HomeMy WebLinkAbout3. PLN-22-00020 Zone Text AmdmtSTAFF REPORT
PLANNING DIVISION
DATE: FEBRUARY 16, 2022
TO: PLANNING COMMISSION
SUBMITTED BY: ALDO E. SCHINDLER, DEPUTY CITY MANAGER/COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT
REVIEWED BY: CRYSTAL LANDAVAZO, CITY PLANNER
SUBJECT: PLN-22-00020 (ZONE TEXT AMENDMENT) – A REQUEST TO AMEND
ARTICLE 9 OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE REGULATING BODY
ART ESTABLISHMENTS AND CLARIFYING LANGUAGE RELATED TO
HOME OCCUPATIONS
LOCATION: CITYWIDE – COMMERCIAL ZONES
ZONING: CITYWIDE – COMMERCIAL ZONES
REPORT SUMMARY
Presently, Article IX (Land Use) is silent on body art establishments and does not mention them
as either permitted or prohibited uses. The proposed amendment would bring the City’s Zoning
Code into compliance with State of California laws regulating body art establishments. In
addition, staff has included clarifying language for the operation of home occupations.
Based on the analysis contained in this report, staff is recommending the Planning Commission
adopt the following titled resolution:
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
DOWNEY RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVE AN
AMENDMENT TO TITLE IX (“LAND USE”) TO PROHIBIT SPECIFIED
ACTIVITIES AS HOME OCCUPATIONS AND TO AUTHORIZE BODY ART
FACILITIES IN THE COMMERCIAL ZONES OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY (PLN-
22-00020)
BACKGROUND
On September 9, 2010 the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals decided Anderson v City of Hermosa
Beach and held that the process and business of tattooing are pure forms of expression fully
protected by the First Amendment. According to the Court, although the City of Hermosa Beach
had significant health and safety interests in regulating the tattoo studios, a complete prohibition
was unreasonable because it was substantially broader than necessary to achieve the city’s
health and safety goals.
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Zone Text Amendment (Tattoo) - PLN-22-00020
February 16, 2022 - Page 2
Regulations for tattoo studios have changed substantially over the years. Currently, all tattoo
studios must adhere to rules set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
and Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC). Tattoo studios are subject to such
regulations simply because the nature of their work involves shedding blood. In addition to the
federal oversight, the California Health and Safety Code also established sterilization,
sanitation, and safety standards for persons engaging in the business of tattooing, body
piercing, or permanent cosmetics.
The Ninth Circuit Court decision determined that tattooing is now considered a form of artistic
expression that deserves protections under the First Amendment, and zoning ordinances that
prohibit tattoo parlors are unconstitutional and in need of being updated. The Downey Municipal
Code does not specifically prohibit tattoo establishments; however, the commercial land use
table of the Zoning Code states that if a use is not listed then it is not permitted. As such, the
proposed Ordinance has been prepared to update the Zoning Code and establish appropriate
operating standards.
DISCUSSION
The proposed amendment would permit body art facilities in the City’s commercial zones and be
treated similarly as “Personal Services” uses within commercial areas throughout the City. All
zones within the City that allow “Personal Services” will allow tattoo establishments subject to
specific operational standards outlined in the Ordinance. Body Art or Tattoo facilities would be
permitted in the following commercial zones.
The Zoning Code will be further amended to clarify that tattoo and other sensitive uses are
allowed only in commercial zones and prohibited in residential zones. As such, the Home
Occupation regulations within the Zoning Code will be amended to specifically prohibit tattoo
establishments as home occupations in residentially zoned areas. Upon preparation of these
home occupation provisions, staff felt it was prudent that the amendment also provide additional
clarifying language for the existing operational standards that apply to Home Occupations
throughout the City. The clarification should serve to further facilitate the Home Occupation
process and continue to preserve the character of residential neighborhoods.
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
The Planning Commission further finds, determines and declares that the proposed project was
reviewed for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and is
categorically exempt from CEQA, pursuant to Guideline Section 15061 (b)(3), Review for
Exemption. The activity is covered by the common-sense exemption 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 in question
may have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to CEQA.
FINDINGS
Pursuant to Municipal Code Section 9832.06, there are two (2) findings that must be adopted
prior to the City approving the Zone Text Amendment. A discussion of the findings follows:
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Zone Text Amendment (Tattoo) - PLN-22-00020
February 16, 2022 - Page 3
A. The requested amendment is necessary and desirable for the development of the
community and is in the interests or furtherance of the public health, safety, and
general welfare.
The proposed Zone Text Amendment is necessary and desirable for the development of
the community and is in the interest of furthering public health, safety, and general welfare.
The development of the community is achieved through the continuous update of the
municipal code in an effort to provide adequate land use regulations where needed.
Specific to this application, body art establishments are being introduced as permitted
uses in the Commercial zones, subject to specific operational standards, in order to
comply with State of California Health and Safety Codes.
The proposed Zone Text Amendment will also provide clarifying language for the existing
operational standards that apply to Home Occupations throughout the City. The
clarification should serve to further facilitate the Home Occupation process and continue
to preserve the character of residential neighborhoods and protect the public health,
safety, and general welfare. The implementation of operational standards will reduce the
possibility of such establishments from posing a nuisance to adjacent commercial uses.
B. The proposed amendment is in general conformance with the General Plan.
The proposed Zone Text Amendment is in conformance with all applicable objectives,
policies, and programs specified in the City’s General Plan. Specifically, the proposed
amendment will permit and regulate Body Art Establishments, while at the same time
creating job opportunities in the City. The proposed Zone Text Amendment is consistent
with the following policies established in the Land Use Section of the General Plan:
Policy 1.1.1. – Maintain a balance of land uses
Policy 1.1.3. – Provide an appropriate amount of land area for business and
employment
Policy 1.3.1 – Minimize or eliminate conflicts where incompatible land uses are in
proximity to each other.
Policy 1.3.2. – Monitor and address changes in land use trends.
The Zone Text Amendment recognizes a change in current land uses, and is carried out
in an attempt to remain up-to-date with these changes. New and evolving uses are
continuously introduced to the city, and it remains a responsibility to analyze and
determine the viability of these uses in the City of Downey.
The proposed Zone Text Amendment also promotes the above-mentioned policies by
permitting body art facilities to be located in the commercial zones of the City, subject to
specific operational standards, and will require that these facilities comply with the State
of California Health and Safety Codes related to body art establishments. Lastly, the
clarifying language to the operational standards of Home Occupations will maintain the
residential character of the City’s residential neighborhoods by prohibiting uses that may
negatively impact adjacent properties.
CORRESPONDENCE
As of the date that this report was printed, staff has not received any correspondence regarding
this application.
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Zone Text Amendment (Tattoo) - PLN-22-00020
February 16, 2022 - Page 4
CONCLUSION
Based on the analysis contained in this report, the proposed Zone Text Amendment complies
with all of the findings necessary to recommend approval to the City Council of Zone Text
Amendment (PLN-22-00020). As such, staff recommends that the Planning Commission adopt
the proposed Resolution recommending approval of the Zone Text Amendment to the City
Council.
EXHIBITS
A. Proposed Planning Commission Resolution
B. Draft Ordinance
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RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
DOWNEY RECOMMENDING THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVE AN ZONE TEXT
AMENDMENT TO THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE WHICH WOULD
PROHIBIT SPECIFIED ACTIVITIES AS HOME OCCUPATIONS AND
AUTHORIZE BODY ART AND TATTOO ESTABLISHMENTS IN THE
COMMERCIAL ZONES OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY DOES RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The Planning Commission of the City of Downey does hereby find,
determine and declare that:
A. On February 3, 2022, notice of the pending application and public hearing was published
in the Downey Patriot as a 1/8th page ad in accordance with the requirements of the
Downey Municipal Code; and,
B. The Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing on February 16, 2022, and
after fully considering all oral and written testimony and facts and opinions offered at the
aforesaid public hearing adopted this resolution recommending that the City Council
approve the Zone Text Amendment.
SECTION 2. The Planning Commission further finds, determines and declares that the
proposed project was reviewed for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA), and is categorically exempt from CEQA, pursuant to Guideline Section 15061 (b)(3),
Review for Exemption. The activity is covered by the common-sense exemption 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 in
question may have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to CEQA.
SECTION 3. Having considered all of the oral and written evidence presented to it at
said public hearings regarding the Zone Text Amendment, the Planning Commission further
finds, determines and declares that:
1. The requested amendment is necessary and desirable for the development of the
community and is in the interests or furtherance of the public health, safety, and
general welfare in that the proposed Zone Text Amendment is necessary and
desirable for the development of the community and is in the interest of furthering
public health, safety, and general welfare. The development of the community is
achieved through the continuous update of the municipal code in an effort to provide
adequate land use regulations where needed. Specific to this application, body art
establishments are being introduced as permitted uses in the Commercial zones,
subject to specific operational standards, in order to comply with State of California
Health and Safety Codes.
The proposed Zone Text Amendment will also provide clarifying language for the
existing operational standards that apply to Home Occupations throughout the City.
The clarification should serve to further facilitate the Home Occupation process and
continue to preserve the character of residential neighborhoods and protect the
public health, safety, and general welfare. The implementation of operational
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standards will reduce the possibility of such establishments from posing a nuisance
to adjacent commercial uses.
2. The proposed amendment is in general conformance with the General Plan in that
the proposed Amendment is in conformance with all applicable objectives, policies,
and programs specified in the City’s General Plan. Specifically, the proposed
amendment will permit and regulate Body Art Establishments, while at the same time
creating job opportunities in the City. The proposed Zone Text Amendment is
consistent with the following policies established in the Land Use Section of the
General Plan:
Policy 1.1.1. – Maintain a balance of land uses
Policy 1.1.3. – Provide an appropriate amount of land area for business and
employment
Policy 1.3.1 – Minimize or eliminate conflicts where incompatible land uses are in
proximity to each other.
Policy 1.3.2. – Monitor and address changes in land use trends.
The Zone Text Amendment recognizes a change in current land uses, and is carried
out in an attempt to remain up-to-date with these changes. New and evolving uses
are continuously introduced to the city, and it remains a responsibility to analyze and
determine the viability of these uses in the City of Downey.
The proposed Zone Text Amendment also promotes the above-mentioned policies
by permitting body art facilities to be located in the commercial zones of the City,
subject to specific operational standards, and will require that these facilities comply
with the State of California Health and Safety Codes related to body art
establishments. Lastly, the clarifying language to the operational standards of Home
Occupations will maintain the residential character of the City’s residential
neighborhoods by prohibiting uses that may negatively impact adjacent properties.
SECTION 4. Based upon the findings set forth in Sections 1 through 3 of this resolution,
the Planning Commission of the City of Downey hereby recommends that the City Council of the
City of Downey add the following definition to Section 9124 (“B” Definitions) of Chapter 1
(“General Provisions and Definitions) of Article IX of the Downey Municipal Code:
Body Art: Body piercing, tattooing, branding, or application of permanent cosmetics as
each of these terms are defined in California Business & Professions Code Section
119301, as that section may be amended from time to time.
SECTION 5. Based upon the findings set forth in Sections 1 through 3 of this resolution,
the Planning Commission of the City of Downey hereby recommends that the City Council of the
City of Downey amend the following definition to Section 9152 (“P” Definitions”) of Chapter 1
(“General Provisions and Definitions”) of Article IX (“Land Use”) of the Downey Municipal Code:
Personal Services: A commercial land use providing recurrently needed services of a
personal nature. Personal services generally include barbershops, beauty and nail
salons (including permanent cosmetic facial shading), seamstresses, tailors, shoe repair
shops, photo processing, and photographic studios.
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SECTION 6. Based upon the findings set forth in Sections 1 through 3 of this resolution,
the Planning Commission of the City of Downey hereby recommends that the City Council of the
City of Downey add “Body Art or Tattoo Facilities” to Table 9.3.5 of Section 9314.04
(“Commercial Zones Use Regulations”) of Chapter 3 (“Zones and Standards”) of Article IX
(“Land Use”) of the Downey Municipal Code:
Use C-P C-1 C-2 C-3 C-M H-M Notes and Exceptions
General Commercial Uses
Body Art or Tattoo Facilities P P P P P P Subject to Section 9432
SECTION 7. Based upon the findings set forth in Sections 1 through 3 of this resolution,
the Planning Commission of the City of Downey hereby recommends that the City Council of the
City of Downey amend Section 9408.08 (“Conditions”) of Section 9408 (“Home Occupations”) of
Chapter 4 (“Regulations for Special Uses and Structures”) of Article IX (“Land Use”) of the
Downey Municipal Code to read as follows:
SECTION 9408.08. CONDITIONS
No person shall conduct a home occupation use unless such home occupation
use is conducted in conformity with the following conditions:
(a) Any person conducting a home occupation use shall have a current and
valid business license pursuant to Article VI, Chapter 2 of this Code.
(b) If the person conducting the home occupation is not the owner-of-record
of the premises upon which the home occupation is being conducted
(“Premises”), written consent from the owner-of-record shall be required
prior to the issuance of any permit for the home occupation.
(c) Home occupations shall only be authorized as accessory uses to a
residential use and shall be clearly incidental and secondary to the use
of the Premises for residential purposes.
(d) The home occupation shall be conducted entirely and exclusively within
the confines of the principal residential structure, except for horticulture
activities which may be conducted outdoors. It is explicitly prohibited to
utilize any garage or accessory structure except as authorized herein.
(e) No residential structure shall be built or altered for the purposes of
conducting the home occupation in such a manner as to change the
residential character and appearance of the dwelling, or in such a
manner as to cause the structure to be recognized from the exterior of
the residential structure as a place where a home occupation is
conducted (by materials, construction, color, lighting, signs, sounds,
noise, vibrations, etc.).
(f) The total floor area of the residential structure used for the home
occupation (including for the storage of any material or equipment) shall
not exceed the lesser of 10 percent or 250 square feet, other than for
the parking of an automobile in accordance with the provisions of this
Section.
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(g) No portion of any residential structure shall be used for a home
occupation which has a separate designated access or private entrance
specifically for the home occupation use.
(h) No customer shall be served on the premises, and no pedestrian or
vehicular traffic shall be generated beyond that incidental to a residential
use.
(i) No sign associated with the home occupation shall be displayed at the
Premises, and there shall be no advertising which can be construed as
encouraging customers, clients, or the public to visit the premises.
(j) The address of the home occupation shall not be advertised in any
advertisement, publication, or notice (including on social media), unless
otherwise required by law. Business cards and letterhead are not
included in this requirement.
(k) No employee or person other than a verifiable permanent resident of the
Premises shall be allowed to work, gather, or congregate on the
Premises in connection with the home occupation, with the exception of
cottage food operations as defined in California Health & Safety Code
Section 113758.
(l) Garages or carports, whether attached or detached, shall not be used
for a home occupation in any manner that temporarily or permanently
inhibits or diminishes the required off-street parking spaces, other than
the parking or storage of an automobile in accordance with the
provisions of this Section.
(m) No merchandise, inventory, stock in trade, scrap, or other materials
related directly or indirectly with or resulting from the operation of the
home occupation may be stored at the Premises. Administrative
supplies and equipment necessary for the home occupation may be
stored solely within the residential structure or garage, so long as such
storage otherwise adheres to the provisions of this Section.
(n) No mechanical equipment, material, or other substance or object shall
be used in conjunction with the home occupation which is not
customarily used in a residence.
(o) No storage of hazardous, toxic, or combustible materials in amounts
exceeding those typically found in residential areas. Storage of any
hazardous, toxic, or combustible materials must comply with all
applicable laws and regulations.
(p) The home occupation use shall not have utility services other than those
required for normal residence use.
(q) Only one (1) vehicle used in conjunction with a home occupation may
be parked or stored at the Premises subject to the following restrictions:
(1) The vehicle is registered with the California Department of Motor Vehicles
to a permanent resident of the Premises.
(2) The vehicle is of a passenger automobile variety or a light truck, not having
a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of more than eight thousand five hundred
(8,500) pounds or exceeding twenty feet (20’) in length or eighty inches
(80”) in width or eighty inches (80”) in height. Any vehicles that is registered
with the Department of Motor Vehicles as a commercial vehicle – or that
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otherwise constitutes a Commercial Vehicle as defined by California
Vehicle Code Section 260, and that is used in conjunction with a home
occupation at the Premises is explicitly prohibited from being parked or
stored on any portion of the Premises- including within the garage.
(3) The vehicle is parked inside of a lawfully constructed, fully enclosed garage
structure.
(r) The home occupation shall not involve the use of commercial vehicles for the
delivery of materials to or from the premises, other than delivery services which
are normally be expected to serve a residential neighborhood (e.g., United
States Postal Service, United Parcel Service, Federal Express, etc.).
(s) Noise generated by the home occupation shall not exceed that normally
associated with residential use, and shall otherwise be subject to all other
provisions of the Downey Municipal Code. No mechanical equipment shall be
used if such equipment makes a noise that is perceptible beyond the boundaries
of the Premises.
(t) Persons with documented physical disabilities may be permitted special review
by the City Planner, by filing a written request for a waiver of one or more
conditions, or a portion thereof. Such request shall specify the condition(s)
being sought to be waived and the reason(s) therefor.
(u) The home occupation and that portion of the Premises being utilized for the
home occupation shall be in compliance with all applicable laws – including
applicable building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and health codes and
regulations.
All persons conducting or participating in the home occupation shall consent to and
provide access for entry and inspections of the Premises by any person responsible for the
enforcement of this Section or any other provision of law pertaining to the home occupation
between the hours of 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. or any other hours during which the home occupation is
being conducted, in order to verify compliance with the Home Occupation Permit, the provisions
of this Section, or any other law, rule, or regulation applicable to the home occupation and
Premises.
SECTION 8. Based upon the findings set forth in Sections 1 through 3 of this resolution,
the Planning Commission of the City of Downey hereby recommends that the City Council of the
City of Downey add Section 9408.10 (“Prohibited Home Occupations”) to Section 9408 (“Home
Occupations”) of Chapter 4 (“Regulations for Special Uses and Structures”) of Article IX (“Land
Use”) of the Downey Municipal Code:
SECTION 9408.10. PROHIBITED HOME OCCUPATIONS.
The following uses shall not be permitted as a home occupation:
(a) Adult Businesses
(b) Animal training
(c) Automotive repair (including body or mechanical), upholstering, painting,
detailing, and washing – including, but not limited to, motorcycles, trucks,
trailers, recreational vehicles, all-terrain vehicles (ATV’s), and trailers
(d) Body art facilities
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(e) Contractor storage yards
(f) Personal services
(g) Tow truck service
(h) Other uses as determined by the City Planner/Community Development Director
to be similar to those listed above, or which, by operation or nature, are not
incidental to or compatible with residential activities.
SECTION 9: Based upon the findings set forth in Sections 1 through 3 of this resolution,
the Planning Commission of the City of Downey hereby recommends that the City Council of the
City of Downey add Section 9432 (“Body Art or Tattoo Facilities”) to Chapter 4 (“Regulations for
Special Uses and Structures”) of Article IX (“Land Use”) of the Downey Municipal Code:
SECTION 9432. BODY ART OR TATTOO FACILITIES
SECTION 9432.02. INTENT AND PURPOSE.
It is the intent and purpose of this Section to regulate the operation of facilities that perform
body art (including tattooing) to provide for the health, safety, and welfare of the public
and to ensure compliance with California Health & Safety Code section 119300 et seq.
SECTION 9432.04. FACILITY REQUIREMENTS.
(a) No person shall establish or operate any body art facility without a current and
valid Public Health Permit, as issued by the County of Los Angeles Department
of Public Health.
(b) Every body art facility shall have a sign posted on each entrance utilized by
patrons stating that no person under the age of eighteen (18) years is allowed
on site unless accompanied by their parent or legal guardian.
(c) No operator of a body art facility (including any owner, manager, or other person
in control) shall allow any person who is not registered with the County of Los
Angeles Department of Public Health to perform body art at the facility.
(d) Every operator of a body art facility (including any owner, manager, or other
person in control) shall post and display a certificate (as issued by the County
of Los Angeles Department of Public Health) for each body art practitioner
performing body art at the facility in a prominent area visible to patrons.
(e) Every operator of a body art facility (including any owner, manager, or other
person in control) shall strictly adhere to the Safe Body Art Act (as contained in
California Health & Safety Code Sections 119300 et seq.), as that act may be
amended from time to time.
SECTION 9432.06. PRACTITIONER REGISTRATION.
(a) No person shall perform body art without having registered with the County of
Los Angeles Department of Public Health, and/or without maintaining a current
and valid registration with the County of Los Angeles Department of Public
Health.
(b) No person shall perform body art at any facility for which a current and valid
Public Health Permit has not been issued by the County of Los Angeles
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Department of Public Health.
(c) No person shall perform body art at any facility without having a current and
valid certificate (as issued by the County of Los Angeles Department of Public
Health) posted and displayed in a prominent area visible to patrons.
(d) Every practitioner of body art shall strictly adhere to the Safe Body Art Act (as
contained in California Health & Safety Code Sections 119300 et seq.), as that
act may be amended from time to time.
SECTION 10. Based upon the findings set forth in Sections 1 through 8 of this
resolution, the Planning Commission recommends that the City Council of the City of Downey
approve the Zone Text Amendment (PLN-22-00020), as proposed in Sections 4 through 8 of
this Resolution.
SECTION 11. The Secretary shall certify the adoption of this Resolution.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 16th day of February, 2022.
_____________________
Patrick Owens, Chairman
City Planning Commission
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing is a true copy of a Resolution adopted by the Planning
Commission of the City of Downey at a regular meeting thereof, held on the 16th day of
February, 2022, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: COMMISSIONERS:
NOES: COMMISSIONERS:
ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS:
ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS:
_______________________
Mary Cavanagh, Secretary
City Planning Commission
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ORDINANCE NO. 22-
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
AMENDING TITLE IX (“LAND USE”) TO AUTHORIZE BODY ART
FACILITIES IN THE COMMERCIAL ZONES OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY; TO
ENHANCE THE CONDITIONS ON THE OPERATION OF HOME
OCCUPATIONS; AND TO PROHIBIT SPECIFIED ACTIVITIES AS HOME
OCCUPATIONS
SECTION 1. Section 9124 (“B” Definitions”) of Chapter 1 (“General Provisions
and Definitions”) of Title IX (“Land Use”) of the Downey Municipal Code is hereby
amended to include the following:
Body Art : Body piercing, tattooing, branding, or application of permanent
cosmetics as each of these terms are defined in California Business & Professions
Code Section 119301, as that section may be amended from time to time.
SECTION 2. The definition of “Personal Services” set forth in Section 9152 (“P”
Definitions”) of Chapter 1 (“General Provisions and Definitions”) of Article IX (“Land Use”)
of the Downey Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
Personal Services: A commercial land use providing recurrently needed services
of a personal nature. Personal services generally include barbershops, beauty
and nail salons (including permanent cosmetic facial shading), seamstresses,
tailors, shoe repair shops, photo processing, and photographic studios.
SECTION 3. Table 9.3.5 of Section 9314.04 (“Commercial Zones Use
Regulations”) of Chapter 3 (“Zones and Standards”) of Article IX (“Land Use”) of the
Downey Municipal Code is hereby amended to include the following:
Use C-P C-1 C-2 C-3 C-M H-M Notes and Exceptions
General Commercial Uses
Body Art or Tattoo
Facilities
P P P P P P Subject to Section 9432; Permitted in
Specific Plan areas where Personal Service
permitted subject to DMC Section 9432
SECTION 4. Section 9408.08 (“Conditions”) of Section 9408 (“Home
Occupations”) of Chapter 4 (“Regulations for Special Uses and Structures”) of Article IX
(“Land Use”) of the Downey Municipal Code is hereby repealed and a new Section
9408.08 (“Conditions”) is hereby added to read as follows:
SECTION 9408.08. CONDITIONS
No person shall conduct a home occupation use unless such home
occupation use is conducted in conformity with the following conditions:
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(a) Any person conducting a home occupation use shall have a
current and valid business license pursuant to Article VI, Chapter
2 of this Code.
(b) If the person conducting the home occupation is not the owner-
of-record of the premises upon which the home occupation is
being conducted (“Premises”), written consent from the owner-
of-record shall be required prior to the issuance of any permit for
the home occupation.
(c) Home occupations shall only be authorized as accessory uses
to a residential use and shall be clearly incidental and secondary
to the use of the Premises for residential purposes.
(d) The home occupation shall be conducted entirely and
exclusively within the confines of the principal residential
structure, except for horticulture activities which may be
conducted outdoors. It is explicitly prohibited to utilize any
garage or accessory structure except as authorized herein.
(e) No residential structure shall be built or altered for the purposes
of conducting the home occupation in such a manner as to
change the residential character and appearance of the dwelling,
or in such a manner as to cause the structure to be recognized
from the exterior of the residential structure as a place where a
home occupation is conducted (by materials, construction, color,
lighting, signs, sounds, noise, vibrations, etc.).
(f) The total floor area of the residential structure used for the home
occupation (including for the storage of any material or
equipment) shall not exceed the lesser of 10 percent or 250
square feet, other than for the parking of an automobile in
accordance with the provisions of this Section.
(g) No portion of any residential structure shall be used for a home
occupation which has a separate designated access or private
entrance specifically for the home occupation use.
(h) No customer shall be served on the premises, and no pedestrian
or vehicular traffic shall be generated beyond that incidental to a
residential use.
(i) No sign associated with the home occupation shall be displayed
at the Premises, and there shall be no advertising which can be
construed as encouraging customers, clients, or the public to
visit the premises.
(j) The address of the home occupation shall not be advertised in
any advertisement, publication, or notice (including on social
media), unless otherwise required by law. Business cards and
letterhead are not included in this requirement.
PC Agenda Page 13
(k) No employee or person other than a verifiable permanent
resident of the Premises shall be allowed to work, gather, or
congregate on the Premises in connection with the home
occupation, with the exception of cottage food operations as
defined in California Health & Safety Code Section 113758.
(l) Garages or carports, whether attached or detached, shall not be
used for a home occupation in any manner that temporarily or
permanently inhibits or diminishes the required off-street parking
spaces, other than the parking or storage of an automobile in
accordance with the provisions of this Section.
(m) No merchandise, inventory, stock in trade, scrap, or other
materials related directly or indirectly with or resulting from the
operation of the home occupation may be stored at the
Premises. Administrative supplies and equipment necessary for
the home occupation may be stored solely within the residential
structure or garage, so long as such storage otherwise adheres
to the provisions of this Section.
(n) No mechanical equipment, material, or other substance or object
shall be used in conjunction with the home occupation which is
not customarily used in a residence.
(o) No storage of hazardous, toxic, or combustible materials in
amounts exceeding those typically found in residential areas.
Storage of any hazardous, toxic, or combustible materials must
comply with all applicable laws and regulations.
(p) The home occupation use shall not have utility services other
than those required for normal residence use.
(q) Only one (1) vehicle used in conjunction with a home occupation
may be parked or stored at the Premises subject to the following
restrictions:
(1) The vehicle is registered with the California Department of Motor
Vehicles to a permanent resident of the Premises.
(2) The vehicle is of a passenger automobile variety or a light truck, not
having a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of more than eight thousand
five hundred (8,500) pounds or exceeding twenty feet (20’) in length
or eighty inches (80”) in width or eighty inches (80”) in height. Any
vehicles that is registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles as
a commercial vehicle – or that otherwise constitutes a Commercial
Vehicle as defined by California Vehicle Code Section 260, and that
is used in conjunction with a home occupation at the Premises is
explicitly prohibited from being parked or stored on any portion of
the Premises- including within the garage.
(3) The vehicle is parked inside of a lawfully constructed, fully enclosed
garage structure.
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(r) The home occupation shall not involve the use of commercial vehicles
for the delivery of materials to or from the premises, other than delivery
services which are normally be expected to serve a residential
neighborhood (e.g., United States Postal Service, United Parcel
Service, Federal Express, etc.).
(s) Noise generated by the home occupation shall not exceed that normally
associated with residential use, and shall otherwise be subject to all
other provisions of the Downey Municipal Code. No mechanical
equipment shall be used if such equipment makes a noise that is
perceptible beyond the boundaries of the Premises.
(t) Persons with documented physical disabilities may be permitted special
review by the City Planner, by filing a written request for a waiver of one
or more conditions, or a portion thereof. Such request shall specify the
condition(s) being sought to be waived and the reason(s) therefor.
(u) The home occupation and that portion of the Premises being utilized for
the home occupation shall be in compliance with all applicable laws –
including applicable building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and
health codes and regulations.
(v) All persons conducting or participating in the home occupation shall
consent to and provide access for entry and inspections of the Premises
by any person responsible for the enforcement of this Section or any
other provision of law pertaining to the home occupation between the
hours of 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. or any other hours during which the home
occupation is being conducted, in order to verify compliance with the
Home Occupation Permit, the provisions of this Section, or any other
law, rule, or regulation applicable to the home occupation and Premises.
SECTION 5. Section 9408.10 (“Prohibited Home Occupations”) is hereby added
to Section 9408 (“Home Occupations”) of Chapter 4 (“Regulations for Special Uses and
Structures”) of Article IX (“Land Use”) of the Downey Municipal Code to read as follows:
SECTION 9408.10. PROHIBITED HOME OCCUPATIONS.
The following uses shall not be permitted as a home occupation:
(a) Adult Businesses
(b) Animal hospitals or grooming facilities
(c) Animal training
(d) Automotive repair (including body or mechanical), upholstering, painting,
detailing, and washing – including, but not limited to, motorcycles, trucks,
trailers, recreational vehicles, all-terrain vehicles (ATV’s), and trailers
(e) Body art facilities
(f) Cabinet making and carpenter shops
(g) Contractor storage yards
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(h) Firearms manufacture, sales, or repair
(i) Furniture refinishing or upholstery
(j) Junkyards
(k) Machine shop and tool repair
(l) Personal services
(m) Tow truck service
(n) Welding or machine operation
(o) Other uses as determined by the City Planner/Community Development
Director to be similar to those listed above, or which, by operation or
nature, are not incidental to or compatible with residential activities.
SECTION 6. Section 9432 (“Body Art or Tattoo Facilities”) is hereby added to
Chapter 4 (“Regulations for Special Uses and Structures”) of Article IX (“Land Use”) of the
Downey Municipal Code to read as follows:
SECTION 9432. BODY ART OR TATTOO FACILITIES
SECTION 9432.02. INTENT AND PURPOSE.
It is the intent and purpose of this Section to regulate the operation of facilities that
perform body art (including tattooing) to provide for the health, safety, and welfare
of the public and to ensure compliance with California Health & Safety Code
section 119300 et seq.
SECTION 9432.04. FACILITY REQUIREMENTS.
(a) No person shall establish or operate any body art facility without a
current and valid Public Health Permit, as issued by the County of Los Angeles
Department of Public Health.
(b) Every body art facility shall have a sign posted on each entrance
utilized by patrons stating that no person under the age of eighteen (18) years is
allowed on site unless accompanied by their parent or legal guardian.
(c) No operator of a body art facility (including any owner, manager, or
other person in control) shall allow any person who is not registered with the
County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health to perform body art at the
facility.
(d) Every operator of a body art facility (including any owner, manager,
or other person in control) shall post and display a certificate (as issued by the
County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health) for each body art practitioner
performing body art at the facility in a prominent area visible to patrons.
(e) Every operator of a body art facility (including any owner, manager,
or other person in control) shall strictly adhere to the Safe Body Art Act (as
contained in California Health & Safety Code Sections 119300 et seq.), as that act
may be amended from time to time.
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SECTION 9432.06. PRACTICITIONER REGISTRATION.
(a) No person shall perform body art without having registered with the
County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health, and/or without maintaining a
current and valid registration with the County of Los Angeles Department of Public
Health.
(b) No person shall perform body art at any facility for which a current
and valid Public Health Permit has not been issued by the County of Los Angeles
Department of Public Health.
(c) No person shall perform body art at any facility without having a
current and valid certificate (as issued by the County of Los Angeles Department
of Public Health) posted and displayed in a prominent area visible to patrons.
(d) Every practitioner of body art shall strictly adhere to the Safe Body
Art Act (as contained in California Health & Safety Code Sections 119300 et seq.),
as that act may be amended from time to time.
SECTION 7. If any section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase
of this Ordinance is declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be unconstitutional
or otherwise invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions
of this Ordinance. The City Council declares that it would have adopted this Ordinance,
and each section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or portion thereof, irrespective of
the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, phrases, or portions be declared
invalid or unconstitutional. SECTION 8. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this Ordinance and cause the same to be published in the manner prescribed by law. APPROVED AND ADOPTED this ____ day of ____________, 2022.
BLANCA PACHECO, Mayor
ATTEST:
MARIA ALICIA DUARTE, CMC
City Clerk
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STATE OF CALIFORNIA ) COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) CITY OF DOWNEY )
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Ordinance No. 22-______ was
introduced at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Downey held on the
____ day of __________, 2022, and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Downey held on the ____ day of ___________, 2022, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: Council Members:
NOES: Council Member:
ABSENT: Council Member: ABSTAIN: Council Member: I FURTHER CERTIFY that a Summary of the foregoing Ordinance No. 22-
______, was published in the Downey Patriot, a newspaper of general circulation in the
City of Downey, on ________________, 2022 (after introduction), and on ______________, 2022 (after adoption, including the vote thereon). It was also posted in the regular posting places in the City of Downey on the same dates.
MARIA ALICIA DUARTE, CMC
City Clerk
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