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Title 21 — Development Code

Chapter 21.16 — GENERAL PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

Fountain Valley Zoning Code · 2026-06 edition · updated 2026-07-25 · Fountain Valley

§ 21.16.010. Purpose.

The purpose of this chapter is to provide uniform performance standards which are designed to minimize and mitigate the potential impacts of development within the city and promote compatibility with surrounding areas and land uses.

(Ord. 1308 § 5, 2000)

§ 21.16.020. Applicability.

The provisions of this chapter apply to all new and existing land uses, including permanent and temporary uses, in all zoning districts except as provided in Section 21.01.040 of this title. Existing uses on the effective date of this chapter shall not be altered or modified to conflict with, or further conflict with, these standards.

(Ord. 1308 § 5, 2000)

§ 21.16.030. Air pollution—Smoke/particulate matter and dust/dirt.

  • (a) Compliance. Sources of air pollution shall comply with rules identified by the Environmental Protection Agency (Code of Federal Regulations, Title 40 ), the California Air Resources Board and the Southern California Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD).

  • (b) Excessive Air Pollution Prohibited. Uses, activities and processes shall not operate in a manner that emit excessive dust, fumes, smoke or that exceed the requirements identified in subsection a of this section.

  • (c) SCAQMD Permit. Operators of activities, processes or uses that require approval to operate from the Southern California Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), shall file a copy of the permit with the department within thirty days of permit approval.

  • (Ord. 1308 § 5, 2000)

§ 21.16.040. Noise.

  • (a) Noise Impact Evaluation for Residential Uses.

    • (1) All new residential projects to be constructed near existing sources of non-transportation noise (including commercial facilities, public parks with sports activities) shall demonstrate through an acoustical study by a registered engineer that the indoor noise levels will be consistent with the provisions of the city's noise ordinance (Section 21.16.040 of this code).

    • (2) A noise impact evaluation may be required for other projects if determined necessary by the environmental review committee. Should noise abatement be necessary, the city shall require the implementation of mitigation measures based on a detailed acoustical study prepared by a registered engineer.

  • (b) Compliance with Noise Standards.

    • (1) Prior to development approval, new commercial, industrial or any redevelopment project or proposed development near existing residential land use shall demonstrate compliance with the city's noise ordinance (Section 21.16.040 of this code).

    • (2) New developments shall be allowed only if appropriate mitigation measures are included so that the applicable noise standards are met.

  • (Ord. 1308 § 5, 2000)

§ 21.16.050. Hazardous materials storage.

  • (a) Compliance with State Law. The following standards are intended to ensure that the use, handling, storage and transportation of hazardous substances comply with all applicable state laws (Government Code Section 65850.2 and Health and Safety Code Section 25505 , et seq.) and that appropriate information is reported to the city in a timely manner.

  • (b) Definition. For the purposes of this section, hazardous substances shall include all substances on the comprehensive master list of hazardous substances compiled and maintained by the California Department of Health Services.

  • (c) Conditional Use Permit Required. A conditional use permit shall be required for any use that involves the handling, manufacture, processing or storage of hazardous substances in sufficient quantities that would require permits under the Uniform Fire Code.

  • (d) Reporting Requirements. All businesses required by state law to prepare hazardous materials release response plans shall submit copies of such plans, including any revisions, to the director at the same time the plans are submitted to the fire department.

  • (e) Storage Structures. Structures for the storage of hazardous materials shall be designed to meet fire department approved standards. Such structures shall be removed upon change in occupancy of the facility.

  • (Ord. 1308 § 5, 2000)

§ 21.16.060. Violations of general performance standards.

It is unlawful for any owner, operator, tenant or other person in control of property within the city for which the general performance standards set forth in this chapter apply, to fail to comply with the standards imposed in this chapter.

(Ord. 1358 § 3, 2004)

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Contents — Fountain Valley Zoning Code
Fountain Valley Zoning Code
  1. Title 21 — Development Code
    Overview
    1. Chapter 21.01 — ENACTMENT AND APPLICABILITY OF TITLE
    2. Chapter 21.02 — INTERPRETATION OF TITLE PROVISIONS
    3. Chapter 21.04 — ESTABLISHMENT OF ZONING DISTRICTS—ADOPTION OF …
    4. Chapter 21.06 — DEVELOPMENT AND LAND USE APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS
    5. Chapter 21.08 — RESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICTS
    6. Chapter 21.10 — COMMERCIAL AND MANUFACTURING ZONING DISTRICTS
    7. Chapter 21.12 — SPECIAL PURPOSE ZONING DISTRICTS
    8. Chapter 21.14 — OVERLAY ZONING DISTRICTS
    9. Chapter 21.15 — MIXED-USE ZONING DISTRICTS
    10. Chapter 21.16 — GENERAL PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
    11. Chapter 21.17 — INCLUSIONARY HOUSING PROGRAM
    12. Chapter 21.18 — GENERAL PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT AND USE STANDARDS
    13. Chapter 21.20 — LANDSCAPING
    14. Chapter 21.22 — PARKING AND LOADING
    15. Chapter 21.24 — SIGNS ON PRIVATE PROPERTY
    16. Chapter 21.25 — SIGNS ON PUBLIC PROPERTY
    17. Chapter 21.26 — TRIP REDUCTION AND TRAVEL DEMAND MANAGEMENT
    18. Chapter 21.28 — WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS
    19. Chapter 21.29 — GROUP HOMES
    20. Chapter 21.30 — STANDARDS FOR SPECIFIC LAND USES
    21. Chapter 21.32 — APPLICATIONS, PROCESSING AND FEES
    22. Chapter 21.34 — AMENDMENTS
    23. Chapter 21.36 — CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS
    24. Chapter 21.38 — DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS
    25. Chapter 21.39 — DEVELOPER MITIGATION FEES
    26. Chapter 21.40 — DEVELOPMENT REVIEW
    27. Chapter 21.42 — HOME OCCUPATION PERMITS
    28. Chapter 21.44 — PRECISE PLAN OF DESIGN
    29. Chapter 21.46 — SPECIFIC PLANS
    30. Chapter 21.48 — TEMPORARY USE PERMITS
    31. Chapter 21.50 — VARIANCES
    32. Chapter 21.52 — ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITY
    33. Chapter 21.56 — NONCONFORMING USES, STRUCTURES AND PARCELS
    34. Chapter 21.58 — PUBLIC HEARINGS
    35. Chapter 21.60 — APPEALS
    36. Chapter 21.62 — REVOCATIONS AND MODIFICATIONS
    37. Chapter 21.64 — ENFORCEMENT PROVISIONS
    38. Chapter 21.66 — APPLICABILITY AND ADMINISTRATION OF SUBDIVISIO…
    39. Chapter 21.68 — SUBDIVISION DESIGN AND IMPROVEMENT REQUIREMENTS
    40. Chapter 21.70 — TENTATIVE MAP FILING AND PROCESSING
    41. Chapter 21.72 — PARCEL MAPS AND FINAL MAPS
    42. Chapter 21.74 — CONDOMINIUMS AND CONDOMINIUM CONVERSIONS
    43. Chapter 21.76 — LOT LINE ADJUSTMENTS AND PARCEL MERGERS
    44. Chapter 21.78 — DEDICATIONS, EXACTIONS AND MITIGATION FEES
    45. Chapter 21.79 — PARKLAND DEDICATIONS, RESERVATIONS AND FEES
    46. Chapter 21.80 — IMPROVEMENT PLANS AND AGREEMENTS
    47. Chapter 21.82 — SURVEYS AND MONUMENTS
    48. Chapter 21.84 — CONDITIONS, COVENANTS OR RESTRICTIONS
    49. Chapter 21.90 — DEFINITIONS/GLOSSARY

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