maintained until such time as the permanent facilities are completed.
c. 
The overall drainage system shall be completed and made operational at the earliest possible time during construction or shall be otherwise provided for in a manner acceptable to the City.
G. 
Preservation of View. The following standards apply to development slopes greater than 20% and within the view corridor of scenic ridgelines as identified in the General Plan Urban Design Element, Scenic Ridgelines and Roads Figure UD-2.
1. 
Structures and roads shall be designed to fit the topography of the site with minimal cutting, grading, or filling for construction. Pitched, rather than flat roofs, which are surfaced with nonreflective materials except for solar energy systems, shall be encouraged.
2. 
Structures shall be located on-site so as to not intrude or project above the ridgeline skyline as seen from designated scenic road corridors.
3. 
Groupings of trees shall be preserved wherever possible consistent with Section 17.304.100 (Tree Protection). Where trees must be removed for building purposes, reforestation with native or naturalized species shall be provided as part of new development in order to maintain forested appearance of the hillside.
4. 
Structures shall be concentrated into clusters to preserve larger areas of open space.
5. 
The padding and terracing of building sites shall be prohibited, unless it is determined that there is no feasible and reasonable alternative.
(Ord. 1670(19) § 11)
A. 
Height of Structures. The height of each structure shall not exceed the height limit established for the applicable zone by Division 2 (Allowed Uses and Development Standards for All Zones), except as otherwise provided by this Section.
B. 
Height Measurements. Height shall be measured as the vertical distance from finished grade at all points adjacent to the building exterior to the highest point of the structure directly above (see Figure 17.304.070.1 (Height Measurement)).
Figure 17.304.070.1: Height Measurement
C. 
Height of Structure Exception. The overall building height shall not exceed the maximum height standard of the zone, except that the following features may exceed height limits subject to Review Authority approval or as otherwise allowed by this Code:
1. 
Roof structures for the housing or screening of elevators, stairways, or mechanical equipment;
2. 
Skylights;
3. 
Chimneys;
4. 
Solar roof panels and appurtenant equipment;
5. 
Public safety communication facilities, such as radio towers and antennas used for emergency service dispatch, that are no taller than necessary to be effective;
6. 
Steeples, towers, and other unoccupied architectural features; and
7. 
Other similar features as approved by the Director.
D. 
Height Limit at Street Corners. Development proposed adjacent to any public or private street, or an alley intersection, shall be designed to provide a traffic safety visibility area (i.e., sight triangle) for pedestrian and traffic safety consistent with Figure 17.304.070.2 (Height Limit at Street Corners).
Figure 17.304.070.2: Height Limit at Street Corners
1. 
Measurement of visibility area. The traffic safety visibility area is a triangle extending five feet from the intersection of two streets and/or alley right-of-way along both streets and connecting the lines across the property.
2. 
Height limit. No structure, sign, or landscaping shall exceed three feet in height within the traffic safety visibility area (i.e., sight triangle), unless approved the City Engineer.
E. 
Height Limit at Driveways. A minimum sight triangle extending five feet shall be maintained at all driveways as shown in Figure 17.304.070.3 (Height Limit at Driveways).
Figure 17.304.070.3: Height Limit at Driveways
1. 
Pedestrian safety. Within a driveway sight triangle, no plant material, tree trunks, signage, walls, fences or any other obstructions shall interfere with the driver's view of pedestrians on a public sidewalk.
2. 
Height limit. Within the driveway sight triangle, signage, walls, fences, etc., shall not exceed three feet in height. Within the driveway sight triangle, plant material shall not exceed three feet in height at maturity; trees shall be trimmed so that branches are at least seven feet above top of curb level.
(Ord. 1670(19) § 11)
A. 
Development Standards for Swimming Pools and Related Mechanical Equipment. Swimming pools and any related mechanical equipment shall be set back a minimum of five feet from side and rear property lines, and shall not be located within a front setback.
B. 
Pool Enclosure.
1. 
Swimming pools shall be completely enclosed by a fence or structure of not less than six feet in height and consistent with screening height limits in Section 17.312.040 (Screening), as practical.
2. 
All gates, doors, etc., shall be self-closing and self-latching.
3. 
The construction, maintenance, or continued existence of a swimming pool without its complete enclosure by a fence or structure, as specific in this Section constitutes a public nuisance consistent with Chapter 17.628 (Property Nuisances).
(Ord. 1670(19) § 11)
A. 
Purpose. This Section provides performance standards that are intended to minimize various potential operational impacts of land uses and development and promote compatibility with adjoining areas and land uses.
B. 
Applicability. The provisions of this Section apply to all new and existing land uses, including permanent and temporary uses in all zones, unless an exemption is specifically provided. Existing uses shall not be altered or modified to conflict with these standards.
C. 
Air Emissions. No visible dust, gasses, or smoke shall be emitted, except as allowed by the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District's Rules and Regulation Manual as periodically updated or as necessary for the heating or cooling of structures, and the operation of motor vehicles on the site.
D. 
Dust. Activities that may generate dust emissions (e.g., construction, grading, commercial gardening, and similar operations) shall be conducted to limit the emissions beyond the site boundary to the maximum extent feasible. All grading activity shall comply with Title 15, Chapter 15.72 (Grading).
E. 
Ground Vibration. No use shall be operated in a manner which produces vibration discernible without instruments at any point on the property line of the lot on which the use is located, except for vibrations for temporary construction or demolition activities, and motor vehicle operations.
F. 
Hours of Construction.
1. 
No construction noise shall emanate from any site within the City limits after 6:00 p.m. or before 7:00 a.m. Monday through Friday.
2. 
There shall be no construction noise from any site before 8:00 a.m. nor after 5:00 p.m. on any Saturday.
3. 
No construction shall occur on any site within the City limits on Sunday.
4. 
Property owners working on the property at which they reside are exempt from the standards of this Subsection.
G. 
Lighting. Outdoor lighting shall be designed to minimize light and glare on adjacent properties, in compliance with the following standards. Parking lot lighting is addressed in Subsection 17.308.060.D (Parking Lot Lighting).
1. 
Fixture height.
a. 
Outdoor light fixture shall be limited to 20 feet or the height of the nearest building, whichever is less.
b. 
The review authority may approve a fixture greater than 20 feet if it determines that the additional height will provide lighting that still complies with all other requirements of this Subsection.
2. 
Light and glare.
a. 
Lighting fixtures shall be shielded or recessed to minimize light bleed to adjoining properties, by ensuring that the light source (e.g., bulb) is not visible from off the site and confining glare and reflections within the boundaries of the site to the maximum extent feasible.
b. 
Each light fixture shall be directed downward and away from adjoining properties and public rights-of-way, so that no on-site light fixture directly illuminates an area off the site.
3. 
Temporary lighting. Outdoor lighting for temporary uses may be exempt from this Subsection consistent with Section 17.404.210 (Temporary Uses), Chapter 17.544 (Temporary Use Permit), and subject to Review Authority approval.
H. 
Liquid Waste. No liquid waste shall be discharged into a public or private body of water, sewage system, watercourse, into or onto the ground, except in compliance with applicable regulations of the Lompoc Municipal Code and any applicable regulations of the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board.
I. 
Noise.
1. 
No land use shall generate noise exceeding the maximum levels permitted in Table 17.304.090.A (Interior and Exterior Noise Standards).
Table 17.304.090.A: Interior and Exterior Noise Standards
Category
Land Use Categories
Ldn
Use
Interior1
Exterior2
Residential
Single-Family, Duplex, Multi-Family, Mobile Home
453
604
Commercial & Industrial
Retail, Restaurant
55
65
Motel/Hotel
45
604
Professional, Offices, Movie Theater, Auditorium
45
65
Manufacturing, Utilities, Warehousing, Agriculture
65
75
Community Facility
Hospital, School, Nursing Home, Church, Library, Civic Offices, Parks
45
65
Open Space
Passive Outdoor Recreation
—
604
Notes:
1
Interior areas exclude bathroom, closets, and corridors.
2
Exterior areas are limited to the following: private yards or patios of residential uses, motel recreation areas; office, theater, or hospital patios or assembly areas; school playgrounds; nursing home, library, or civic office assembly areas; and park picnic areas.
3
If achievement of interior noise standards requires that windows and doors remain closed, air conditioning or mechanical ventilation shall be required.
4
In areas affected by aircraft noise, the standard is 65 Ldn with the stipulation that the noise level exclusive of the aircraft generated noise cannot exceed 60 Ldn.
2. 
Mixed-use.
a. 
There shall be no truck deliveries to commercial uses in mixed-use development after 6:00 p.m. or before 8:00 a.m. Monday through Saturdays. No deliveries shall be allowed on Sundays.
b. 
Common walls between commercial and residential uses in mixed use development shall be noise insulated to provide attenuation of indoor noise levels.
c. 
External noise generating equipment associated with commercial uses (e.g., HVAC units) located in mixed-use developments shall be shielded or enclosed with solid sound barriers.
J. 
Odors. No obnoxious odor or fumes shall be emitted that are perceptible without instruments by a reasonable person at the property line of the site. The review authority may require an Odor Abatement Plan consistent with Conservation and Open Space Element Policy 7.7 for any project that will include odor generating activities.
(Ord. 1670(19) § 11)
A. 
Purpose. The provisions of this Section are intended to protect existing trees that contribute to the environment and aesthetic quality of the City and preserve and enhance native species, particularly oak trees, and significant trees to maintain a natural-appearing landscape while still protecting view corridors, walkability, and public health, safety, and welfare.
B. 
Applicability. The provisions of this Section apply wherever a project requires Architectural Design and Site Development Review approval in compliance with Chapter 17.512, and these provisions are supplemental to the provisions of LMC Chapter 12.32 (Trees).
C. 
Significant Tree Survey. Site development plans shall include a survey of trees over six inches in diameter at breast height (DBH), that includes:
1. 
Location, number, and diameter of trees;
2. 
Identification of trees for removal; and
3. 
Reason for removal.
D. 
Tree Protection and Replacement Guidelines. Trees shall be preserved to the extent possible and protected where future development activity poses risk to the health of the tree.
1. 
For every tree over six inches DBH removed, at least one tree shall be planted on-site.
2. 
Groups of trees shall be preserved to the extent possible. Where groupings of trees are removed, replanted trees shall replace the total canopy area, in full, upon reaching expected maturity.
3. 
Replanting trees as part of this Section shall consist of species identified by the Urban Forestry Division.
4. 
The review authority may approve an adjustment to site development standards for the purposes of preserving a tree or group of trees consistent with Chapter 17.528 (Minor Modification).
5. 
On-site replacement requirements for significant trees or groups of significant trees may be modified to ensure compatibility with defensible space or fire safety requirements per the City of Lompoc Fire Department.
(Ord. 1670(19) § 11)
A. 
General Standards. Trash and recycling bins shall be provided in sufficient number and shall be placed in convenient locations. Solid waste collection areas must not be used for storage or other purposes.
B. 
Residential Uses of Three Units or Fewer. No enclosure structure shall be required for residential projects of three units or fewer; however, trash and recycling shall be stored in such a manner that containers are screened from public view from the front of the property. Solid waste containers may be placed in public view for purposes of collection in compliance with LMC Title 8 Health and Safety, Section 8.04.170 (Containers—Requirements).
C. 
Multi-Family Uses of Four or More Units and All Commercial Uses. Adequate and accessible enclosures for the storage of trash and recyclable materials shall be provided. Solid waste shall be stored in proper containers in compliance with LMC Title 8 Health and Safety, Chapter 8.04 (Garbage and Refuse). The design, construction, and accessibility of enclosures shall conform to the requirements in this Code and standards of the City's Solid Waste Division.
(Ord. 1670(19) § 11)