This section provides standards for the development of mixed-use projects. The primary intent of these development standards is to balance the needs of nonresidential uses for access, visibility, parking, loading, safety, and possibly extended hours of operation with the needs of residential uses for privacy, security, and relative quiet.
A. Integration of uses.
1. Integration defined. Potential ways to integrate the uses allowed in MU-I (Mixed Use I), MU-II (Mixed-Use II), and MU-III (Mixed-Use III) zoning districts include:
a. Vertical integration. A mix of nonresidential uses (i.e., commercial, retail, and/or office) located on the ground floor with residential dwelling units located above.
b. Horizontal integration. A mix of nonresidential uses located on the primary street frontage of a parcel and residential uses located at the rear of a parcel.
c. Combined approach. A combination of vertical and horizontal integration of nonresidential and residential uses.
2. MU-I zoning districts. In MU-I (Mixed-Use I) zoning districts, nonresidential and residential uses shall be vertically integrated whenever possible; however, stand-alone residential projects and stand-alone nonresidential projects are allowed when planned and designed as an integrated element of a larger mixed-use development area.
3. MU-II zoning districts. In MU-II (Mixed-Use II) zoning districts, both vertical and/or horizontal integration of nonresidential and residential uses shall be allowed; however, stand-alone residential projects and stand-alone nonresidential projects are allowed when planned and designed as an integrated element of a larger mixed-use development area.
4. MU-Ill zoning districts. In MU-III (Mixed-Use III) zoning districts, both vertical and/or horizontal integration of nonresidential and residential uses shall be allowed subject to the following:
a. Parcels of one (1) acre or greater. Parcels of one (1) acre or greater in total net area shall provide a vertical and/or horizontal mix of nonresidential and residential uses.
b. Parcels of less than one (1) acre. Parcels of less than one (1) acre in total net area may either:
(1) Provide a mix of nonresidential and residential uses; or
(2) Incorporate stand-alone residential projects at a maximum density of fourteen (14) du/acre or stand-alone nonresidential projects. For parcels fronting Brea Boulevard or Imperial Highway, no stand-alone residential projects shall be allowed. Nonresidential projects and access serving nonresidential projects (except for live/work facilities) shall not be allowed on Walnut Avenue.
B. Parcel Consolidation Incentive Program. In order to encourage the assemblage of smaller existing parcels into larger parcels that can be more efficiently developed into a mixed-use project, the following incentives are offered:
1. Allowable incentives for parcel consolidation:
a. Reduction in required parking for a mixed-use project.
b. Increase in maximum total sign area, up to a maximum of twenty percent (20%).
c. Increase in maximum parcel coverage, up to a maximum of ten percent (10%).
d. Reduction in common and/or private open space requirements, up to a maximum of ten percent (10%).
e. Priority (e.g., fast-track) permit processing.
f. City participation in provision of infrastructure (e.g., installation of curb, gutter, and sidewalk, installation of streetscape, undergrounding of utilities, upgrading of utilities, etc.)
2. Parcel consolidation thresholds:
a. Consolidation of existing small parcels into a development project site of one (1) acre or greater up to two (2) acres: Any two (2) of the allowable incentives identified above, except for items e. and f.
b. Consolidation of existing small parcels into a development project site of two (2) acres or greater: Any four (4) of the allowable incentives identified above.
C. Development standards generally. Mixed-use projects shall comply with the development standards in this paragraph in addition to the standards in paragraphs D through O, below.
1. Uses located in a single structure. For a mixed-use project where nonresidential and residential uses are located in a single structure, the density, floor area ratio (FAR), height of structures, parcel depth, parcel size, parcel width, and setbacks identified in Tables 2-3 through 2-8 shall apply.
2. Uses located in separate structures. For a mixed-use project where nonresidential uses and residential uses are located in separate structure(s), the following shall apply:
a. Nonresidential development.
(1) Tables 2-3, 2-4, and 2-5 (development standards for mixed use and nonresidential projects in the Mixed-Use I, Mixed-Use II, and Mixed-Use III zoning districts, respectively) shall apply.
b. Multi-family residential development.
(1) Tables 2-6, 2-7, and 2-8 (development standards for "stand-alone" residential projects in the Mixed-Use I, Mixed-Use II, and Mixed-Use Ill zoning districts, respectively) shall apply.
D. Design standards.
1. Generally. A mixed-use development project shall be designed and constructed to:
a. Be pedestrian in its focus.
b. Allow for vehicles to park once.
c. Be compatible with and complement adjacent land uses.
d. Maintain the scale and character of development along Birch Street, Brea Boulevard, and Imperial Highway, and provide a transition to the adjacent residential uses in the surrounding area
2. Consistent use of architectural details and materials. Architectural style and use of quality materials shall be consistent throughout an entire mixed-use project. However, differences in architectural details and/or materials may occur to differentiate between the nonresidential and residential portions of the project. Dwelling units shall exhibit a residential character. Loading areas and recycling and refuse storage facilities shall be compatible in architectural design and details with the overall project.
3. Features.
a. Street level features. Long expanses of blank walls or an unbroken series of garage doors shall be prohibited.
b. Pedestrian-oriented features. At least seventy-five percent (75%) of the building frontage facing a public street or pedestrian way shall be devoted to pedestrian-oriented features (e.g., pedestrian entrances; landscaping; transparent display windows; windows affording views into retail, office, or lobby spaces, etc.). The review authority may reduce this percentage on a case-by-case basis.
c. Upper level features. Upper floor balconies, bays, and windows that overlook the street shall be provided whenever opportunities exist for such features.
d. Rooflines and setbacks. Projects shall provide a variety of roof designs as determined to be suitable by the Director.
e. Storefronts. The design of ground floor storefronts shall provide primary pedestrian access directly from the adjacent public street frontage, and include different setbacks and/or design features including, but not limited to, overhangs, awnings, and trellis, to visually differentiate the storefronts from other levels.
f. Entrances. When nonresidential and residential uses are located in the same structure, separate pedestrian entrances shall be provided for each use. The entrances for nonresidential uses shall be designed to visually distinct from the entrances for residential uses.
g. Visual relationship between multiple structures. Multiple structures on a single site shall be designed to create a strong visual relationship between and among the structures. Architectural treatment of structures shall be consistent on all sides.
h. Preservation of neighborhood character. The design of new infill development shall respect, complement, and be compatible with the scale, style, theme, and design of established structures and neighborhoods.
E. Landscaping standards.
1. Consistent with landscaping design guidelines. The landscaping of a mixed-use project shall be consistent with the requirements of § 20.236.040.M.
2. Open space. Common open space areas above the ground level shall be landscaped using containerized plant materials that are irrigated by an automatic irrigation system and adequately drained.
3. Street trees. Street trees shall be required in compliance with the city's Master Street Tree Plan.
F. Lighting standards. Lighting for nonresidential uses shall be appropriately designed, located, and shielded to ensure that they do not negatively impact the residential uses in compliance with § 20.08.040.C.5 (Light and Glare).
G. Open space standards. The common and private open spaces required for residential dwelling units shall be designed to limit intrusion by nonresidents. In the case of an infill development project, the Review Authority may approve a reduction in the required open space (common and/or private) for the residential component of mixed-use development projects when it finds that all reasonable attempts to fulfill the requirements have been exhausted and the open space is not able to be accommodated due to the urban infill characteristic of the development site.
H. Operational standards.
1. Hours of operation. Outdoor nonresidential uses in mixed-use projects shall be prohibited from operating between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. A conditional use permit granted in compliance with § 20.408.030 (Conditional Use Permit) may modify these hours.
2. Joint tenants and owners association.
a. A joint tenants and owners association shall be formed to ensure the well being of each tenant and owner in a mixed-use project.
b. The association bylaws, including voting rights, shall be subject to review by the City Attorney and approval by the Director The association's bylaws shall include the following:
(1) Assignment of parking spaces per each use.
(2) Identification of maintenance responsibilities for landscaping, parking facilities, and recycling and refuse storage facilities.
(3) Noise notification procedures.
(4) Relationship between uses regarding association representation.
(5) Voting procedures.
(6) Procedures for solving problems that may arise between the different types of uses or residents.
3. Loading and unloading activities. Where applicable, the covenants, conditions, and restrictions of a mixed-use project shall indicate the times when the loading and unloading of goods may occur on the street, provided that in no event shall loading or unloading take place after 10:00 p.m. or before 7:00 a.m. on any day of the week.
4. Noise notification.
a. Residents, whether owners or tenants, of a mixed-use development project shall be notified in writing before taking up residence that they will be living in an urban type of environment and that the noise levels may be higher than a typical residential area.
b. The covenants, conditions, and restrictions of a mixed-use project shall require that the residents acknowledge their receipt of the written noise notification. Their signatures shall confirm receipt and understanding of this information.
5. Nuisance mitigation. The location and design of recycling and refuse storage facilities shall mitigate nuisances from odors when residential uses might be impacted.
6. Sound mitigation. Residential dwelling units shall be designed to be sound attenuated against present and future project noise. New projects or new nonresidential uses in existing projects shall provide an acoustical analysis report, by an acoustical engineer, describing the acoustical design features of the structure required to satisfy the exterior and interior noise standards.
I. Parking facilities standards.
1. Number of parking spaces. The total number of parking spaces shall comply with the requirements In § 20.08.040 (Off-Street Parking and Loading). Guest parking shall be provided for the residential dwelling units. Applicants for a mixed-use project shall prepare and submit a parking study (including any request for a parking reduction) for review and decision by the applicable review authority and a parking management plan for review and decision by the Director.
2. Separate or shared parking facilities. Parking facilities may be separate or shared for nonresidential uses and residential uses.
3. Loading areas. Loading areas for nonresidential uses shall be located as far as possible from residential units and shall be completely screened from view from the residential portion of the project and streets in compliance with subsections 20.236.040. E (Walls and Fences) and 20.220.040. F (Fences, Walls, and Hedges) and subparagraph K. (Screening and buffering standards), below. Loading areas shall be compatible in architectural design and details with the overall project. The location and design of loading areas shall mitigate nuisances from odors when residential uses might be impacted.
4. Site access driveways. Separate site access driveways shall be provided, whenever possible, for nonresidential and residential uses. Site access driveways shall incorporate distinctive architectural elements, landscape features, and signs to help differentiate access to nonresidential parking areas from access to residential parking areas.
5. Enclosed parking. If enclosed parking is provided for the entire mixed-use complex, separate
areas/levels shall be provided for nonresidential and residential uses with separate building entrances, whenever possible, subject to confirmation and approval by the applicable review authority.
6. Ingress and egress. Vehicular circulation shall be designed to direct traffic away from residential streets to the greatest extent feasible.
J. Recycling and refuse storage facilities standards. Recycling and refuse storage facilities for nonresidential uses shall be located as far as possible from residential units and shall be completely screened from view from the residential portion of the project and streets in compliance with §§ 20.236.040.E (Walls and Fences) and 20.220.040.F (Fences, Walls, and Hedges) and subparagraph K (Screening and buffering standards) below. Recycling and refuse storage facilities for nonresidential uses should be compatible in architectural design and details with the overall project. The location and design of trash enclosures shall mitigate nuisances from odors when residential uses might be impacted.
K. Screening and buffering standards.
1. Loading areas and recycling and refuse storage facilities. Loading areas and recycling and refuse storage .facilities for nonresidential uses shall be completely screened from view from adjacent residential portions of the project or other adjacent residential uses.
2. Roof-mounted equipment. Roof-mounted equipment shall be completely screened from public views from the ground elevation.
3. Noise-generating equipment. Noise-generating equipment (e.g., refrigeration units, air conditioning, exhaust fans, etc.) shall require special consideration in their location and screening in order to avoid creating a nuisance.
L. Security standards. Structures shall be designed to minimize the personal security risks of uses and to minimize the opportunities for vandalism and theft.
M. Sign standards. The design of signs shall comply with Chapter 20.28 (Signs).
N. Site organization standards.
1. Limitations on location of residential uses in the Mixed-Use III zone. In horizontal mixed-use projects along Brea Boulevard and Imperial Highway, residential uses shall not occupy ground floor space within the first fifty (50) feet of a parcel measured from the front property line. In the Mixed-Use III zone, within vertical mixed-use projects along Brea Boulevard or Imperial Highway, residential uses shall not occupy any ground floor space, along the major street frontage, except for entry lobbies. Residential uses may occupy street frontages along secondary/side streets as determined by the Director.
2. Location of nonresidential uses along street frontages.
a. Nonresidential uses shall be located along street frontages and shall have a minimum depth of fifty (50) feet. The Director may reduce the depth requirements for nonresidential uses located on a secondary street.
b. On corner parcels, the nonresidential space shall turn (wrap around) the corner for a distance of at least thirty (30) feet along secondary/side streets.
c. A minimum of seventy-five percent (75%) of the street frontage along major or primary streets shall be occupied by nonresidential uses. The remaining twenty-five percent (25%) may be occupied by lobby entrances to residential uses and pedestrian amenities (e.g., plaza, courtyard) The Director may reduce/adjust the percentage frontage requirements.
3. Entrances. Primary building entrances shall be oriented to the major street on which the structure has frontage, street corner, courtyard, plaza, park, or other structures on the site but not to interior blocks or parking lots/structures. A structure may have other entrances as long as direct, barrier-free pedestrian access is provided to all entrances.
4. Sharing of common open space. Mixed-use structures shall be arranged to create opportunities for common open space for the residential uses. In general, common open space areas for residential uses shall be separated from nonresidential uses on the site. However, the sharing of common open space may be allowed by the applicable review authority when it is clear that the open space will provide direct benefit to residents of the project and subject to the following limitations.
a. Up to thirty percent (30%) of the required common open space for residential uses in a horizontal mixed-use project may be provided within the nonresidential component of the project.
b. Up to sixty percent (60%) of the required common open space for residential uses in a vertical mixed-use project may be provided within the nonresidential component of the project.
5. Pedestrian environment. Site planning shall integrate the street pedestrian environment with the nonresidential uses through the use of courtyards, plazas, street furniture, and walkways. Public and private walkways, passages, paseos, and related facilities shall be provided, whenever possible. Pedestrian access to mixed-use structures shall be from the sidewalk. Enhanced pedestrian amenities (i.e., courtyard, plaza, paseo) shall be required for mixed-use projects located along Brea Boulevard and Imperial Highway in the MU-III (Mixed-Use III) zoning district.
O. Historic structures. The standards in this section may not apply where they conflict with the design or character of the architecture of existing structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Buildings, or Structures; the California State Inventory of Historical Sites and Buildings; the Orange County Historic Register; or the Brea Historic Resources Register. Refer to Chapter 20.60. (Historic Preservation) for design guidelines for renovating or rehabilitating historic structures.
(Ord. 1089, passed 3-7-06; Am. Ord. 1241, passed 8-15-23)