HomeMy WebLinkAboutD.1 - Staff Report - 2025 Code Clean UpSCHEDULED ITEM
D-1
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
VIA: SERGIO GONZALEZ, CITY MANAGER
FROM: JOSE D. JIMENEZ, DIRECTOR OF ECONOMIC & COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
DATE: JULY 21, 2025
SUBJECT: PUBLIC HEARING - FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF
AZUSA CITY COUNCIL AMENDING SECTIONS 88.24.005 (ALLOWED USES
IN DISTRICTS), 88.28.030 (SPECIAL PURPOSE ZONE LAND USES AND
PERMIT REQUIREMENTS), 88.30.070 (TRASH ENCLOSURE
REQUIREMENTS), (DRIVEWAYS AND SITE ACCESS), AND SECTION
88.70.020 (DEFINITIONS OF SPECIALIZED TERMS AND PHRASES).
ADDITIONALLY, AN AMENDMENT TO THE TOD SPECIFIC PLAN TO
EXPAND THE STANDARD OPERATING HOURS IN THE DOWNTOWN AND
DOWNTOWN EXPANSION DISTRICTS. LASTLY, TO DETERMINE THAT
THE AMENDMENTS ARE STATUTORILY EXEMPT FROM CEQA UNDER
PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE SECTION 21080.17.
BACKGROUND:
In 2004, the City of Azusa adopted a new General Plan, which was followed by the adoption of a
new Development (“Zoning”) Code in 2005. Since its implementation, ongoing maintenance and
periodic updates have been necessary to correct discrepancies, address emerging issues, and respond
to changes in community needs.
The current request proposes a series of targeted amendments to the Municipal Code. These include
clarifying specific terminology, updating permitted uses in Recreation zones, establishing objective
standards for the design and placement of trash enclosures, and refining language related to residential
driveways. Additionally, the proposal includes a business-friendly amendment to expand standard
operating hours for businesses located within the Downtown and Downtown Expansion Districts of
the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Specific Plan area.
On March 26, 2025, on a 4-0 vote, the Planning Commission approved Resolution No. 2025-PC01
recommending that the City Council consider and approve a Draft Ordinance to approve Code
Amendment No. 260, which makes various changes as discussed herein.
Approved
City Council
July 21, 2025
Development Code Amendment No. 260 – 2025 Azusa Municipal Code Clean Up and Amendment to the
TOD Specific Plan
July 21, 2025
Page 2
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff Recommends that the City Council take the following actions:
1)Open the public hearing, receive testimony and close public hearing; and
2)Find that the adoption of the proposed ordinance is statutorily exempt from review under
the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) under Public Resources Code
section 21080.17; and
3)Waive full reading and introduce for first reading by title only Ordinance No. 2025-05
titled: “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AZUSA,
CALIFORNIA AMENDING SECTIONS 88.24.005 (ALLOWED USES IN
DISTRICTS), 88.28.030 (SPECIAL PURPOSE ZONE LAND USES AND PERMIT
REQUIREMENTS), 88.30.070 (TRASH ENCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS),
(DRIVEWAYS AND SITE ACCESS), AND SECTION 88.70.020 (DEFINITIONS OF
SPECIALIZED TERMS AND PHRASES). ADDITIONALLY, AN AMENDMENT
TO THE TOD SPECIFIC PLAN TO EXPAND THE STANDARD OPERATING
HOURS IN THE DOWNTOWN AND DOWNTOWN EXPANSION DISTRICTS.
LASTLY, TO DETERMINE THAT THE AMENDMENTS ARE STATUTORILY
EXEMPT FROM CEQA UNDER PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE SECTION 21080.17.
ANALYSIS:
As part of its duties and responsibilities, the Planning Division is tasked with the ongoing
maintenance of the Development Code. Chapter 3, Land Use Goal 12 of the General Plan states
“Ensure that the City’s General Plan and Development Code are updated and maintained to increase
effectiveness.” More specifically, Land Use Policy 12.1 requires that the City “Review the General
Plan and the related Development Code, annually, to ensure internal consistency with federal, state,
and local regulations and policies.”
Since its adoption in 2005, City staff has undertaken the necessary updates to the Development
Code in order to adhere to ever-changing legislation. These code cleanups and updates involve
corrections to discrepancies found in the Code (grammatical or referential errors, modifying text,
changing/updating land use requirements, etc.) and policy-specific changes that occur when local
jurisdictions are required to revise or adopt ordinances to be consistent with newly enacted State
law.
With this particular set of amendments, the Planning Division is requesting to enact both a code
cleanup and update. Below are the following changes that are being proposed. The recommended
adjustments and additions are organized by Articles (Chapters) of the Development Code/TOD
Specific Plan. The additions are shown in red font and the deletions are denoted by a strikethrough
font.
Development Code Amendment No. 260 – 2025 Azusa Municipal Code Clean Up and Amendment to the
TOD Specific Plan
July 21, 2025
Page 3
Section # Reason for Change Proposed Revision/Recommendation
88.24.005
(Table 2-2)
Staff has received inquiries
in the past for donation drop-
off bins but did not have
clear reference language in
the Development Code to
define the term. This
amendment would provide
that clarification and
associate the term with a
“small collection facility”
when referring to the
allowable land use table.
TABLE 2-2
Allowed Land Uses
and Permit
Requirements
for Districts
P
MUP
UP
S
—
Permitted Use, Zoning
Clearance required
Minor Use Permit
required
Use Permit required
Permit requirement set
by Specific Use
Regulations
Use not allowed
LAND USE TYPE
(1)
PERMIT REQUIRED
BY ZONE
Specif
ic Use
Regul
ations
DE DW DWL
AGRICULTURAL AND RESOURCE-BASED
USES
Plant nursery MUP(
6)
MUP(
6)
MUP(
6)
Surface mining
operations
— UP UP 88.44
INDUSTRY, MANUFACTURING &
PROCESSING, WHOLESALING
Laboratory—
Medical, analytical
— P P -
Construction
contractor
— MUP MUP
Manufacturing/proc
essing—Heavy (3)
— MUP MUP
Within 1,000 feet
of residential use
— UP —
Existing forging
and stamping use
— UP UP
Manufacturing/proc
essing—Light
— P P
Manufacturing/proc
essing—Medium
intensity (3)
— P P
Within 500 feet
of residential use
— MUP MUP
Media production — P P
Recycling—Large
collection facility
— MUP MUP 88.42.
170
Recycling—
Processing facility
(3)
— UP — 88.42.
170
Recycling—
Reverse vending
machine
P P P 88.42.
170
Development Code Amendment No. 260 – 2025 Azusa Municipal Code Clean Up and Amendment to the
TOD Specific Plan
July 21, 2025
Page 4
Section # Reason for Change Proposed Revision/Recommendation
Recycling—Small
collection facility
MUP MUP MUP 88.42.
170
Research and
development (3)
— P P
Scrap and
dismantling yard
— — —
Storage—Outdoor — MUP MUP
Storage—Personal
storage facility
(mini-storage)
— MUP MUP
Operating between
9:00 p.m. and 7:00
a.m.
— UP UP
88.28.030 –
Special
Purpose
Zone Land
Uses and
Permit
Requireme
nts
The Recreation (REC) zone
is currently very limited as
to the land uses that would
be allowed in the zone.
Public and Private meeting
facilities are one of the uses
that are not permitted in the
REC zone.
The REC zone is applied to
public parks and recreation
sites. The Azusa General
Plan instills policies to
ensure that recreation
facilities support the existing
and future population.
Allowance of meeting
facilities would assist in
providing those
opportunities.
In addition, allowing the
use, with a Use Permit,
would provide consistency
within the code what is
permitted in similar zones.
TABLE 2-4
Allowed Land
Uses and Permit
Requirements
for Special
Purpose Zones
P
MUP
UP
S
—
Permitted Use, Zoning
Clearance required
Minor Use Permit required
Use Permit required
Permit requirement set by
Specific Use Regulations
Use not allowed
LAND USE
TYPE (1)
PERMIT
REQUIRED BY
ZONE
Specific
Use
Regulati
ons INS OS REC
AGRICULTURAL AND RESOURCE-BASED
USES
Crop production,
horticulture,
orchard, vineyard
— —
Plant nursery — MUP —
Surface mining
operations
— UP
(3)
— 88.44
RECREATION, EDUCATION & PUBLIC
ASSEMBLY USES
Conference/conve
ntion facility
UP UP
(4)
—
Equestrian facility — UP UP
Golf course — UP UP
Outdoor shooting
range
— — —
Health/fitness
facility
UP MUP
(4)
—
Library, museum UP — —
Meeting facility,
public or private
(2)
UP UP
(4)
—UP 88.42.112
Play, playground P P P
Development Code Amendment No. 260 – 2025 Azusa Municipal Code Clean Up and Amendment to the
TOD Specific Plan
July 21, 2025
Page 5
Section # Reason for Change Proposed Revision/Recommendation
School – College,
university (2)
UP — —
School -
Elementary,
middle, secondary
(2)
UP — — 88.42.112
School -
Specialized
education/training
(2)
UP — — 88.42.112
Sports and
entertainment
assembly (2)
UP — —
Studio - Art,
dance, martial
arts, music, etc.
UP — —
Theater (2) UP — —
Visitor/interpretiv
e center or booth
— UP —
RESIDENTIAL USES
Caretaker/manage
r unit
— MUP
(4)
—
Home occupation — P —
Cottage food
home occupation
— P — 88.42.105
Single-family
dwelling
— MUP —
RETAIL SALES
Alcoholic
beverage sales
UP UP
(4)
UP
Bar/tavern — UP
(4)
—
General retail,
except with any
of the following
features:
Floor area over
50,000 sf
UP
(5)
— —
Night club (2) — UP
(4)
—
Restaurant, cafe,
coffee shop
— MUP
(4)
MUP 88.42.030
SERVICES – BUSINESS, FINANCIAL,
PROFESSIONAL
ATM — P (4) —
Medical services -
Extended care (2)
UP — —
Development Code Amendment No. 260 – 2025 Azusa Municipal Code Clean Up and Amendment to the
TOD Specific Plan
July 21, 2025
Page 6
Section # Reason for Change Proposed Revision/Recommendation
Medical services -
Hospital
UP — —
Office -
Accessory
P P (4) P
Office -
Government
P — —
SERVICES – GENERAL
Day care center -
Child or adult
UP UP
(4)
UP 88.42.060
Lodging - Hotel
or motel
— UP
(4)
—
Public safety
facility (2)
— P 4) —
TRANSPORTATION, COMMUNICATIONS &
INFRASTRUCTURE
Parking facility,
public or
commercial
UP — —
Telecommunicati
ons facility
S S S 88.46
Transit station or
terminal
UP — —
Utility facility (2) P — —
88.30.070.
D – Trash
Enclosure
Requireme
nts
The Azusa Municipal Code
currently provides limited
language regarding the trash
enclosures requirements.
This has been an issue for
projects in the past with
applicants requesting clearer
direction when looking to
incorporate these enclosures
into their projects.
The proposed language is
objective and provides clear
direction for future projects.
D. Enclosure Requirements. Storage areas shall be
fully enclosed by a six-foot solid enclosure that is
architecturally compatible with adjacent structures.
1. The dimensions and materials of the enclosure shall
comply with standards provided by the department.
2. Gates shall be solid and continuously maintained in
working order.
3. A concrete apron shall be provided within the
enclosure.
4. Landscaping shall be provided to soften and screen
the enclosure in compliance with Chapter
88.34 (Landscaping Standards). See Figure 3-4.
1. Enclosed solid waste collection areas shall be
conveniently located and shall be an integral part of
the architectural development and be of the same
architectural style of the development/building by the
use of colors, materials, and design.
Development Code Amendment No. 260 – 2025 Azusa Municipal Code Clean Up and Amendment to the
TOD Specific Plan
July 21, 2025
Page 7
Section # Reason for Change Proposed Revision/Recommendation
2. The dimensions and materials of the enclosure shall
comply with standards provided by the Building
Division.
3. Provided with a covering or roof for security (to
prevent scavenging and/or dumping). The roof shall
provide adequate clearance to allow complete access
to the waste bins, but should not exceed eight feet in
height. Open areas between the solid wall and the roof
shall also be secured. The roof material and color
shall also be architecturally compatible with adjacent
structures. See Figure 3-4.
4. Landscaping shall be provided to soften and screen
the enclosure in compliance with Chapter
88.34 (Landscaping Standards).
5. Where feasible, the trash enclosure gates and bins
shall not open directly onto the public right-of-way.
88.36.100.
C –
Driveways
and Site
Access
According to Accessory
Dwelling Unit (ADU) and
Urban Lot Split State Laws,
when a garage is converted,
the city cannot require a
replacement garage to be
constructed on-site. As a
result of this, applicants
have provided uncovered
parking spaces on-site to
serve these units.
This amendment would
clean up language that
specifically restricted
driveways to only lead to a
covered garage or carport.
Due to the changes in State
Law, this requirement is no
longer possible when it
comes to regulating ADUs,
Junior ADUs, and Urban
Lot Split development.
Each driveway providing site access from a street,
alley, or other public right-of-way shall be designed,
constructed, and permanently maintained as follows.
A. Number of Driveways.
1. Single-Family Dwellings. A parcel with a
single-family dwelling shall be allowed only
one driveway, unless authorized by minor
use permit. The driveway must lead to
either a garage or parking space (if the
space was the result of an ADU/JADU or
Urban Lot Split development). The
dedicated parking space is not permitted in
the required front setback area and will need
to be behind the front façade of the front
dwelling.
2. Multi-Family and Nonresidential
Projects.
a. A parcel with a multi-family or
nonresidential project shall be limited to a
maximum of two driveways, unless the
review authority determines that more than
two driveways are required to
accommodate the traffic anticipated for the
project. In making its determination, the
review authority may consider any
relevant information (e.g., a traffic
analysis) provided by the applicant.
Development Code Amendment No. 260 – 2025 Azusa Municipal Code Clean Up and Amendment to the
TOD Specific Plan
July 21, 2025
Page 8
Section # Reason for Change Proposed Revision/Recommendation
b. Whenever a property has access to more
than one street, access shall be generally
limited to the lowest volume street where
the impact of a new access will be
minimized.
88.70.020 –
Definitions
of
Specialized
Terms and
Phrases
Provide clarification on
what constitutes a “donation
drop-off bin”. This would
also clarify that a “donation
drop-off bin” is considered a
small collection facility in
terms of allowable uses.
These definitions would be
used as a point of reference
when regulating their
specific code sections.
Donation Drop-Off Bins. Any receptacle or container
located outside of an enclosed building and designed,
intended, or used for collection and temporary storage
of donated items or materials including, but not limited
to, clothing, shoes, books, toys, furniture, household
materials, and other like items. Donation drop-off bins
are also known as donation collection bins/boxes,
charity bins/boxes, clothing bins/boxes, clothing
donation containers, or any combination thereof.
Recycling Facility. This land use type includes a
variety of facilities involved with the collection,
sorting and processing of recyclable materials.
1. Collection Facility. A center where the
public may donate, redeem or sell
recyclable materials, which may include the
following, where allowed by the applicable
zoning district:
a. Small Collection Facility
i. Includes reverse vending
machines;
ii. Small collection facilities which
occupy an area of 600 square feet
or less;
iii May include a mobile unit;
iv. May include a donation drop-off
bin. See also “Donation Drop-Off
Bins”.
b. Large Collection Facility. Large
collection facilities occupy an area of
more than 600 square feet and/or
include permanent structures.
Azusa
TOD
Specific
Plan
The TOD Specific Plan
describes the Downtown and
Downtown Expansion
Districts as an area that
enlivens the pedestrian
environment and supports
(Amend Table 2-2: Downtown District Allowable
Uses, and Table 2-3 Downtown Expansion District
Allowable Uses to reflect the following)
Land Use Regulation
Development Code Amendment No. 260 – 2025 Azusa Municipal Code Clean Up and Amendment to the
TOD Specific Plan
July 21, 2025
Page 9
Section # Reason for Change Proposed Revision/Recommendation
both day and nighttime
activity.
In order to provide a
business friendly service and
assist businesses to thrive in
the area, staff is proposing
to expand the standard
operating hours of
operation.
Operating between
9:0011:00 pm and
7:006:00 am
MUP
FINDINGS OF FACTS
Pursuant to Section 88.51.060 of AMC, the Planning Commission and City Council shall be
required to make the following findings of fact before approving a zone change or Development
Code amendment:
1. That the proposed amendment is consistent with the goals, policies, and objectives of the
general plan, any applicable specific plan, development agreement, owner participation
agreement or disposition and development agreement; and
The amendments to Chapter 88 (Development Code) of the Azusa Municipal Code and the TOD
Specific Plan are consistent with the goals, policies, and objectives of the General Plan below:
General Plan Land Use Policy 12.1:
Review the General Plan and the related Development Code, annually, to ensure internal
consistency with federal, state, and local regulations and policies.
Both documents are reviewed annually to ensure internal consistency with federal, state, and local
regulations and policies. The proposed changes would provide clarification and ensure consistency
for future development.
TOD Specific Plan Economic Development Principle ED-1:
Provide zoning and land use regulations to support future market-driven revitalization and
investment.
Expanding the standard operating hours in the Downtown and Downtown Expansion Districts will
not only encourage future business from locating to the city, it will also assist existing businesses
in the downtown area revitalize the nighttime activity. It will liven the pedestrian environment
which is a goal for the downtown area.
2. That a proposed zone change will not adversely affect surrounding properties.
Development Code Amendment No. 260 – 2025 Azusa Municipal Code Clean Up and Amendment to the
TOD Specific Plan
July 21, 2025
Page 10
A zone change is not proposed as a component of this Development Code amendment. Therefore,
the proposed Development Code amendments would not adversely affect surrounding properties.
PUBLIC NOTICE
The item was published in the San Gabriel Tribune on July 4, 2025. As of the moment of this report,
Staff has not received any comments regarding the notice.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: No further action required. The proposed action
does not constitute a project under CEQA.
The proposed action is exempt from environmental review pursuant to the California
Environmental Quality Act (Pub. Resources Code, §§ 21000 et seq.) (“CEQA”) and the State
CEQA Guidelines (Cal. Code Regs, tit. 14, §§ 15000 et seq.). Specifically, the activity is not subject
to CEQA because it will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in
the environment; the activity is not a project as defined in Section 15378, and the activity is covered
by the general rule that CEQA applies only to projects, which have the potential for causing a
significant effect on the environment. Where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility
that the activity may have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to
CEQA.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The proposed Development Code Amendments do not have a fiscal impact.
Prepared by: Reviewed by:
Anthony Alvarado Jose D. Jimenez,
Senior Planner Director of Economic & Community Development
Fiscal Review by: Reviewed and Approved by:
Talika M. Johnson Sergio Gonzalez
Director of Administrative Services City Manager
Attachments:
1) Planning Commission Resolution No. 2025-PC01
2) Draft Ordinance No. 2025-05
- 1 -
ORDINANCE NO. 2025-05
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AZUSA,
CALIFORNIA AMENDING SECTIONS 88.24.005 (ALLOWED USES IN
DISTRICTS), 88.28.030 (SPECIAL PURPOSE ZONE LAND USES AND
PERMIT REQUIREMENTS), 88.30.070 (TRASH ENCLOSURE
REQUIREMENTS), (DRIVEWAYS AND SITE ACCESS), AND SECTION
88.70.020 (DEFINITIONS OF SPECIALIZED TERMS AND PHRASES).
ADDITIONALLY, AN AMENDMENT TO THE TOD SPECIFIC PLAN TO
EXPAND THE STANDARD OPERATING HOURS IN THE DOWNTOWN
AND DOWNTOWN EXPANSION DISTRICTS. LASTLY, TO
DETERMINE THAT THE AMENDMENTS ARE STATUTORILY
EXEMPT FROM CEQA UNDER PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE SECTION
21080.17
WHEREAS, the City of Azusa, California (“City”) is a municipal corporation, duly
organized under the constitution and laws of the State of California; and
WHEREAS, California Government Code, Section 65800 et seq. authorizes the adoption
and administration of zoning laws, ordinances, rules and regulations by cities as a means of
implementing the General Plan; and
WHEREAS, on February 22, 2005, the City Council of the City of Azusa (the “City
Council”) adopted the new Development Code (Chapter 88 of the Azusa Municipal Code) with
the understanding that the new format included wholesale changes to the prior Code, and that
revisions would be necessary after the new Code was implemented; and
WHEREAS, the City Council adopted the Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Specific
Plan and associated Zone Change at a regular meeting on November 2, 2015; and
WHEREAS, the original approval of the TOD Specific Plan and Zone Change was
considered a “project” under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), and an
accompanying Final Environmental Impact Report (SCH#2015021018) was certified for the
project by the City Council on November 2, 2015; and
WHEREAS, on March 26, 2025, the Planning Commission held a duly-noticed public
hearing and considered the staff report, recommendations by staff, and public testimony
concerning this proposed Ordinance. Following the public hearing, the Planning Commission
voted to forward the Ordinance to the City Council with a recommendation in favor of its adoption;
and
WHEREAS, on July 21, 2025, the City Council held a duly-noticed public hearing to
consider the Ordinance, including: (1) the public testimony and agenda reports prepared in
connection with the Ordinance, (2) the policy considerations discussed therein, and (3) the
consideration and recommendation by the City’s Planning Commission; and
WHEREAS, all legal prerequisites to the adoption of the Ordinance have occurred.
- 2 -
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Azusa does ordain as follows:
SECTION 1. Incorporation. The recitals above are each incorporated by reference and
adopted as findings by the City Council.
SECTION 2. CEQA. No further action required. The proposed action does not constitute
a project under CEQA. The proposed action is exempt from environmental review pursuant to the
California Environmental Quality Act (Pub. Resources Code, §§ 21000 et seq.) (“CEQA”) and the
State CEQA Guidelines (Cal. Code Regs, tit. 14, §§ 15000 et seq.). Specifically, the activity is not
subject to CEQA because it will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical
change in the environment; the activity is not a project as defined in Section 15378, and the activity
is covered by the general rule that CEQA applies only to projects, which have the potential for
causing a significant effect on the environment. Where it can be seen with certainty that there is
no possibility that the activity may have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not
subject to CEQA.
SECTION 3. General Plan. The City Council hereby finds that the adoption of the
Ordinance is consistent with the General Plan as a matter of law under Government Code section
66314(c).
SECTION 4. Findings. That in accordance with Section 88.51.060 of the Azusa Municipal
Code, the City Council approves said Code Amendment No. 260 based on the following findings:
1. That the proposed amendment is consistent with the goals, policies, and objectives of
the general plan, any applicable specific plan, development agreement, owner
participation agreement or disposition and development agreement; and
The amendments to Chapter 88 (Development Code) of the Azusa Municipal Code and the TOD
Specific Plan are consistent with the goals, policies, and objectives of the General Plan below:
General Plan Land Use Policy 12.1:
Review the General Plan and the related Development Code, annually, to ensure internal
consistency with federal, state, and local regulations and policies.
Both documents are reviewed annually to ensure internal consistency with federal, state, and local
regulations and policies. The proposed changes would provide clarification and ensure consistency
for future development.
TOD Specific Plan Economic Development Principle ED-1:
Provide zoning and land use regulations to support future market-driven revitalization and
investment.
Expanding the standard operating hours in the Downtown and Downtown Expansion Districts will
not only encourage future business from locating to the city, it will also assist existing businesses
in the downtown area revitalize the nighttime activity. It will liven the pedestrian environment
which is a goal for the downtown area.
- 3 -
2. That a proposed zone change will not adversely affect surrounding properties.
A zone change is not proposed as a component of this Development Code amendment. Therefore,
the proposed Development Code amendments would not adversely affect surrounding properties.
SECTION 5. Code Amendment. Chapter 88 of the City of Azusa Municipal Code and the
TOD Specific Plan are hereby amended and restated to read in its entirety as provided in Exhibit
“A-1,” attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
SECTION 6. Effective Date. This Ordinance takes effect 30 days after its adoption.
SECTION 7. HCD Submittal. In accordance with Government Code section 66326, the
City Clerk is directed to submit a copy of this Ordinance to the California Department of Housing
and Community Development within 60 days after adoption.
SECTION 8. Publication. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this Ordinance.
Not later than fifteen (15) days following the passage of this Ordinance, the Ordinance, or a
summary thereof, along with the names of the City Council members voting for and against the
Ordinance, shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Azusa.
SECTION 9. Custodian of Records. The documents and materials that constitute the
record of proceedings on which this Ordinance is based are located at the City Clerk’s office
located at 213 E. Foothill Blvd., Azusa, CA 91702. The custodian of these records is the City
Clerk.
SECTION 10. Severability. If any section, sentence, clause or phrase of this Ordinance or
the application thereof to any entity, person or circumstance is held for any reason to be invalid or
unconstitutional, such invalidity or unconstitutionality shall not affect other provisions or
applications of this Ordinance which can be given effect without the invalid provision or
application, and to this end the provisions of this Ordinance are severable. The City Council of
the City of Azusa hereby declares that it would have adopted this Ordinance and each section,
sentence, clause or phrase thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more section, subsections,
sentences, clauses or phrases be declared invalid or unconstitutional.
(Continues on next page)
- 4 -
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the Azusa, California, at a
regular meeting of the City Council held on the ___ day of _________, 2025 by the following vote:
________________________________
Robert Gonzales, Mayor
ATTEST:
________________________________
Jeffrey Cornejo, City Clerk
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) ss.
CITY OF AZUSA )
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Ordinance No. 2025-05 was duly introduced
and placed upon its first reading at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Azusa held
on the 21st day of July 2025, and that thereafter, said ordinance was duly adopted and passed at a
regular meeting on the 18th day of August 2025, by the following vote of the Council:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Jeffrey Lawrence Cornejo, Jr.
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Best, Best & Krieger, LLP
City Attorney
__________________________________
__________________________________
- 5 -
EXHIBIT A-1
Amended Azusa Municipal Code and TOD Specific Plan
(follows this page)
Exhibit A-1
88.24.005. – Allowable Uses in Districts.
A. PURPOSE. The purpose of this section is to allow and regulate accessory dwelling units (ADUs)
and junior accessory dwelling units (JADUs) in compliance with California Government Code
sections 65852.2 and 65852.22.
TABLE 2-2
Allowed Land Uses and Permit
Requirements
for Districts
P
MUP
UP
S
—
Permitted Use, Zoning Clearance required
Minor Use Permit required
Use Permit required
Permit requirement set by Specific Use
Regulations
Use not allowed
LAND USE TYPE (1) PERMIT REQUIRED BY ZONE Specific Use
Regulations DE DW DWL
AGRICULTURAL AND RESOURCE-BASED USES
Plant nursery MUP(6) MUP(6) MUP(6)
Surface mining operations — UP UP 88.44
INDUSTRY, MANUFACTURING & PROCESSING, WHOLESALING
Laboratory—Medical, analytical — P P -
Construction contractor — MUP MUP
Manufacturing/processing—Heavy (3) — MUP MUP
Within 1,000 feet of residential use — UP —
Existing forging and stamping use — UP UP
Manufacturing/processing—Light — P P
Manufacturing/processing—Medium
intensity (3) — P P
Within 500 feet of residential use — MUP MUP
Media production — P P
Recycling—Large collection facility — MUP MUP 88.42.170
Recycling—Processing facility (3) — UP — 88.42.170
Recycling—Reverse vending machine P P P 88.42.170
Recycling—Small collection facility MUP MUP MUP 88.42.170
Research and development (3) — P P
Scrap and dismantling yard — — —
Storage—Outdoor — MUP MUP
Storage—Personal storage facility
(mini-storage) — MUP MUP
Operating between 9:00 p.m. and 7:00
a.m. — UP UP
88.28.030. – Special Purpose Zone Land Uses and Permit Requirements.
TABLE 2-4
Allowed Land Uses and Permit Requirements
for
Special Purpose Zones
P
MUP
UP
Permitted Use, Zoning Clearance required
Minor Use Permit required
Use Permit required
Permit requirement set by Specific Use
Exhibit A-1
S
—
Regulations
Use not allowed
LAND USE TYPE (1) PERMIT REQUIRED BY ZONE Specific Use
Regulations INS OS REC
AGRICULTURAL AND RESOURCE BASED USES
Crop production, horticulture, orchard,
vineyard
— MUP —
Plant nursery — MUP —
Surface mining operations — UP (3) — 88.44
RECREATION, EDUCATION & PUBLIC ASSEMBLY USES
Conference/convention facility UP UP(4) —
Equestrian facility — UP UP
Golf course — UP UP
Outdoor shooting range — — —
Health/fitness facility UP MUP(4) —
Library, museum UP — —
Meeting facility, public or private (2) UP UP(4) — UP 88.42.112
Park, playground P P P
School - College, university (2) UP — — 88.42.112
School - Elementary, middle, secondary (2) UP — — 88.42.112
School - Specialized education/training (2) UP — — 88.42.112
Sports and entertainment assembly (2) UP — —
Studio - Art, dance, martial arts, music, etc. UP — —
Theater (2) UP — —
Visitor/interpretive center or booth — UP —
RESIDENTIAL USES
Caretaker/manager unit — MUP(4) —
Home occupation — P —
Cottage food home occupation — P — 88.42.105
Exhibit A-1
Single-family dwelling — MUP —
RETAIL SALES
Alcoholic beverage sales UP UP(4) UP
Bar/tavern — UP(4) —
General retail, except with any of the
following features:
Floor area over 50,000 sf
UP(5) — —
Night club (2) — UP(4) —
Restaurant, cafe, coffee shop — MUP(4) — 88.42.030
SERVICES - BUSINESS, FINANCIAL, PROFESSIONAL
ATM — P(4) —
Medical services - Extended care (2) UP — —
Medical services - Hospital UP — —
Office - Accessory P P(4) P
Office - Government P — —
SERVICES - GENERAL
Day care center - Child or adult UP UP(4) UP 88.42.060
Lodging - Hotel or motel — UP(4) —
Public safety facility (2) — P(4) —
TRANSPORTATION, COMMUNICATIONS & INFRASTRUCTURE
Parking facility, public or commercial UP — —
Telecommunications facility S S S 88.46
Transit station or terminal UP — —
Utility facility (2) P MUP(4) —
88.30.070. – Trash Enclosure Requirements.
D. Enclosure Requirements. Storage areas shall be fully enclosed by a six-foot solid enclosure that is
architecturally compatible with adjacent structures.
1. The dimensions and materials of the enclosure shall comply with standards provided by the
department.
2. Gates shall be solid and continuously maintained in working order.
Exhibit A-1
3. A concrete apron shall be provided within the enclosure.
4. Landscaping shall be provided to soften and screen the enclosure in compliance with Chapter
88.34 (Landscaping Standards). See Figure 3-4.
Figure 3-4 - Example of Appropriate Solid Waste Enclosure
1. Enclosed solid waste collection areas shall be conveniently located and shall be an integral
part of the architectural development and be of the same architectural style of the
development/building by the use of colors, materials, and design.
2. The dimensions and materials of the enclosure shall comply with standards provided by the
Building Division.
3. Provided with a covering or roof for security (to prevent scavenging and/or dumping). The
roof shall provide adequate clearance to allow complete access to the waste bins, but should not
exceed eight feet in height. Open areas between the solid wall and the roof shall also be secured.
The roof material and color shall also be architecturally compatible with adjacent structures. See
Figure 3-4.
4. Landscaping shall be provided to soften and screen the enclosure in compliance with Chapter
88.34 (Landscaping Standards).
5. Where feasible, the trash enclosure gates and bins shall not open directly onto the public right-
of-way.
88.36.100. – Driveways and Site Access.
Each driveway providing site access from a street, alley, or other public right-of-way shall be
designed, constructed, and permanently maintained as follows.
A. Number of Driveways.
1. Single-Family Dwellings. A parcel with a single-family dwelling shall be allowed
only one driveway, unless authorized by minor use permit. The driveway must lead to
either a garage or parking space (if the space was the result of an ADU/JADU or Urban
Lot Split development). The dedicated parking space is not permitted in the required
front setback area and will need to be behind the front façade of the front dwelling.
2. Multi-Family and Nonresidential Projects.
Exhibit A-1
a. A parcel with a multi-family or nonresidential project shall be limited to a maximum
of two driveways, unless the review authority determines that more than two
driveways are required to accommodate the traffic anticipated for the project. In
making its determination, the review authority may consider any relevant information
(e.g., a traffic analysis) provided by the applicant.
b. Whenever a property has access to more than one street, access shall be generally limited
to the lowest volume street where the impact of a new access will be minimized.
88.70.020. – Definitions of Specialized Terms and Phrases.
Donation Drop-Off Bins. Any receptacle or container located outside of an enclosed building and
designed, intended, or used for collection and temporary storage of donated items or materials
including, but not limited to, clothing, shoes, books, toys, furniture, household materials, and other
like items. Donation drop-off bins are also known as donation collection bins/boxes, charity
bins/boxes, clothing bins/boxes, clothing donation containers, or any combination thereof.
Recycling Facility. This land use type includes a variety of facilities involved with the
collection, sorting and processing of recyclable materials.
1. Collection Facility. A center where the public may donate, redeem or sell recyclable
materials, which may include the following, where allowed by the applicable zoning
district:
a. Small Collection Facility
i. Includes reverse vending machines;
ii. Small collection facilities which occupy an area of 600 square feet or less;
iii. May include a mobile unit;
iv. May include a donation drop-off bin. See also “Donation Drop-Off Bins”.
b. Large Collection Facility. Large collection facilities occupy an area of more than 600 square feet and/or include permanent structures. Azusa TOD Specific Plan
(Amend Table 2-2: Downtown District Allowable Uses, and Table 2-3 Downtown Expansion
District Allowable Uses to reflect the following)
Land Use Regulation
Operating between 119:00
pm and 67:00 am MUP