Item 33 - Zoning Ordinance Amendment No. 2022-03: Updates to Chapter 41

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ZOA No. 2022-03: Zoning Code Amendments and Updates January 17, 2023 Page 10 3 1 6 0 on what business uses are categorized as a medical office and where the use is permitted. Staff is proposing to create a new Section 41-121 to define “medical office” and to amend the uses permitted sections of various zoning districts where the use is permitted to provide consistency in terminology and clarity. The amendments would also address medical offices operated by government, government-subsidized, not-for- profit, or philanthropic entities subject to approval of a CUP. Electrified Security Fences The State of California approved AB 358 August of 2021. The bill authorized property owners that meet specified requirements to install and operate electrified fences on their property to protect and secure commercial or industrial property where a local agency has adopted an ordinance to permit them. To provide property and business owners another option to protect their property from theft or vandalism, staff is proposing to amend Section 41-610.5 (Walls and fences) of the SAMC to permit electric fences in the Light Industrial (M1) and Heavy Industrial (M2) zoning districts, respectively, on properties that abut a railroad right-of-way subject to the issuance of a minor exception. Additionally, staff is proposing a number of development standards such as minimum distance from residential properties, screening requirements, and accessibility requirements to ensure community compatibility, aesthetic considerations, and emergency responder access are addressed and maintained. Light Processing Facilities On July 6, 2021, the City Council adopted an Ordinance No. NS-3007 amending sections 41-472 and 41-472.5 of the SAMC to require a CUP for light processing facilities in the Light Industrial (M1) zoning district. While sections 41-472 and 41-472.5 were amended to require a CUP, Section 41-1251 (Permits required) in Article XIV. – Recycling Facilities was not updated to expressly require a CUP for light processing facilities. Staff is proposing to amend Section 41-1251 to explicitly list and require a CUP for light processing facilities, consistent with sections 41-472 and 41-472.5. Landscaping – Synthetic Turf In response to the extreme drought conditions throughout California, staff is proposing to amend Section 41-100 and Section 41-609 to include synthetic turf as a permissible material and to require compliance with landscape guidelines on file with the Planning and Building Agency. The proposed amendments will allow those properties and projects not subject to the Water Efficient Landscape Standards the ability to install synthetic turf as part of the required landscaping and the flexibility needed to adapt guidelines to address the evolving water crisis. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) and the CEQA Guidelines, the adoption of this Ordinance is exempt from CEQA review pursuant to sections 15061(b)(3) and 15061(b)(5) of the CEQA Guidelines because it will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment, as