City of Commerce
2020 General Plan
City of Commerce General Plan ● Adopted January 2008
Page 1
City of Commerce
2020 General Plan
City of Commerce
2535 Commerce Way
Commerce, California 90040
January 2008
City of Commerce
2020 General Plan
City of Commerce General Plan ● Adopted January 2008
Page 2
Table of Contents
Section Page
1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY............................................................................................. 4
2.0 INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................... 26
2.1 Scope and Purpose of the General Plan ................................................................................ 27
2.2 Organization of the General Plan ....................................................................................... 27
2.3 Overview of Commerce ................................................................................................... 29
2.4 Environmental Justice..................................................................................................... 30
3.0 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ELEMENT ....................................................................... 33
3.1 Introduction to the Element ............................................................................................. 34
3.2 Issues and Opportunities.................................................................................................. 35
3.3 Community Development Policies....................................................................................... 36
3.4 Community Development Programs..................................................................................... 39
3.5 Land Use Plan .............................................................................................................. 40
4.0 TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT ................................................................................... 54
4.1 Introduction to the Element ............................................................................................. 55
4.2 Issues and Opportunities.................................................................................................. 55
4.3 Transportation Policies ................................................................................................... 57
4.4 Transportation Programs ................................................................................................. 61
4.5 Transportation Plan ....................................................................................................... 62
5.0 HOUSING ELEMENT............................................................................................... 69
5.1 Introduction to the Element ............................................................................................. 70
5.2 Issues and Opportunities.................................................................................................. 75
5.3 Housing Policies ............................................................................................................ 76
5.4 Housing Programs .......................................................................................................... 79
5.5 Housing Plan ................................................................................................................ 94
Housing Element Background Report ....................................................................................... 104
6.0 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ELEMENT ........................................................................ 143
6.1 Introduction to the Element ............................................................................................ 144
6.2 Issues and Opportunities................................................................................................. 145
6.3 Resource Management Policies ......................................................................................... 146
6.4 Resource Management Programs ....................................................................................... 149
6.5 Resource Management Plan ............................................................................................. 151
7.0 SAFETY ELEMENT............................................................................................... 152
7.1 Introduction to the Element ............................................................................................ 153
7.2 Issues and Opportunities................................................................................................. 154
7.3 Health and Safety Policies............................................................................................... 155
7.4 Health and Safety Programs............................................................................................. 160
7.5 Health and Safety Management ........................................................................................ 161
City of Commerce
2020 General Plan
City of Commerce General Plan ● Adopted January 2008
Page 3
Table of Contents ( continued)
8.0 AIR QUALITY ELEMENT ........................................................................................ 168
Introduction to the Element ................................................................................................. 169
Issues and Opportunities ..................................................................................................... 169
Air Quality Policies ............................................................................................................ 170
Air Quality Programs .......................................................................................................... 174
Air Quality Plan ................................................................................................................ 175
9.0 IMPLEMENTATION ELEMENT .................................................................................. 180
9.1 Introduction to the Element ........................................................................................................................... 181
9.2 Implementation Program........................................................................................................................ ...... 181
City of Commerce
2020 General Plan
City of Commerce General Plan ● Adopted January 2008
Page 4
Section 1 ● Executive Summary
City of Commerce
2020 General Plan
City of Commerce
2020 General Plan
City of Commerce General Plan ● Adopted January 2008
Page 5
1.1 Introduction
The Commerce General Plan will serve as the
blueprint for future planning and development in the
city. This general plan indicates the city’s vision for
the future through the policies and plans, contained
herein, that are designed to shape the physical
development of the community. This general plan
acknowledges the city’s previous planning efforts,
the established land use patterns in the community,
and adopted development policy. However, this
general plan is also unique in a number of respects:
● The general plan will guide the city’s
development as the 21st century progresses; a
century that promises both new opportunities as
well as unforeseen challenges.
● The city is now recognized as an important
center of commerce in the region.
● The city’s history and development patterns
have been shaped, in large measure, by the
numerous quarries that have historically
operated in the city. The primary issue that is
addressed in this general plan is how these areas
will be used in the comiNg decades.
● This general plan establishes patterns of land
use and development that promotes the
maintenance of the established residential
neighborhoods, while at the same time,
accommodating future growth.
1.2 Overview of Policy
This general plan consists of seven elements that
comply with the requirements of California
Government Code Section 65300, et. seq and include
the following:
● The Community Development Element
designates the general distribution and intensity
of land use and development within the land
area governed by the general plan. This element
complies with the state requirements for a land
use element.
● The Transportation Element identifies the
location and extent of existing and proposed
streets and roadways, intersection
improvements, public transit facilities,
railroads, transportation terminals, and other
transportation facilities. This element complies
with the state requirements for a circulation
element.
● The Housing Element details plans and programs
for the rehabilitation of existing housing and the
development of new housing to accommodate
demand.
● The Resource Management Element indicates
the City's policies concerning the conservation
and preservation of important natural and man-made
resources. This element complies with
the state requirements for a conservation
element and an open space element. The scope
of this element has also been expanded to
consider issues with respect to parks and
recreation.
● The Safety Element identifies the city's policy
relative to the reduction and mitigation of
natural and manmade hazards as a means to
improve the safety of its citizens. This element
complies with the state requirements for both a
noise element and a safety element.
● The Air Quality Element details the programs
that will be effective in improving local air
quality through the enforcement of clean air
requirements.
● The Implementation Element details the
programs that will be effective in ensuring that
the policies and plans contained in the general
plan are realized.
The City of Commerce Civic Center.
City of Commerce
2020 General Plan
City of Commerce General Plan ● Adopted January 2008
Page 6
1.3 Community Development
Element Policies
The following key land use, economic development,
and urban design objectives will be realized through
the implementation of the policies and programs
contained in the Community Development Element:
● The establishment of an orderly pattern of
development in the city;
● The provision of a variety of housing
opportunities;
● The development of a wide range of commercial
activities;
● The creation of a strong employment and
commercial base to finance public
improvements and services; and,
● The provision of adequate public services and
facilities.
1.3.1 Land Use Compatibility
As indicated previously, a significant challenge has
been to identify strategies to enable industrial
activities and businesses to coexist with homes.
Through past planning efforts, the city has
successfully preserved and enhanced its
neighborhoods, while at the same time,
accommodated the rapidly- changing demands of
industry and commerce. The underlying policies
underscore the city’s commitment in continuing
these efforts.
● Community Development Policy 1.1. The city of
Commerce will continue to promote land use
compatibility.
● Community Development Policy 1.2. The city of
Commerce shall accelerate the implementation
of the city’s development code.
● Community Development Policy 1.3. The city of
Commerce will continue to implement specific
standards for new commercial developments
located adjacent to residential neighborhoods in
order to ensure that adequate buffers are
provided so that negative impacts such as noise,
light pollution, truck use, and traffic may be
mitigated.
● Community Development Policy 1.4. The city of
Commerce shall prevent the further intrusion of
industrial and commercial development into the
Bandini- Rosini, Northwest, Rosewood, and
Southeast Planning Areas.
● Community Development Policy 1.5. The city of
Commerce will prevent the further intrusion of
residential dwelling uses into the existing
industrial and commercial districts in the city.
● Community Development Policy 1.6. The city of
Commerce will ensure that commercial and
industrial development provide sufficient
landscaped buffers and other design features to
separate new non- residential uses located in
areas adjacent to existing residential
neighborhoods.
● Community Development Policy 1.7. The city of
Commerce will promote site plans for new
development located in the vicinity of
Washington Boulevard that encourages primary
access from Washington Boulevard for those
businesses located along the roadway ( as
opposed to the use of alleyways).
● Community Development Policy 1.8. The city of
Commerce, in conjunction with the South Coast
Air Quality Management District, the
Environmental Protection Agency, the Los
Angeles County Fire Department, and other
public agencies, will work to reduce potential
hazards and health risks associated with the
use, storage, or manufacture of hazardous
materials.
The City of Commerce is home to more than
13,000 persons. These are recently constructed
homes in the Northwest Planning Area.
City of Commerce
2020 General Plan
City of Commerce General Plan ● Adopted January 2008
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1.3.2 Commercial Development
While Commerce is home to approximately 13,000
persons, it remains an important contributor to the
region’s employment and economic base. The city’s
central location within the greater Los Angeles
metropolitan area, its ideal location in relation to
the region’s network of freeways, and its continued
commitment to commercial development as
underscored in the following policies, ensure the
city’s continued place in the forefront of the
Southern California economy.
● Community Development Policy 2.1. The city of
Commerce will continue to promote the
development of a quality retail and commercial
entertainment district in the vicinity of
Telegraph Road, north of the Santa Ana
Freeway.
● Community Development Policy 2.2. The city of
Commerce will encourage and promote the
development of quality restaurants in the city to
serve residents and visitors alike, and
discourage the further proliferation of fast- food
restaurants in the city.
● Community Development Policy 2.3. The city of
Commerce will promote the development of
larger, more efficient, commercial retail
shopping centers as opposed to smaller “ strip
commercial” centers.
● Community Development Policy 2.4. The city of
Commerce will continue to preserve and
promote the improvement of the existing
commercial areas, including the Commerce
Center, the Telegraph Road/ Washington
Boulevard area, the Atlantic/ Washington
Redevelopment Project Area, the Commerce
Business Park, and the commercial properties
located along Slauson Avenue.
● Community Development Policy 2.5. The city of
Commerce will explore the feasibility of
constructing a supermarket to serve those
portions of the city south of the Santa Ana
Freeway.
● Community Development Policy 2.6. The city of
Commerce will strive to improve security within
existing and future shopping districts located in
the city.
● Community Development Policy 2.7. The city of
Commerce will continue to actively pursue the
goals and objectives of the Atlantic/ Washington
Redevelopment Project Area.
● Community Development Policy 2.8. The city of
Commerce will continue to encourage the
development of a high- intensity, highly visible
commercial corridor consisting of offices,
hotels, and retail and entertainment uses along
Telegraph Road, extending from Hoefner Avenue
to Vail Avenue.
● Community Development Policy 2.9. The city of
Commerce will continue to promote the
improvement of the Washington Boulevard
corridor between the Santa Ana and Long Beach
Freeways.
● Community Development Policy 2.10. The city
of Commerce will continue to provide safe,
convenient pedestrian linkages across and along
streets containing strip commercial businesses.
1.3.3 Industrial Development
As indicated previously, industry has been, and will
continue to be, the preeminent land use in
Commerce, and will serve as a cornerstone in the
city’s continued vitality. The city, in conjunction
with the nearby industrial districts in neighboring Los
Angeles and Vernon, represent one of the largest
concentrations of industrial development in the
country. The following policies assure the
maintenance and preservation of the city’s industrial
base.
● Community Development Policy 3.1. The city of
Commerce will continue to promote the
maintenance and preservation of industrial
activities and business that contribute to the
city’s economic and employment base.
Industrial land uses are the dominant land use
accounting for more than 60% of the city’s total.
This new development is located along Bandini
Boulevard.
City of Commerce
2020 General Plan
City of Commerce General Plan ● Adopted January 2008
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● Community Development Policy 3.2. The city of
Commerce will prevent the intrusion of
residential uses within the industrial and
commercial districts.
● Community Development Policy 3.3. The city of
Commerce will encourage the continued
revitalization of the city’s industrial districts to
accommodate economic development and
growth.
● Community Development Policy 3.4. The city of
Commerce will promote the development of
modern and attractive business parks that will
enhance the city’s economic well- being.
1.3.4 Entertainment Uses
One of the significant trends nationwide is the
increasing amount of time families devote to
recreational activities. Through the following
policies, the city intends to promote the
development of a state- of- the- art family
entertainment complex to accommodate the
demand for leisure and recreational opportunities.
● Community Development Policy 4.1. The city of
Commerce will explore the feasibility of
developing an area devoted to active family
recreation.
● Community Development Policy 4.2. The city of
Commerce will promote the development of
commercial enterprises that provide family
entertainment.
● Community Development Policy 4.3. The city of
Commerce will continue to promote the
development of the Citadel and neighboring
areas as a focal point for family entertainment.
1.3.5 Residential Development
The residential neighborhoods found in Commerce
will continue to be a central element in the city’s
land use planning. Thousands of new homes have
been added to the city’s inventory over the past two
decades. The following policies emphasize the city’s
continued commitment to the people who have
chosen Commerce as a place to call home.
● Community Development Policy 5.1. The city of
Commerce will promote the development of
new housing for all income groups.
● Community Development Policy 5.2. The city of
Commerce will continue to explore new
opportunities for housing and services to meet
the needs of the labor force, and as a means to
attract new business and industry to the city.
● Community Development Policy 5.3. The city of
Commerce will continue to make information
available to Commerce residents concerning
housing opportunities and rehabilitation
programs.
● Community Development Policy 5.4. The city of
Commerce will expand its housing rehabilitation
programs, focusing on the need to rehabilitate
housing and eliminate illegal garage conversions
in every Commerce neighborhood.
1.3.6 Urban Design
While many of the industrial areas surrounding the
city exhibit “ rust- belt” characteristics, Commerce
has successfully met the challenge of creating
attractive industrial business parks through urban
design initiatives. Older obsolete plant
infrastructure has been replaced by attractive
developments that emphasize adaptability. These
efforts will be continued with the implementation of
the following policies:
● Community Development Policy 6.1. The city of
Commerce will promote the creation of “ area
themes” to enhance the city’s living and
working environment.
Nearly every neighborhood is within walking
distance of a park. Rosewood Park, located near
the civic center, is shown in this view.
City of Commerce
2020 General Plan
City of Commerce General Plan ● Adopted January 2008
Page 9
● Community Development Policy 6.2. The city of
Commerce will strive to see that commercial
properties are maintained and that obsolete
signage is removed.
● Community Development Policy 6.3. The city of
Commerce will require new commercial and
industrial development to employ architectural
and site design techniques that will promote
quality and efficient development.
1.3.7 Environmental Justice
The concept of environmental justice is especially
important with respect to land use and development
in the city given the abundance of industrial and
transportation- related land uses located in close
proximity to the residential neighborhoods. The
following policies emphasize the city’s continued
commitment to ensuring that the concept of
environmental justice is considered in the approval
and/ or planning of future development.
● Community Development Policy 7.1. The city of
Commerce will ensure that all future public
facilities and improvements do not have a
significant adverse impact on the community
and that any such impacts must be mitigated to
the fullest extent possible.
● Community Development Policy 7.2. The city of
Commerce will oppose the over- concentration of
public facilities and improvements that provide
benefits to the regional at large while adversely
impacting the local community. The region at
large must share both the benefits and the
disadvantages of such uses and facilities
● Community Development Policy 7.3. The city of
Commerce will take a proactive role in meeting
with regional planning agencies to ensure that
the local community’s voice is heard in the
planning public facilities.
1.4 Transportation Element
Policies
The city of Commerce seeks to accomplish the
following objectives through implementation of the
policies contained in this Transportation Element:
● The maintenance and improvement of the
roadway system in the city to accommodate
future traffic;
● The use of innovative circulation strategies
designed to create a transportation system that
is sensitive to the city’s aims for continued
economic development;
● The development of a roadway and circulation
network that promotes pedestrian activity in
selected areas of the city;
● The efficient use of alternative forms of
transportation that serve the city; and,
● The development of roadway improvements that
are sensitive to the community’s long- range
goals for a livable and sustainable community.
To accomplish the aforementioned objectives, the
city has adopted the following policies to guide
planning and design of future transportation
facilities in Commerce.
1.4.1 Circulation
The following policies underscore the city’s
recognition that the maintenance of a
comprehensive circulation system is critical to the
city’s economic well- being.
● Transportation Policy 1.1. The city of
Commerce will continue to implement a
comprehensive plan for a coordinated street
circulation system that will provide for the safe
and efficient movement of people and goods.
Residential streets are two lane with parking
typically permitted on both sides. Truck
“ through” traffic is nor permitted on residential
“ local” streets.
City of Commerce
2020 General Plan
City of Commerce General Plan ● Adopted January 2008
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● Transportation Policy 1.2. The city of
Commerce will continue to develop a street
circulation system that is capable of adequately
accommodating a reasonable increase in future
traffic demands.
● Transportation Policy 1.3. The city of
Commerce will implement the standards for
roadways identified in the Transportation
Element in the planning and construction of
future street improvements in the city.
● Transportation Policy 1.4. The city of
Commerce will implement the applicable
standards for local roadways specifically serving
industrial developments in the city.
● Transportation Policy 1.5. The city of
Commerce will continue to cooperate with the
Sheriff’s Department in the enforcement of
traffic laws on all city streets.
● Transportation Policy 1.6. The city of
Commerce will continue to support the
operation of, and further the enhancement of, a
safe and efficient regional and inter- city transit
system.
● Transportation Policy 1.7. The city of
Commerce will implement measures that will
discourage through- traffic on local streets.
● Transportation Policy 1.8. The city of
Commerce will continue to analyze traffic
congestion and evaluate strategies to improve
the efficiency of the city transportation and
circulation system.
1.4.2 Truck Traffic
Due to the city’s substantial industrial base, truck
transport will continue to be an important
component of the area’s continued economic
vitality. This truck traffic, however, presents unique
challenges to the city’s efforts to accommodate the
existing and future demands associated with the
movement of goods through the city. As indicated in
the previous section, many of the city's roadways
were not designed to accommodate the large
interstate, multi- axle trucks that now travel through
the city. However, redevelopment activity in
industrial areas is resulting in the provision of wider
streets capable of supporting heavier volumes of
truck traffic. The following policies underscore the
city’s desire to both accommodate truck transport
and to address the problems associated with this
mode of transport.
● Transportation Policy 2.1. The city of
Commerce will evaluate plans that will promote
the separation of commercial and industrial
development traffic from residential
neighborhoods.
● Transportation Policy 2.2. The city of
Commerce will prohibit truck traffic from using
local streets located within, and exclusively
serving, the residential neighborhoods.
● Transportation Policy 2.3. The city of
Commerce will establish, and enforce the use
of, truck routes in the city.
● Transportation Policy 2.4. The city of
Commerce will seek out means to assess heavy
truck users for the cost of maintaining roadway-related
infrastructure.
1.4.3 Alternative Modes of Travel
The following policies underscore the city’s
commitment to providing and/ or encouraging other
forms of transportation. Alternative modes of
transportation will reduce the community’s
dependence on private vehicles as a means to travel
to work and school. The use of alternative forms of
transportation will also reduce traffic congestion
during those periods when traffic is the heaviest.
● Transportation Policy 3.1. The city of
Commerce will continue to encourage the use of
alternate transportation modes ( e. g., shuttles,
etc.).
The city’s streets handle large volumes of truck
traffic, a result of the large number of
manufacturing and distribution uses.
City of Commerce
2020 General Plan
City of Commerce General Plan ● Adopted January 2008
Page 11
● Transportation Policy 3.2. The city of
Commerce will continue to provide residents,
employees, and visitors with a local public
transit system.
● Transportation Policy 3.3. The city of
Commerce will continue to monitor population
trends and development that may require
modifications to municipal bus system schedules
and service routes to better service the major
employment, shopping, and service areas
located throughout the city.
● Transportation Policy 3.4. The city of
Commerce will promote the development of
safe and convenient pedestrian access between
residential neighborhoods and the parks and
schools that serve those neighborhoods.
● Transportation Policy 3.5. The city of
Commerce will encourage the maintenance and
improvement of “ pedestrian- safe” oriented
facilities to ensure safe pedestrian movement.
● Transportation Policy 3.6. The city of
Commerce will establish bus shelters at heavily-used
bus stops to increase public recognition
and promote the use of the local and regional
transit system.
● Transportation Policy 3.7. The city of
Commerce, together with the local transit
provider and MTA, will provide brochure racks at
city hall and community centers.
● Transportation Policy 3.8. The city of
Commerce will continue to implement the city’s
transportation demand management ( TDM)
measures to improve the efficiency of the city’s
circulation network.
● Transportation Policy 3.9. The city of
Commerce will require major employers to
adopt TDM plans pursuant to the city’s adopted
TDM ordinance.
● Transportation Policy 3.10. The city of
Commerce will continue to cooperate with
regional transportation agencies to establish
routes, stops, and stations in Commerce for the
proposed regional mass transit system.
1.4.4 Roadway Improvements
The city will continue to be proactive in the
construction of roadway improvements to
accommodate existing and projected traffic
demand. These improvements have been identified
in the Transportation Plan, and are identified as
policies in this section.
● Transportation Policy 4.1. The city of
Commerce will work with the Los Angeles
County Public Works Department to establish a
roadway and traffic safety inspection program.
● Transportation Policy 4.2. The city of
Commerce will evaluate the feasibility of
forming assessment districts, development fees,
or other measures to acquire funds needed for
street and traffic- related improvements.
● Transportation Policy 4.3. The city of
Commerce will require that the cost of new
transportation- related improvements be borne
by the developments that create the need for
such improvements.
● Transportation Policy 4.4. The city of
Commerce will evaluate the feasibility of
levying license fees for all trucks using city
roads to pay for the cost of associated road
repairs.
● Transportation Policy 4.5. The city of
Commerce will initiate discussions with Caltrans
regarding the placement of a freeway
interchange at the Slauson Avenue/ Interstate
710 crossing.
● Transportation Policy 4.6. The city of
Commerce will consider a project to provide
access to Sheila Street from Pacific Way west of
Arrowmill Avenue.
● Transportation Policy 4.7. The city of
Commerce will install concrete paving on
Washington Boulevard between Indiana Street
and the Santa Ana Freeway.
● Transportation Policy 4.8. The city of
Commerce will widen Sheila Street as needed to
accommodate existing and anticipated truck
traffic along this route.
City of Commerce
2020 General Plan
City of Commerce General Plan ● Adopted January 2008
Page 12
● Transportation Policy 4.9. The city of
Commerce will evaluate the feasibility of the
widening of Ferguson Drive between Gerhart
Avenue and Garfield Avenue.
● Transportation Policy 4.10. The city of
Commerce will consult with Caltrans in
considering the feasibility of constructing a
direct ramp connection from the Long Beach
Freeway to the adjacent rail yards as a means to
reduce truck traffic on local streets.
1.4.5 Parking
All new development will be required to provide
adequate parking in accord with zoning ordinance
regulations. Currently, new residential development
must provide a minimum of two parking spaces per
dwelling unit. New commercial and industrial
development must provide all parking on- site, and
loading areas must not interfere with these parking
areas.
● Transportation Policy 5.1. The city of
Commerce will ensure that adequate off- street
parking and loading facilities are provided for
businesses and residences in the city.
● Transportation Policy 5.2. The city of
Commerce will actively enforce existing
curbside parking laws, particularly in regard to
truck and bus parking along major roadways ( all
high- profile vehicles, including trucks, buses,
and sport utility vehicles, should be parked at
least a minimum of 20 feet from intersections in
order to maintain clear visibility for vehicles
entering all roadways).
● Transportation Policy 5.3. The city of
Commerce will require all new developments to
provide on- site parking in compliance with
existing zoning regulations.
● Transportation Policy 5.4. The city of
Commerce will continue to enforce other
parking regulations as they apply to existing
development.
● Transportation Policy 5.5. The city of
Commerce will continue to enforce and monitor
parking ordinance regulations that will prohibit
the parking of inoperable and service vehicles
on residential streets.
● Transportation Policy 5.6. The city of
Commerce will develop a program to limit on-street
parking in residential neighborhoods that
may include, but not be limited to, the issuance
of residential parking permits.
● Transportation Policy 5.7. The city of
Commerce will consider issuing street parking
permits as a means to promote the use of
garages for parking.
● Transportation Policy 5.8. The city of
Commerce will examine the feasibility of
establishing an overnight parking ordinance
and/ or a street- cleaning program that will serve
to restrict on- street parking in residential
neighborhoods.
1.4.6 Environmental Justice
The following policies emphasize the city’s
continued commitment to ensuring that the concept
of environmental justice is considered in the
planning of future roadway improvements and
facilities.
● Transportation Policy 6.1. The city of
Commerce will ensure that all future
transportation facilities that will provide a
regional benefit do not have a significant
adverse impact on the community and that any
such impacts must be mitigated to the fullest
extent possible.
The majority of the arterial roadways in the city
are tree lined with landscaped parkways. This is a
view of Bandini Boulevard looking west.
City of Commerce
2020 General Plan
City of Commerce General Plan ● Adopted January 2008
Page 13
● Transportation Policy 6.2. The city of
Commerce will oppose any regional public
transportation improvement that does not first
consider the potential impacts of such facilities
on the local community in which the facility will
be located.
● Transportation Policy 6.3. The city of
Commerce will take a proactive role in meeting
with regional planning agencies to ensure that
the local community’s voice is heard in the
planning for future regional transportation
facilities.
1.5 Housing Element Policies
The primary goal of the city of Commerce is to
provide all residents with sound, safe, decent, and
affordable housing. Toward this end, the city seeks
to accomplish the following objectives through the
implementation of this Housing Element:
● To improve the quality of the existing housing
stock;
● To provide new housing wherever possible; and,
● To ensure the highest possible quality of living
for all social and economic groups.
1.5.1 New Residential Development
The city has been largely urban since its
incorporation more than four decades ago. While
limited vacant land is available for new residential
development, the city has, nonetheless, made great
strides in providing new and modern housing for its
residents. The following policies underscore the
city’s continued commitment toward the provision of
new housing for those families living and working in
the city.
● Housing Policy 1.1. The city of Commerce will
strive to provide a diverse inventory of housing
that meets the needs of those who desire to
reside in the city.
● Housing Policy 1.2. The city of Commerce will
promote the development of a wide range of
housing by location, type, and price to meet the
existing and future needs of the city.
● Housing Policy 1.3. The city of Commerce will
promote the retention and improvement of
existing senior housing.
● Housing Policy 1.4. The city of Commerce will
promote the development of new housing for
low- through upper- income households.
● Housing Policy 1.5. The city of Commerce will
explore opportunities for new residential
development within those areas of the city
occupied by vacant, obsolete commercial and
industrial uses.
● Housing Policy 1.6. The city of Commerce will
ensure that housing provided for lower- income
level households will not be concentrated in any
single area or neighborhood of the city.
● Housing Policy 1.7. The city of Commerce will
work to ensure that potential sites for
residential development, located in those areas
that were previously occupied by nonresidential
land uses, are investigated to determine
whether or not previous on- site uses present
potential health risks.
● Housing Policy 1.8. The city of Commerce will
continue to use redevelopment set- aside funds,
density bonuses, and other program incentives
to encourage private developers to construct
quality low- income housing units.
● Housing Policy 1.9. The city of Commerce and
the city’s Community Development Commission
will continue to acquire and assemble properties
to facilitate construction of new housing units
for all income groups and seniors.
Since the 1970’ s, hundreds of new homes have
been constructed in the city.
City of Commerce
2020 General Plan
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1.5.2 Conservation of Housing
The majority of the city’s land use and development
patterns were well- established in the years leading
up to incorporation. More than 50% of the housing in
Commerce was constructed prior to the city’s
incorporation in 1960. The following policies
underscore the city’s recognition that the
maintenance of this existing housing stock will
continue to play an important role in ensuring that
adequate housing is available for future generations.
● Housing Policy 2.1. The city of Commerce will
continue to promote, maintain, and enhance the
character and identity of the residential
neighborhoods.
● Housing Policy 2.2. The city of Commerce will
continue to maintain the lower residential
densities in the Bandini- Rosini and Rosewood
neighborhoods.
● Housing Policy 2.3. The city of Commerce will
restrict further construction of multiple- family
units to only those areas where such uses are
appropriate.
● Housing Policy 2.4. The city of Commerce will
continue to ensure that the majority of new
development in the Southeast planning area will
consist primarily of medium- and high- density
residential projects.
● Housing Policy 2.5. The city of Commerce will
preserve the existing single- family character of
the lower- density residential neighborhoods
located in the Bandini- Rosini and Rosewood
planning areas.
● Housing Policy 2.6. The city of Commerce will
employ adequate code enforcement staff to
ensure that residential properties are inspected
on a regular basis.
● Housing Policy 2.7. The city of Commerce will
require property owners to maintain their
properties to the greatest extent possible.
● Housing Policy 2.8. The city of Commerce will
continue to assist low- and moderate- income
households with property maintenance by
informing residents regarding the available
programs and available low- interest and
deferred loans.
● Housing Policy 2.9. The city of Commerce will
establish a “ House- of- the- Quarter” program that
recognizes and rewards property owners for
exemplary property maintenance.
● Housing Policy 2.10. The city of Commerce will
protect the existing viable single- family
residential neighborhoods from the intrusion of
incompatible uses.
1.5.3 Housing Rehabilitation
The overcrowding of housing units has resulted in a
quickening deterioration of these units. In addition,
a substantial number of housing units have been
modified without the benefit of building inspections.
These units often have substandard electrical wiring
and plumbing, leading to unhealthful and unsafe
living conditions. The city remains committed to
working with property owners to ensure that the
units provide safe and sound shelter for their
occupants.
● Housing Policy 3.1. The city of Commerce will
encourage the maintenance of the existing
housing stock.
● Housing Policy 3.2. The city of Commerce will
continue to rehabilitate existing substandard
housing units through the enforcement of the
city’s Building and Safety Code.
● Housing Policy 3.3. The city of Commerce will
enforce the Building and Safety Code and the
Zoning Ordinance to prevent the construction of
illegal housing units.
● Housing Policy 3.4. The city of Commerce will
ensure that homes, found to be in violation of
building codes, have follow- up visits as a means
to enforce compliance with the codes and fines
imposed if compliance with codes is not
completed within a reasonable amount of time.
1.5.4 Housing Design
The city has led the region in quality and innovative
housing design. Through the previous General Plan
update, the city initiated requirements regarding
open space and off- street parking that have
contributed to quality residential development over
the past decade. The following policies continue
this commitment to the construction of housing that
is both attractive and well- designed, regardless of
price.
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● Housing Policy 4.1. The city of Commerce will
ensure that new higher- density residential
projects are kept at a scale ( number of units,
height, etc.) compatible in design with adjacent
residential areas.
● Housing Policy 4.2. The city of Commerce will
ensure that those areas developed in higher
densities shall be buffered from adjacent lower-density
residential development with medium-density
residential development.
● Housing Policy 4.3. The city of Commerce will
encourage quality construction in new
residential development and require all
properties to be maintained to the greatest
extent possible.
● Housing Policy 4.4. The city of Commerce will
ensure that new homes are constructed with
sufficient separation between the units to
promote quality design and privacy.
● Housing Policy 4.5. The city of Commerce will
ensure that all new housing will have the same
standards for design, construction, and
maintenance found in more expensive housing.
1.5.5 Environmental Justice
The city’s incorporation in 1960 corresponded to the
nation’s civil rights movement, which ended decades
of segregation and inequality. The city’s largely
Hispanic population embraced the dream of equality
that was articulated in our nation’s constitution. As
a result, the following policies that focus on housing
equality and non- discrimination serve as a
cornerstone of the city’s housing policy.
● Housing Policy 5.1. The city of Commerce will
continue to support Federal and State laws that
prohibit discrimination in housing on the basis of
age, sex, or race.
● Housing Policy 5.2. The city of Commerce will
continue to cooperate with the Los Angeles
County Fair Housing Council in the enforcement
of fair housing laws.
● Housing Policy 5.3. The city of Commerce will
continue to work with the Los Angeles County
Fair Housing Council in the review of violations
of applicable Federal and State fair housing
laws.
● Housing Policy 5.4. The city of Commerce will
continue to support formal child day care
policies that will enable residents and
employees to have access to affordable and
high- quality day care facilities within the city.
● Housing Policy 5.5. The city of Commerce will
continue to encourage new industrial
developments to include child day care facilities
within the project area or to pay in- lieu fees
into a city- established child day care center
fund.
● Housing Policy 5.6. The city of Commerce will
continue to explore the feasibility of obtaining
outside funding sources for child day care
facilities within the city.
● Housing Policy 5.7. The city of Commerce will
continue to provide a wide variety of social
service programs to city residents.
● Housing Policy 5.8. The city of Commerce will
regularly assess the social service needs of the
community.
1.6 Resource Management
Element Policies
The Resource Management Element seeks to achieve
the following objectives:
● To preserve those resources and amenities that
enhance Commerce’s living and working
environment;
Many of the homes in the city date from the
1950’ s and 1950’ s. These homes are in the
Bandini- Rosini neighborhood.
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● To promote the conservation of important
natural resources as a means to provide a more
livable and sustainable community;
● To promote the maintenance and enhancement
of recreational opportunities for those living
and working in the city; and,
● To foster a better understanding of the city’s
history and heritage.
1.6.1 Management of Non- Renewable
Resources
The city and the surrounding area were developed
many decades prior to incorporation. As a result, the
city’s early development and the exploitation of
natural resources were not guided or governed by
local decision- making. The following policies focus
on those remaining “ natural resources” that will
continue to be critical to the city’s economic well
being and the health of its residents.
● Resource Management Policy 1.1. The city of
Commerce will do its part in the conservation
and protection of air, water, energy, and land in
the Southern California region.
● Resource Management Policy 1.2. The city of
Commerce will cooperate, to the degree
necessary, with federal, state, and county
agencies, and surrounding cities, in the
maintenance and improvement in the quality of
local groundwater.
● Resource Management Policy 1.3. The city of
Commerce will work with the Los Angeles
County Sanitation District and other government
agencies to ensure that the Commerce Refuse to
Energy plant operates in a manner that protects
the region’s air resources.
● Resource Management Policy 1.4. The city of
Commerce will encourage the conservation of
water resources in residential, commercial, and
industrial developments through the use of
drought- tolerant plant materials and water-saving
irrigation systems.
● Resource Management Policy 1.5. The city of
Commerce will encourage the development of
appropriate federal, state, county, and local
water conservation measures in order to assure
future supplies for residents.
1.6.2 Cultural Resources
The city has a rich and varied history that predates
its incorporation by many decades. These historic
resources underscore the area’s contribution to the
development of Southern California. The following
policies will ensure that the city’s contribution to
the region’s history will be preserved for future
generations.
● Resource Management Policy 2.1. The city of
Commerce will strive to preserve the history of
the city and any historical places in the city,
such as the railroad station and the rubber trees
in the vicinity of Olympic and Goodrich
Boulevards.
● Resource Management Policy 2.2. The city of
Commerce will evaluate other potential
significant sites in the community, and will
continue to recognize the city’s cultural and
historical resources.
● Resource Management Policy 2.3. The city of
Commerce will document local historic sites and
promote the public’s awareness of these
resources.
● Resource Management Policy 2.4. The city of
Commerce will explore opportunities for the
development of a city museum and cultural
center.
1.6.3 Energy Resources
The city, as is true with the surrounding region, is
largely dependent upon energy resources that are
both finite and nonrenewable. The following
policies underscore the city’s commitment to
participating in those programs designed to promote
awareness and conservation of nonrenewable
resources.
● Resource Management Policy 3.1. The city of
Commerce will assist local utility companies
with their public education energy conservation
programs.
● Resource Management Policy 3.2. The city of
Commerce will encourage public employees to
follow energy conservation procedures designed
to reduce energy consumption.
● Resource Management Policy 3.3. The city of
Commerce will contact appropriate State
agencies to determine whether or not the
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2020 General Plan
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depletion of oil resources in the Bandini oilfield
will create local ground subsidence problems.
● Resource Management Policy 3.4. The city of
Commerce will promote reduced energy
consumption by existing land uses within
Commerce.
● Resource Management Policy 3.5. The city of
Commerce will cooperate with the Department
of Building and Safety to enforce State energy
conservation guidelines that require the
incorporation of energy- saving designs and
features into new and refurbished buildings.
1.6.4 Open Space/ Plant Resources
Since the last general plan update, many new
developments have been constructed in the city, and
these new developments have contributed to a
“ greening” of the city. Broad attractive parkways
and abundant landscaping within new development
projects will be continued with the implementation
of the underlying policies.
● Resource Management Policy 4.1. The city of
Commerce will encourage the preservation of
the existing plant resources in the city.
● Resource Management Policy 4.2. The city of
Commerce will explore code enforcement
measures to ensure that landscaping is well
maintained.
● Resource Management Policy 4.3. The city of
Commerce will implement a definitive street
tree program that, at a minimum, calls for
landscaping along major rights- of- way and
within industrial and commercial developments.
● Resource Management Policy 4.4. The city of
Commerce will review existing landscaping
standards for public and private developments
so as to increase the green space throughout the
city.
● Resource Management Policy 4.5. The city of
Commerce will require that at least five percent
of the site area of all new commercial and
industrial developments be landscaped.
1.6.5 Park Resources
Because of the city’s largely industrial character,
past civic leaders have stressed the need for more
parkland and recreational facilities as a means to
provide amenities for those living and working in the
city. The following policies promote the continued
maintenance and expansion of recreational facilities
in order to provide an outlet for future generations
that will choose to live or work in the city.
● Resource Management Policy 5.1. The city of
Commerce will maintain the existing park and
recreational facilities to the extent that they
can continue to provide residents with the best
possible recreational opportunities.
● Resource Management Policy 5.2. The city of
Commerce will strive to create more “ green
space” and recreational facilities that will
accommodate skateboarding, roller hockey, and
field soccer programming.
● Resource Management Policy 5.3. The city of
Commerce will continue to upgrade existing
facilities to improve park appearance and
utility.
● Resource Management Policy 5.4. The city of
Commerce will expand Veteran’s Park and
Bristow Park to include such facilities as soccer
fields and basketball courts.
● Resource Management Policy 5.5. The city of
Commerce will evaluate the feasibility of
developing tot lots and pocket parks in the
city’s residential neighborhoods.
● Resource Management Policy 5.6. The city of
Commerce will improve and expand the
recreational facilities at Camp Commerce.
Four libraries are located in Commerce with each
of the major neighborhoods served by a library.
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● Resource Management Policy 5.7. The city of
Commerce will continue to assess the
recreational program needs of the city’s
residents, and establish guidelines to respond to
those needs.
● Resource Management Policy 5.8. The city of
Commerce will develop a quarterly recreation
program report.
● Resource Management Policy 5.9. The city of
Commerce will continue to identify the
maintenance requirements of the park and
recreational facilities in the city’s capital
improvement program.
● Resource Management Policy 5.10. The city of
Commerce will encourage citizen involvement
and participation in the planning of park
improvements.
● Resource Management Policy 5.11. The city of
Commerce will identify new funding sources to
provide recreational improvements and services
in the city.
● Resource Management Policy 5.12. The city of
Commerce will include the replacement and/ or
remodeling of the restroom and snack bar
facilities in Bristow Park in the capital
improvement program list.
1.6.6 Environmental Justice
The city will continue to ensure that its local
resources, both man- made and natural, are not
adversely impacted by development. This will ensure
that these resources are preserved for the use and
enjoyment of future generations.
● Resource Management Policy 6.1. The city of
Commerce will strive to ensure that park and
open space is preserved and maintained for the
use of existing and future residents of the city.
● Resource Management Policy 6.2. The city of
Commerce will ensure that future public works
projects in the region do not significantly
adversely impact the community and its
residents.
● Resource Management Policy 6.3. The city of
Commerce will continue to monitor
development efforts that could affect the
resources that are of importance to the
community.
1.7 Health & Safety Element
Policies
The objectives of this element, and the policies and
programs contained herein, seek to accomplish the
following:
● To minimize the loss of life and damage to
property, resulting from an earthquake;
● To ensure that the city is prepared to respond to
emergencies produced by a variety of hazards;
● To reduce the threat of fire upon human life and
structures in the city;
● To recognize and mitigate the effects of
flooding upon human life and structures in the
city;
● To ensure that hazardous wastes are properly
collected, transported, and disposed of;
● To establish criteria and enforce standards to
control noise levels from both mobile and
stationary sources as a means to minimize
excessive noise exposure to city residents; and,
● To ensure that land uses and development do
not negatively impact the natural environment
of the city.
1.7.1 Emergency Services: Fire
The city has maintained a contract with the Fire
Department since incorporation. The Department
currently operates three stations in the city, and the
fire protection rating overall is very good. The city,
through the following policies, remains committed to
the Fire Department’s on- going prevention and
inspection programs, and the continued maintenance
of the high standards related to emergency
response.
● Safety Policy 1.1. The city of Commerce will
strive to respond to all in- city emergency
incidents within a five- minute or less response
time.
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● Safety Policy 1.2. The city of Commerce will
continue to support the efforts of the fire
department in the prevention and suppression of
fires.
● Safety Policy 1.3. The city of Commerce will
ensure that the public and private water
distribution and supply facilities have adequate
capacity to meet both the domestic supply
needs of the community and the required fire
flow.
● Safety Policy 1.4. The city of Commerce will
encourage city water purveyors to meet
regularly with Fire Department officials to
discuss the condition and capabilities of the
city’s water system.
● Safety Policy 1.5. The city of Commerce will
ensure that all street signs shall be clearly
marked and visible to all emergency personnel.
● Safety Policy 1.6. The city of Commerce will
ensure that the Fire Department will be
included in the environmental review of any
large development to ensure that fire
prevention and suppression features have been
considered in the overall design.
● Safety Policy 1.7. The city of Commerce will
ensure that structures identified as being
deficient in fire protection or suppression
devices will be required to make the
recommended improvements in a timeframe
established by the Fire Department.
● Safety Policy 1.8. The city of Commerce will
ensure that the Fire Department will be
provided by those facilities that are deemed
necessary to enable it to provide services at
levels desirable to both the city and the county.
1.7.2 Emergency Services: Law
Enforcement
The city has also utilized the services of the Los
Angeles County Sheriff’s Department since
incorporation. The Sheriff’s Department maintains
one substations in the city. In addition, the Sheriff’s
Department is able to draw on its extensive
resources at the East Los Angeles Station, should the
need arise. As indicated in the following policies,
the city remains committed to the support of those
services provided by the Sheriff’s Department.
● Safety Policy 2.1. The city of Commerce will
ensure that law enforcement services continue
to meet the public safety needs of the
community.
● Safety Policy 2.2. The city of Commerce will
encourage the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s
Department and Commerce safety specialists to
develop better people skills with our residents,
such as “ Wave - Smile - Say Hello,” and the
ongoing evaluation of law enforcement services
will continue to be implemented.
● Safety Policy 2.3. The city of Commerce will
continue to work with the Los Angeles County
Sheriff’s Department to suppress gang activity in
the city.
● Safety Policy 2.4. The city of Commerce will
require defensible space designs in all new
developments.
● Safety Policy 2.5. The city of Commerce will
encourage existing developments to practice
crime prevention by providing outdoor lighting,
maintaining low- level landscaping, and
supplying private on- site security patrols or
security systems.
This subdivision was constructed on a property
that was previously occupied by an industrial use.
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1.7.3 Emergency Services:
Infrastructure
Following an earthquake, or any other disaster, the
ability of the infrastructure to accommodate post-disaster
demand is critical. The city has been able
to implement a long- range program designed to
upgrade its critical infrastructure. These efforts will
be continued with the adoption and implementation
of the following policies.
● Safety Policy 3.1. The city of Commerce will
continue to cooperate with the efforts of other
agencies and special districts involved in
monitoring the city’s water and sewer systems.
● Safety Policy 3.2. The city of Commerce will
contribute toward the maintenance of a
wastewater treatment system sufficient to
protect the health and safety of all residents
and businesses.
● Safety Policy 3.3. The city of Commerce will
continue to request local water purveyors to
provide the city with periodic reports
concerning water quality.
1.7.4 Natural & Manmade Hazards
The city’s historic development predated many of
the regulations that were enacted in the 1970s
continuing up to the present time. Many of the
materials used in construction, and the byproducts
of industry used prior to 1960, are now known to be
unhealthful. Through redevelopment, the
implementation of inspection programs, and the
rigorous application of the California Environmental
Quality Act, the city has significantly reduced the
community’s risk of exposure to potential hazardous
substances. These programs, and others, will be
continued as part of the implementation of the
following policies.
● Safety Policy4.1. The city of Commerce will
ensure that appropriate mitigation measures
relative to soil contamination and soils
characteristics ( subsidence, erosion, etc.) are
required for development and redevelopment in
order to reduce hazards.
● Safety Policy 4.2. The city of Commerce will
work with other agencies to reduce the
potential flood hazard in the city.
● Safety Policy 4.3. The city of Commerce will
work with the Los Angeles County Department of
Building and Safety to identify and monitor
those buildings that may represent a risk in the
event of a major earthquake.
● Safety Policy 4.4. The city of Commerce will
work with Federal, State, and County agencies,
as well as the Industrial Council, to protect all
city residents and workers from hazardous
materials and the risks associated with the
transportation of these materials.
● Safety Policy 4.5. The city of Commerce will
work with the Fire Department to enforce “ right
to know” laws.
● Safety Policy 4.6. The city of Commerce will
maintain a city liaison officer who will continue
to work with the Fire Department to monitor
the production, use, and storage of hazardous
materials.
● Safety Policy 4.7. The city of Commerce will
establish an environmental review procedure
that will assess the impact of new potentially
hazardous industrial uses on adjacent residential
neighborhoods.
● Safety Policy 4.8. The city of Commerce will
work with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s
Department to enforce the use of the hazardous
materials transport routes identified in the
Public Safety Element.
● Safety Policy 4.9. The city of Commerce will
encourage the proper disposal of hazardous
waste materials produced, used, and stored
within the city’s limits.
1.7.5 Emergency Preparedness
Since the adoption of the last general plan, two
major damaging earthquakes have affected
Commerce and the surrounding region. In the event
of a major earthquake, post- disaster recovery efforts
will largely be limited to those resources available at
the local level during the first 24 to 48 hours
following an earthquake. As a result, emergency
preparedness is critical to a timely and
comprehensive post- disaster response. The
following policies underscore the city’s commitment
in doing its part to prepare the community for a
major earthquake and other potential emergencies.
● Safety Policy 5.1. The city of Commerce will
continue to support the efforts of public safety
officials to educate the public in preparing for a
major and destructive earthquake.
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● Safety Policy 5.2. The city of Commerce will
continually update the emergency preparedness
plan to respond to changing needs.
● Safety Policy 5.3. The city of Commerce will
prepare a mini- emergency preparedness plan
that may be distributed to households and
businesses in the community, and will delineate
evacuation routes, emergency response
procedures, and other items as deemed
necessary. ( This plan must include the cable
system as a source of emergency information on
an ongoing basis as these emergencies occur.
Emergency information should be monitored and
either changed or modified once it becomes
obsolete or impractical.)
● Safety Policy 5.4. The city of Commerce will
encourage city leaders and those persons living
or working in the city to be trained as
emergency response personnel.
1.7.6 Noise Control Measures
Noise levels may be significantly reduced by
employing relatively simple design measures, such as
the use of sound walls, extra insulation, double-paned
windows, etc. The following policies
underscore the city’s continued efforts to control
noise exposure through land use planning and
building design.
● Safety Policy 6.1. The city of Commerce will
ensure that residents are protected from
harmful and irritating noise sources to the
greatest extent possible.
● Safety Policy 6.2. The city of Commerce will
work with businesses in the city and other public
agencies to identify ways to reduce noise
impacts throughout the city.
● Safety Policy 6.3. The city of Commerce will
continue to enforce the existing city’s noise
control ordinance.
● Safety Policy 6.4. The city of Commerce will
incorporate noise considerations into land use
planning decisions.
● Safety Policy 6.5. The city of Commerce will
prohibit noise- intensive land uses adjacent to or
near residential areas, schools, convalescent
homes, and other noise- sensitive receptors.
● Safety Policy 6.6. The city of Commerce will
encourage acoustical design in all new
construction.
● Safety Policy 6.7. The city of Commerce will
require additional landscaping in industrial and
commercial projects to help reduce noise
impacts through increased setbacks.
● Safety Policy 6.8. The city of Commerce will
evaluate and implement measures to control
stationary non- transportation noise impacts.
● Safety Policy 6.9. The city of Commerce will
continue to use the Sheriff’s Department or
expand the responsibility of the city’s Code
Enforcement Division to monitor and respond to
noise complaints.
● Safety Policy 6.10. The city of Commerce will
establish and maintain coordination among the
city agencies involved in noise abatement.
1.7.7 Noise Control from Mobile
Sources
As indicated in the previous section, the city’s
location near the regional freeway network, the
presence of major roadways that carry large volumes
of truck traffic, and the numerous railroad facilities
in the city, have all contributed to a relatively noisy
environment. The following policies underscore the
city’s continued efforts to control noise exposure
through design measures that will be effective in
reducing the effects of transportation- related noise.
The Santa Ana Freeway is located on the other
side of the sound wall shown in this photograph.
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● Safety Policy 7.1. The city of Commerce will
strive to reduce railroad noise impacts in the
vicinity of Astor Avenue.
● Safety Policy 7.2. The city of Commerce will
work with Union Pacific Railroad to reduce noise
impacts from railroad operations in the vicinity
of Washington Boulevard.
● Safety Policy 7.3. The city of Commerce will
provide for measures to reduce noise impacts
from transportation- related noise sources.
● Safety Policy 7.4. The city of Commerce will
evaluate the feasibility of constructing sound
barriers to mitigate transportation- related noise
from railroads and the freeways.
● Safety Policy 7.5. The city of Commerce,
together with the railroads, will consider the
feasibility of constructing sound walls wherever
residential uses abut railroad rights- of- way.
● Safety Policy 7.6. The city of Commerce will
ensure the inclusion of noise mitigation
measures in the design of new roadway
projects.
● Safety Policy 7.7. The city of Commerce will
mitigate potential impacts for future helicopter
operations by restricting residential uses in the
vicinity of the heliports.
● Safety Policy 7.8. The city of Commerce will
mitigate noise impacts related to truck loading
and unloading ( including garbage trucks) by
requiring trash pick- up to be changed to
daytime periods.
1.7.8 Environmental Justice
The following policies underscore the city’s
continued commitment to identifying strategies that
will improve the community’s overall safety. The
policies contained in this section promote education
and prevention as a means to address a number of
safety- related issues.
● Safety Policy 8.1. The city of Commerce will
work to minimize hazards to public health,
safety, and welfare, and prevent loss of life,
bodily injury, and property damage resulting
from natural and manmade phenomena.
● Safety Policy 8.2. The city of Commerce will
provide public safety information focusing on
the prevention of accidents that may be life-threatening
or result in property damage.
● Safety Policy 8.3. The city of Commerce will
continue to provide adequate levels of
emergency services to meet existing and
projected demand through the maintenance of
contracts with emergency service providers.
● Safety Policy 8.4. The city of Commerce will
continue to encourage coordination among city
officials, and between the city and other
agencies, that provides disaster response and
relief services.
● Safety Policy 8.5. The city of Commerce will
cooperate with, and support in every way
possible, the federal, state, and county agencies
responsible for the enforcement of health,
safety, and environmental laws.
1.8 Air Quality Element Policies
The city seeks to accomplish the following through
the element’s implementation:
● The reduction of stationary and point source
emissions the city.
● The implementation of existing regulations
governing emissions from mobile sources,
including diesel emissions from trains and large
trucks.
● The implementation of programs and strategies
that will be effective in reducing both
stationary and mobile emissions.
1.8.1 Land Use Planning to Protect
Sensitive Receptors
As indicated previously, a significant challenge has
been to identify strategies to enable industrial
activities and businesses to coexist with homes. A
major consideration is how stationary emissions from
these businesses can be mitigated so they do not
impact sensitive receptors.
● Air Quality Policy 1.1. The city of Commerce
will consider environmental justice issues as
they are related to potential health impacts
associated with air pollution and ensure that
all land use decisions, including enforcement
actions, are made in an equitable fashion to
protect residents, regardless of age, culture,
ethnicity, gender, race, socioeconomic status,
City of Commerce
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City of Commerce General Plan ● Adopted January 2008
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or geographic location from the health effects
of air pollution.
● Air Quality Policy 1.2. The city of Commerce
will encourage the applicants for sensitive land
uses ( e. g., residences, schools, daycare
centers, playgrounds and medical facilities) to
incorporate design features ( e. g., pollution
prevention, pollution reduction, barriers,
landscaping, ventilation systems, or other
measures) in the planning process to minimize
the potential impacts of air pollution on
sensitive receptors.
● Air Quality Policy 1.3. The city of Commerce
will promote and support mixed- use land
patterns that allow the integration of retail,
office, institutional and residential uses.
Consult with the AQMD when siting new
facilities with dust, odors or TAC emissions to
avoid siting those facilities near sensitive
receptors and avoid siting sensitive receptors
near sources of air pollution.
● Air Quality Policy 1.4. The city of Commerce
will facilitate communication among residents,
businesses and the AQMD to quickly resolve air
pollution nuisance complaints. Distribute
information to advise residents on how to
register a complaint with the SCAQMD.
● Air Quality Policy 1.5. The city of Commerce
will require that owners of new developments
that have the potential to emit air pollutants
that would impact sensitive receptors to notify
residents and businesses adjacent to the
proposed site prior to starting construction.
● Air Quality Policy 1.6. The city of Commerce
will consider all feasible alternatives to
minimize emissions from diesel equipment
( e. g., trucks, construction equipment, and
generators).
● Air Quality Policy 1.7. The city of Commerce
will actively participate in decisions on the
siting or expansion of facilities or land uses
( e. g. freeway expansions), to ensure the
inclusion of air quality.
1.8.2 Reducing Mobile Emissions
Mobile emissions are a dominant source of airborne
emissions in the area. A reduction in the number of
miles traveled by cars and trucks will have a
corresponding beneficial effect of improved air
quality. The following policies underscore the city’s
commitment in the reduction of vehicle miles
traveled ( VMTs).
● Air Quality Policy 2.1. The city of Commerce
will require that developers of high density and
mixed- use developments consult with the
local transit agency and incorporate all
appropriate and feasible transit amenities
into the plans.
● Air Quality Policy 2.2. The city of Commerce
will establish a Mixed- Use Zoning District that
offers incentives to mixed- use developments.
The Mixed- Use designation that is applicable
to the Atlantic Boulevard corridor implements
this policy.
● Air Quality Policy 2.3. The city of Commerce
will adopt and implement codes that
encourage community centers, telecommuting
programs, and home- based businesses.
● Air Quality Policy 2.4. The city of Commerce
will create opportunities to receive State
transportation funds by adopting incentives
( e. g., an expedited review process) for
planning and implementing infill development
projects within urbanized areas that include
job centers and clean transportation nodes
( e. g., preparation of " transit village" plans).
● Air Quality Policy 2.5. The city of Commerce
will collaborate with local, regional, state and
federal agencies to create incentives for
" job/ housing opportunity zones," to promote
housing in job- rich areas and jobs in housing-rich
areas. The Housing Opportunity areas
identified in the Community Development
Element are consistent with this policy.
● Air Quality Policy 2.6. The city of Commerce
will design safe and efficient vehicle access to
commercial land uses from arterial streets to
ensure efficient vehicular ingress and egress.
● Air Quality Policy 2.7. The city of
Commerce will promote mass transit
ridership through careful planning of
routes, headways, origins and destinations,
and types of vehicles
● Air Quality Policy 2.8. The city of Commerce
will seek new cooperative relationships
between employers and employees to reduce
vehicle miles traveled ( VMT).
● Air Quality Policy 2.9. The city of Commerce
will work with large employers and
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commercial/ industrial complexes to create
Transportation Management Associations and to
implement trip/ VMT action strategies.
● Air Quality Policy 2.10. The city of Commerce
will cooperate with surrounding jurisdictions to
provide incentives, adopt regulations and
develop transportation demand management
programs educe and eliminate vehicle trips and
VMT.
● Air Quality Policy 2.11. The city of Commerce
will collaborate with local transit agencies to
develop programs and educate employers
about employee rideshare and transit.
● Air Quality Policy 2.12. The city of Commerce
will Identify and develop non- motorized
transportation corridors ( e. g., bicycling and
pedestrian trails and lanes).
● Air Quality Policy 2.13. The city of Commerce
will establish requirements for special event
centers to provide off- site parking and park- n-ride
facilities at remote locations. Remote
parking should be as close as practicable to
the event site and the operator should
operate or provide alternative- fuel vehicles
for shuttles.*
● Air Quality Policy 2.14. The city of Commerce
will encourage special event center operators
to provide discounted transit passes with
event tickets or offer discounted on- site
parking for carpooling patrons ( four or more
persons per vehicle).
1.8.3 Alternative Fuels
A cornerstone of the state and local clean air
strategy involves the development and use of
alternative fuels. Towards this end, the city
supports these efforts through the following policies.
● Air Quality Policy 3.1. The city of Commerce
will manage the city's transportation fleet
fueling standards to achieve the greatest
number of alternative fuel vehicles in the city
fleet.
● Air Quality Policy 3.2. The city of Commerce
will support the development of alternative
fuel infrastructure that is publicly accessible.
● Air Quality Policy 3.3. The city of Commerce
will establish programs for priority or free
parking on city streets or in city parking lots
for alternative fuel vehicles.
● Air Quality Policy 3.4. The city of Commerce
will cooperate with federal and state agencies
and the AQMD in their efforts to reduce
exposure from railroad and truck emissions.
● Air Quality Policy 3.5. The city of Commerce
will collaborate with the USEPA, CARIB, AQMD,
and warehouse owners to create programs and
ordinances to minimize the amount of diesel
emissions related to warehousing operations.
● Air Quality Policy 3.6. The city of Commerce
will manage the city's transportation fleet
fueling standards to achieve the greatest
number of alternative fuel vehicles in the city
fleet.
● Air Quality Policy 3.7. The city of Commerce
will support the development of alternative
fuel infrastructure that is publicly accessible.
1.8.4 Transportation System
Management Planning
As indicated previously, a major contributor to air
pollution in the city and region are vehicle
emissions. The policies in this section focus on
measures that will lessen traffic congestion thus
leading to a reduction in overall emissions.
● Air Quality Policy 4.1. The city of Commerce
will synchronize traffic signals throughout the
city and with adjoining cities and counties
The Santa Ana Freeway, shown in this view,
traverses the city in an east- to- west orientation.
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while allowing free flow of mass transit
systems.
● Air Quality Policy 4.2. The city of Commerce
will reduce traffic delays through highway
maintenance, rapid emergency response,
debris removal, and elimination of at- grade
railroad crossings.
● Air Quality Policy 4.3. The city of Commerce
will encourage businesses to schedule
deliveries at off- peak traffic periods through
the land use entitlement or business regulation
process.
● Air Quality Policy 4.4. The city of Commerce
will encourage the construction of HOV lanes
whenever necessary to relieve congestion and
reduce air pollution. Emphasize the use of HOV
lanes, as well as light rail and bus routes, and
pedestrian and bicycle facilities to improve
mobility and air quality.
● Air Quality Policy 4.5 The city of Commerce
will monitor traffic and congestion to
determine when and where the city needs new
transportation facilities to achieve increased
mobility efficiency.
● Air Quality Policy 4.6. The city of Commerce
will work with local transit providers to
incorporate best design practices for transit
into new development projects.
● Air Quality Policy 4.7. The city of Commerce
will continue to implement the required
components of the Congestion Management
Plan ( CMP), and continue to work with Los
Angeles County on annual updates to the CMP.
● Air Quality Policy 4.8. The city of Commerce
will support SCAG's Regional Growth
Management Plan by developing
intergovernmental agreements with
appropriate governmental entities such as the
Gateway Cities, sanitation districts, water
districts, and those sub- regional entities
identified in the Regional Growth Management
Plan.
1.8.5 Environmental Justice
The policies included in this section are designed to
be consistent with those included the SCAQMD's
Environmental Justice program. The objective of
SCAQMD and city policies is to underscore the notion
that every person has the right to equal protection
from air pollution and fair access to the decision-making
process that works to improve the quality of
air within their communities. Environmental Justice
has been defined by SCAQMD as: "... equitable
environmental policymaking and enforcement to
protect the health of all residents, regardless of age,
culture, ethnicity, gender, race, socioeconomic
status, or geographic location, from the health
effects of air pollution." The following policies
indicate the city’s continued commitment to ongoing
programs.
● Air Quality Policy 5.1. The city of Commerce
will ensure that all future public facilities and
improvements do not have a significant adverse
air quality impact on the community and that
any such impacts must be mitigated to the
fullest extent possible.
● Air Quality Policy 5.2. The city of Commerce
will oppose the over- concentration of polluting
public facilities and improvements.
● Air Quality Policy 5.3. The city of Commerce
will take a proactive role in meeting with
regional planning agencies to ensure that the
local community’s voice is heard in air quality
issues.
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Section 2 ● Introduction
City of Commerce
2020 General Plan
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2.1 Scope & Purpose of the
General Plan
This city of Commerce 2020 General Plan ( the
general glan) serves as the blueprint for the planning
and development in the city. This general plan
indicates the community’s vision for the future
through policies and plans that will shape the city’s
physical development. Public and private decision-makers
will refer to this general plan to identify the
needs and desires of the community in the coming
years.
This general plan is the third update since the city’s
incorporation in the early 1960s and builds upon a
tradition of comprehensive planning that has
spanned four decades since the city’s incorporation.
This general plan acknowledges the city’s previous
planning efforts, the established land use patterns,
and adopted development policy. However, this
general plan is unique in a number of respects:
● This general plan will guide the city’s
development as the 21st century progresses,
which promises new opportunities as well as
unforeseen challenges.
● The city is a key employment and commercial
center in the Los Angeles region, a trend that
will be continued through the implementation of
this general plan.
● Commerce has emerged as a desirable place to
both live and work and this general plan builds
upon previous efforts designed to accommodate
the growing number of families that have, or
will choose, to make the city their home.
● The community has indicated a need to protect
the livability of their community, embracing the
concept of environmental justice to ensure their
rights are considered in future planning and
development decisions.
State law requires that every city and county to
prepare and adopt a comprehensive general plan to
serve as a guide for development. Planning case law
has placed the general plan atop the hierarchy of
local government laws that regulate land use and
development. Consequently, state planning law
mandates consistency between the general plan and
all other land use plans. The zoning ordinance,
specific plans, redevelopment plans, and individual
development proposals must all be consistent with
the policies, plans, and standards contained in the
general plan.
The citizens of the city of Commerce have played an
active and important role in the development and
evolution of the general plan over the years. For
this general plan, two community working groups
were formed to assist in the formulation of policies
and programs. These groups met over a regular
period during the critical stages of the general plan’s
development. In addition, community workshops
were held to review the findings and
recommendations of the working groups.
2.2 Organization of the General
Plan
This city of Commerce General Plan consists of an
integrated and internally consistent set of policies
and programs that address the seven issue areas that
the state requires local general plans to consider.
These seven issue areas include land use,
circulation, housing, noise, safety, conservation, and
open space. In addition, this general plan addresses
other issues of concern to the community, including
economic development, urban design, air quality,
and recreation.
This general plan consists of seven elements that
comply with the requirements of California
Government Code Section 65300, et. seq and include
the following:
● The Community Development Element
designates the general distribution and intensity
of land use and development within the land
area governed by the general plan. This element
complies with the state requirements for a land
use element.
● The Transportation Element identifies the
location and extent of existing and proposed
streets and roadways, intersection
improvements, public transit facilities,
railroads, transportation terminals, and other
transportation facilities. This element complies
Long Range Planning in the City
The City last updated its General Plan during the
mid- 1980s, with adoption taking place in September
1987. A study completed in 1995 indicated that
more than 95% of the General Plan’s policies had
been implemented. The 1987 General Plan
envisioned the development of the Citadel, the
Mixmaster project, the restoration of the train
station, new housing development, and the creation
of several new redevelopment projects, all of which
are now reality.
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with the state requirements for a circulation
element.
● The Housing Element details plans and programs
for the rehabilitation of existing housing and the
development of new housing to accommodate
demand.
● The Resource Management Element indicates
the city's policies concerning the conservation
and preservation of important natural and man-made
resources. This element complies with
the state requirements for a conservation
element and an open space element. The scope
of this element has also been expanded to
consider issues with respect to parks and
recreation.
● The Safety Element identifies the city's policy
relative to the reduction and mitigation of
natural and manmade hazards as a means to
improve the safety of its citizens. This element
complies with the state requirements for both a
noise element and a safety element.
● The Air Quality Element details the programs
that will be effective in improving local air
quality through the enforcement of clean air
policies and regulations.
● The Implementation Element details the
programs that will be effective in ensuring that
the policies and plans contained in the general
plan are implemented.
Table 2- 1 indicates the relationship of those
elements that comprise the Commerce General Plan
with those required by the state.
Table 2- 1
Relationship of Commerce General Plan Elements and State Mandated Elements
Elements Required by the State of California
Commerce General Plan
Elements
Land Use
Element
Housing
Element
Circula- tion
Element
Open Space
Element
Conserva- tion
Element
Safety
Element
Noise
Element
Community Development n
Transportation n
Housing n
Resource Management n n
Health and Safety n n
Air Quality n n
Implementation n n n n n n n
Source: State of California General Plan Guidelines.
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The elements that comprise this general plan are
organized in the following manner:
● The Introduction to the Element section
provides an overview of the element's objectives
and key issues considered in the element and
discusses its relationship to the other elements.
● The Issues and Opportunities section provides an
overview of those issues, constraints, and
opportunities that are relevant to the element’s
scope.
● The Policies section describes the city's vision
for those issues considered in each element.
● The Programs section indicates those programs
and measures that will assist in the element’s
implementation.
● The Plan section outlines the strategy that will
be effective in guiding the implementation of
the element's policies.
Each element is both internally consistent, and
consistent with each other, so that the general plan
provides clear, consistent, and unified policy
direction.
Another important section of this general plan
includes the environmental impact report ( EIR). The
EIR provides a comprehensive inventory of existing
conditions, available resources, and constraints to
development. The EIR also contains the background
information required for the city's general plan and
provides information for the city to use in the
environmental review process. Because the EIR is
separate from the individual elements, updating the
technical information and studies will not require a
general plan amendment. Similarly, the
Implementation Element may be revised
independently of a general plan amendment. Over
time, policies and implementation strategies may
change.
2.3 Overview of Commerce
The planning area governed by this general plan
includes all of the land area included within the
corporate boundaries of the city of Commerce. The
city is located in the south central portion of Los
Angeles County, approximately six miles southeast of
downtown Los Angeles. Commerce is bounded by
the city of Montebello on the east, unincorporated
East Los Angeles on the north, the cities of Vernon,
Bell, and Maywood on the west, and the city of Bell
Gardens on the south. The city’s locations in a
regional and local context are shown in Exhibits 2- 1
and 2- 2, respectively.
Commerce is unique in that it serves as home to
approximately 13,000 persons, while at the same
time, every day over 60,000 persons work or
patronize businesses located in the city. While
industry accounts for more than 70% of the city’s
total land area, the majority of the city’s residential
neighborhoods were established well before
incorporation. The residential areas found within
the city, for the most part, are located in five
distinct neighborhoods separated from the industrial
areas by commercial districts or major circulation
corridors. The challenges that the city has faced in
the years following incorporation focused on how
industry can coexist near and among the residential
neighborhoods, and vice- versa. The Commerce
Community Development Commission has been very
active in the implementation of residential
relocation program that involved relocating
households from predominantly industrial districts to
residential neighborhoods. Through these efforts,
the Commission relocated households living in older
residences located in the midst of industrial areas to
new homes. The older, often substandard units
Organization of the General Plan...
General Plans prepared by local governments contain
a set of chapters, or elements, that address a wide
range of issues that are relevant to future land use
planning and development. All General Plans must
include a land use element, circulation element,
housing element, noise element, safety element,
conservation element, and open space element.
These “ elements” may be reorganized or expanded,
as long as the relevant issues are addressed.
In the past decade, many new industrial
developments have been constructed. These
buildings are located in the northeastern portion of
the city.
City of Commerce
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were then demolished and the land was then used
for industrial expansion. Over time, these and
similar programs have eliminated many of the land
use conflicts in the city. The city has aggressively
pursued a policy for upgrading substandard housing
and replacing dilapidated units. These programs will
continue to ensure that existing and future residents
of the city are provided safe, sound, and decent
housing. The city has also been active in promoting
the redevelopment of its aging and obsolete
industrial plants. Increased competition from
industries abroad has had a significant impact on
domestic industry, in general, and on the industrial
base in the city of Commerce and neighboring cities,
in particular. The city has met this challenge “ head-on”
with the construction of new modern business
parks. New challenges that may be encountered by
Commerce in the opening years of the 21st Century
will be perceived as opportunities rather than as
obstacles.
For planning purposes, Commerce has been divided
into nine planning areas, consistent with those
identified in the previous general plan. The
boundaries of the planning areas were delineated
using man- made features and land use
characteristics. The nine planning areas are shown in
Exhibit 2- 2 include:
● The Bandini- Rosini planning area is a residential
neighborhood.
● The Rosewood planning area is a residential
neighborhood.
● The Northwest planning area is largely
residential with some industrial uses.
● The Ferguson planning area is a mixed
residential neighborhood and industrial area.
● The Southeast planning area includes
residential, commercial, and industrial land
uses.
● The West Commerce Planning Area supports
industrial and transportation uses.
● The Atlantic/ Washington planning area consists
of commercial uses.
● Commerce Park planning area supports
commercial and industrial uses.
● The Town Center planning area is predominantly
developed in industrial uses.
2.4 Environmental Justice
The key focus of this general plan is to promote the
concept of environmental justice in the city and in
the surrounding communities. The concept of
environmental justice is grounded in the notion that
all persons, regardless of income, race, ethnicity, or
other social or physical characteristics, are equal
under the law. This equality also applies to
governmental decision- making concerning land use
and development. For example, landfills, freeways,
and other facilities were historically located in
communities where the residents and/ or working
population were largely disenfranchised from the
decision- making process.
To address the issue of environmental justice, the
state legislature has enacted a number of laws
beginning in the late 1990’ s and continuing through
the present. The California Governor’s Office of
Planning Research ( OPR) in 1999 was identified as
the primary agency responsible for identifying the
strategies for carrying out the Legislature’s
environmental justice policies. In 2001, Assembly
Bill 1553 was passed requiring OPR to amend the
state’s General Plan Guidelines to indicate the
manner in which environmental justice would be
addressed. The OPR, through its consideration of
environmental justice and the concept’s relationship
with local general plans, has broadly divided
environmental justice into two broad categories:
● Procedural Inequity. Procedural inequity is to
be addressed at the local level through public
participation and outreach as part of the city’s
decision- making process.
● Geographic Inequity. Geographic inequity is to
be addressed through the development of land
use policies that protect residential
neighborhoods and schools from the effects of
more intensive uses ( such as industry, freeway,
and railroads).
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Exhibit 2- 1
Regional Location of the City
City of Commerce
Exhibit 2- 2
Exhibit 2- 1
Regional Location
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Exhibit 2- 2
City Map and Planning Areas
City of Commerce
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Section 3 ● Land Use Element
City of Commerce
2020 General Plan
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3.1 Introduction to the Element
The Community Development Element serves as a
guide for land use and development within
Commerce. This element addresses a wide range of
issues regarding existing and future development,
land use compatibility, the development of new
infrastructure, economic development, and urban
design. In addition, this element indicates the
location and extent of development permitted
throughout the city, and identifies those areas
where existing uses will be maintained, as well as
those areas where new infill development will be
encouraged. The primary objective of the
Community Development Element is to assist in the
management of future growth, to improve the city's
physical appearance, and to minimize potential land
use conflicts. The scope and content of the
Community Development Element is governed by
state law ( Section 65302( a) of the Government
Code), which indicates the element must:
● Designate the distribution, location, and extent
of land uses for housing, business, industry,
open space, recreation, and public facilities;
● Establish standards for population density and
building intensity for each land use category
covered by the general plan; and,
● Indicate appropriate land uses in those areas
subject to development constraints, such as
flooding.
In addition to land use, this element’s scope has
been expanded to consider economic development
and urban design. These issues, together with land
use, constitute the planning and policy framework of
the Community Development Element. The policies
included in this element are consistent with the
policies contained within the other general plan
elements. For example, the Housing Element
contains policies for residential development that
are also considered in this element. The
Transportation Element provides for the
maintenance of a transportation network that will
support the ultimate land uses contemplated under
the land use plan. The Safety Element indicates
those hazards that will need to be considered in the
planning for future development in the city.
The Community Development Element consists of
the following sections:
● The Introduction to the Element provides an
overview of the element’s scope and content.
● The Issues and Opportunities discussion provides
an overview of those issues related to land use,
economic development, and urban design.
● The Community Development Policies indicate
those city policies related to land use, economic
development, and urban design. This section
also identifies those programs that will be
effective in implementing these policies.
● The Community Development Programs section
outlines the programs that will be effective in
the implementation of the policies contained in
this element.
● The Community Development Plan indicates the
location and extent of future development
permitted in the city, as well as standards for
development.
The Simons Brickyard
One of the first manufacturing ventures opened in
the City was the Simons Brickyard. Simons
Brickyard commenced operation in 1905, and
when it was opened, it was billed as one of the
largest such plants in the country. Bricks from
this plant were used for construction of the
Disney Studios, Royce Hall at UCLA, and the Santa
Ana Theater. The Simons Brickyard was located
in the northeast portion of the City.
The Purpose of This Element
According to the State’s planning laws, the
purpose of the land use element is to designate
“ the proposed general distribution and general
location and extent of uses of the land.” The law
goes on to state, “ the obvious meaning of the
term proposed is that the General Plan should
indicate the intended uses of the land rather than
the actual use, which may or may not be at odds
with the adopted land use policies and goals.”
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3.2 Issues & Opportunities
The city of Commerce contains numerous industrial
and commercial enterprises located in close
proximity to residential neighborhoods, resulting in
unique challenges. The land use policy herein
strives to achieve a balance between a livable
community and economic development. Key issues
and opportunities addressed in this element include
the following:
● The general nature, extent, and location of
land uses have actually changed very little
since the city incorporated in 1960. Commerce
was, and remains, predominantly industrial,
providing employment for tens of thousands of
persons living throughout the Los Angeles
region.
● Very little vacant land remains in the city.
Virtually all development in the future will
involve the recycling of land that was
previously occupied by older businesses or
homes. The Community Development
Commission continues to be active in
residential relocation programs that relocate
households from predominantly industrial
districts to residential neighborhoods.
● The potential for adverse land use conflicts has
been lessened through past planning efforts
that recognized the need to provide adequate
buffers between dissimilar uses. The
residential areas, for the most part, are
located in five distinct neighborhoods
separated from the industrial districts by
commercial districts or major roadways.
● The city has aggressively pursued a policy for
upgrading substandard housing and the
replacement of dilapidated units. These
programs will be continued to ensure that
existing and future Commerce residents live in
safe, sound, and quality housing.
● There are a number of properties in the city
that are underutilized and these areas may be
specifically targeted for future redevelopment
and revitalization efforts. The importance of
continuing efforts to upgrade commercial
districts will continue to be emphasized in
future planning and development efforts.
● Changes in construction techniques, as well as
innovations in manufacturing and production
methods, have resulted in plant operations that
do not require specialized facilities, as was the
case in previous years.
● Increased competition from abroad has had a
significant impact on domestic industry in
general, and on the industrial base of
Commerce and its neighbors in particular. The
city has been successful in encouraging the
recycling of its aged and obsolete industrial
plants to meet the needs of modern industry.
● In recent years, new and attractive industrial
and business parks have been constructed
throughout the city, and the ongoing housing
development and rehabilitation programs,
testify to the success of these past
redevelopment efforts.
● The commercial corridors along Atlantic
Boulevard and Washington Boulevard have been
upgraded, as has the Commerce Center, which
is located adjacent to Whittier Boulevard.
● The Citadel, with its distinctive facade, has
received national recognition as an example of
the commercial reuse of a site that was
previously occupied by an abandoned
manufacturing plant.
● Many of the city's industries produce and store
hazardous materials. The policies contained in
the Community Development Element, and
those included in other elements, call for
residential properties to be protected from the
hazards and health risks associated with
industrial development.
The city is home to a significant number of office
and corporate uses. This is an office building
located in the Citadel complex.
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3.3 Community Development
Policies
The following key land use, economic development,
and urban design objectives will be realized through
the implementation of the policies and programs
contained in the Community Development Element:
● The establishment of an orderly pattern of
development in the city;
● The provision of a variety of housing
opportunities;
● The development of a wide range of commercial
activities;
● The creation of a strong employment and
commercial base to finance public
improvements and services; and,
● The provision of adequate public services and
facilities.
To underscore the aforementioned objectives, the
policies included in the following sections of the
Community Development Element have been
adopted.
3.3.1 Issue: Land Use Compatibility
Policies
Through past planning efforts, the city has
successfully preserved and enhanced its
neighborhoods, while at the same time,
accommodated the rapidly- changing demands of
industry and commerce. The underlying policies
underscore the city’s commitment in continuing
these efforts.
● Community Development Policy 1.1. The city of
Commerce will continue to promote land use
compatibility.
● Community Development Policy 1.2. The city of
Commerce shall accelerate the implementation
of the city’s development code.
● Community Development Policy 1.3. The city of
Commerce will continue to implement specific
standards for new commercial developments
located adjacent to residential neighborhoods in
order to ensure that adequate buffers are
provided so that negative impacts such as noise,
light pollution, truck use, and traffic may be
mitigated.
● Community Development Policy 1.4. The city of
Commerce shall prevent the further intrusion of
industrial and commercial development into the
Bandini- Rosini, Northwest, Rosewood, and
Southeast Planning Areas.
● Community Development Policy 1.5. The city of
Commerce will prevent the further intrusion of
residential dwelling uses into the existing
industrial and commercial districts in the city.
● Community Development Policy 1.6. The city of
Commerce will ensure that commercial and
industrial development provide sufficient
landscaped buffers and other design features to
separate new non- residential uses located in
areas adjacent to existing residential
neighborhoods.
● Community Development Policy 1.7. The city of
Commerce will promote site plans for new
development located in the vicinity of
Washington Boulevard that encourages primary
access from Washington Boulevard for those
businesses located along the roadway ( as
opposed to the use of alleyways).
● Community Development Policy 1.8. The city of
Commerce, in conjunction with the South Coast
Air Quality Management District, the
Environmental Protection Agency, the Los
Angeles County Fire Department, and other
public agencies, will work to reduce potential
hazards and health risks associated with the
use, storage, or manufacture of hazardous
materials.
Preserving Historically Significant Resources
The Citadel development has received national
recognition as to how historically significant resources
may be preserved through incorporating key historic
elements into the design of new development.
Morgans, Walls, and Clements, a prestigious Los
Angeles architectural firm, designed the unique
structure to house the manufacturing plant for the
Samson Tire Company ( later Uniroyal). The majority of
the nation’s tires were produced in the City and
surrounding area prior to World War II. The current
Citadel development was envisioned in the City’s
previous General Plan, and opened for business in the
early 1990s.
City of Commerce
2020 General Plan
City of Commerce General Plan ● Adopted January 2008
Page 37
3.3.2 Issue: Commercial Development
Policies
While Commerce is home to approximately 13,000
persons, it remains an important contributor to the
region’s employment and economic base. The city’s
central location within the greater Los Angeles
metropolitan area, its ideal location in relation to
the region’s network of freeways, and its continued
commitment to commercial development as
underscored in the following policies, ensure the
city’s continued place in the forefront of the
Southern California economy.
● Community Development Policy 2.1. The city of
Commerce will continue to promote the
development of a quality retail and commercial
entertainment district in the vicinity of
Telegraph Road, north of the Santa Ana
Freeway.
● Community Development Policy 2.2. The city of
Commerce will encourage and promote the
development of quality restaurants in the city to
serve residents and visitors alike, and
discourage the further proliferation of fast- food
restaurants in the city.
● Community Development Policy 2.3. The city of
Commerce will promote the development of
larger, more efficient, commercial retail
shopping centers as opposed to smaller “ strip
commercial” centers.
● Community Development Policy 2.4. The city of
Commerce will continue to preserve and
promote the improvement of the existing
commercial areas, including the Commerce
Center, the Telegraph Road/ Washington
Boulevard area, the Atlantic/ Washington
Redevelopment Project Area, the Commerce
Business Park, and the commercial properties
located along Slauson Avenue.
● Community Development Policy 2.5. The city of
Commerce will explore the feasibility of
constructing a supermarket to serve those
portions of the city south of the Santa Ana
Freeway.
● Community Development Policy 2.6. The city of
Commerce will strive to improve security within
existing and future shopping districts located in
the city.
● Community Development Policy 2.7. The city of
Commerce will continue to actively pursue the
goals and objectives of the Atlantic/ Washington
Redevelopment Project Area.
● Community Development Policy 2.8. The city of
Commerce will continue to encourage the
development of a high- intensity, highly visible
commercial corridor consisting of offices,
hotels, and retail and entertainment uses along
Telegraph Road, extending from Hoefner Avenue
to Vail Avenue.
● Community Development Policy 2.9. The city of
Commerce will continue to promote the
improvement of the Washington Boulevard
corridor between the Santa Ana and Long Beach
Freeways.
● Community Development Policy 2.10. The city
of Commerce will continue to provide safe,
convenient pedestrian linkages across and along
streets containing strip commercial businesses.
3.3.3 Issue: Industrial Development
Policies
As indicated previously, industry has been, and will
continue to be, the preeminent land use in
Commerce, and will serve as a cornerstone in the
city’s continued vitality. The city, in conjunction
with the nearby industrial districts in neighboring Los
Angeles and Vernon, represent one of the largest
concentrations of industrial development in the
country. The following policies assure the
maintenance and preservation of the city’s industrial
base.
One of the city’s commercial areas extends along
Atlantic Avenue.
City of Commerce
2020 General Plan
City of Commerce General Plan ● Adopted January 2008
Page 38
● Community Development Policy 3.1. The city of
Commerce will continue to promote the
maintenance and preservation of industrial
activities and business that contribute to the
city’s economic and employment base.
● Community Development Policy 3.2. The city of
Commerce will prevent the intrusion of
residential uses within the industrial and
commercial districts.
● Community Development Policy 3.3. The city of
Commerce will encourage the continued
revitalization of the city’s industrial districts to
accommodate economic development and
growth.
● Community Development Policy 3.4. The city of
Commerce will promote the development of
modern and attractive business parks that will
enhance the city’s economic well- being.
3.3.4 Issue: Entertainment Uses
Policies
One of the significant trends nationwide is the
increasing amount of time families devote to
recreational activities. Through the following
policies, the city intends to promote the
development of a state- of- the- art family
entertainment complex to accommodate the
demand for leisure and recreational opportunities.
● Ccommunity Development Policy 4.1. The city
of Commerce will explore the feasibility of
developing an area devoted to active family
recreation.
● Community Development Policy 4.2. The city of
Commerce will promote the development of
commercial enterprises that provide family
entertainment.
● Community Development Policy 4.3. The city of
Commerce will continue to promote the
development of the Citadel and neighboring
areas as a focal point for family entertainment.
3.3.5 Issue: Residential Development
Policies
The residential neighborhoods found in Commerce
will continue to be a central element in the city’s
land use planning. Hundreds of new homes have
been added to the city’s inventory over the past two
decades. The following policies emphasize the city’s
continued commitment to the people who have
chosen Commerce as a place to call home.
● Community Development Policy 5.1. The city of
Commerce will promote the development of
new housing for all income groups.
● Community Development Policy 5.2. The city of
Commerce will continue to explore new
opportunities for housing and services to meet
the needs of the labor force, and as a means to
attract new business and industry to the city.
● Community Development Policy 5.3. The city of
Commerce will continue to make information
available to Commerce residents concerning
housing opportunities and rehabilitation
programs.
● Community Development Policy 5.4. The city of
Commerce will expand its housing rehabilitation
programs, focusing on the need to rehabilitate
housing and eliminate illegal garage conversions
in every Commerce neighborhood.
Land Use Map Detail
A 1984 Attorney General’s opinion stated that “ the
California Government Code does not require a land use
element diagram to be a parcel- specific map.” The
Attorney General went on to state, “... rather, a diagram
indicating the general locations illustrating the policies of
the General Plan is sufficient.” Regardless of the level of
detail, the courts have indicated that the map or diagram
should be of sufficient detail to permit those individuals
using the map to be able to reach a consensus regarding
the land use designation for a given parcel or property.
Newer light industrial buildings located along
Smithway Street.
City of Commerce
2020 General Plan
City of Commerce General Plan ● Adopted January 2008
Page 39
3.3.6 Issue: Urban Design Policies
While many of the industrial areas surrounding the
city exhibit “ rust- belt” characteristics, Commerce
has successfully met the challenge of creating
attractive industrial business parks through urban
design initiatives. Older obsolete plant infrastructure
has been replaced by attractive developments that
emphasize adaptability. These efforts will be
continued with the implementation of the following
policies:
● Community Development Policy 6.1. The city of
Commerce will promote the creation of “ area
themes” to enhance the city’s living and
working environment.
● Community Development Policy 6.2. The city of
Commerce will strive to see that commercial
properties are maintained and that obsolete
signage is removed.
● Community Development Policy 6.3. The city of
Commerce will require new commercial and
industrial development to employ architectural
and site design techniques that will promote
quality and efficient development.
3.3.7 Issue: Environmental Justice
Policies
The concept of environmental justice is especially
important with respect to land use and development
in the city given the abundance of industrial and
transportation- related land uses located in close
proximity to the residential neighborhoods. The
following policies emphasize the city’s continued
commitment to ensuring that the concept of
environmental justice is considered in the approval
and/ or planning of future development.
● Community Development Policy 7.1. The city of
Commerce will ensure that all future public
facilities and improvements do not have a
significant adverse impact on the community
and that any other impacts are mitigated to the
fullest extent possible.
● Community Development Policy 7.2. The city of
Commerce will oppose the over- concentration of
public facilities and improvements that provide
benefits to the region at large while adversely
impacting the local community. The region at
large must share both the benefits and the
disadvantages of such uses and facilities
● Community Development Policy 7.3. The city of
Commerce will take a proactive role in meeting
with regional planning agencies to ensure that
the local community’s voice is heard in the
planning public facilities.
3.4 Community Development
Programs
There are a number of programs that will be
effective in implementing city policy relative to
community development. These programs are
summarized in this section.
● Building Code Review Program. Commerce will
periodically review, and if necessary, update
the Uniform Building Code ( UBC) to reflect
current technology and regulations. Procedures
for the periodic review of the UBC will be
identified by the building official. This review
will be undertaken by designated individuals to
identify appropriate changes to the UBC that
should be considered. Amendments to the city’s
building code will then be made, as appropriate.
● Code Enforcement. Code enforcement is an
integral part of the city’s efforts to improve the
appearance of substandard structures,
properties, and signage. Community code
enforcement efforts ( funding and staffing) will
continue to be the primary means to ensure that
properties are well- maintained.
One of the older though well- maintained
residential neighborhoods in the city.
City of Commerce
2020 General Plan
City of Commerce General Plan ● Adopted January 2008
Page 40
● Design Guidelines and Review Program. The
purpose of the design review process is to
ensure that building design, architecture, and
site layouts are compatible with surrounding
development. These guidelines will initially
focus on the citywide commercial areas located
along Atlantic and Washington Boulevards. The
first step of program implementation will
involve the identification of design guidelines
and procedures for design review. The second
step will involve a public outreach effort to
inform businesses and citizens.
● Environmental Review. The city shall continue
to evaluate the environmental impacts of new
development and provide mitigation measures
prior to development approval, as required by
the California Environmental Quality Act
( CEQA). Environmental review shall be provided
for major projects, as well as those that will
have the potential to adversely impact the
environment. Land use and development are
among the issue areas that will be addressed in
the environmental analysis. In compliance with
CEQA, the city shall also assign responsibilities
for the verification of the implementation of
mitigation measures that may be recommended
as part of the environmental review process.
● Nonconforming Requirement. The city shall
review, and if required, revise the
nonconforming regulations of the Zoning
Ordinance on an ongoing basis to ensure that it
meets the current objectives of the community.
The initial step will require city staff to review
the existing nonconforming regulations. Staff
shall prepare a report that will be submitted to
the city council and planning commission that
describes provisions of the ordinance and any
problems that have been experienced related to
its implementation. Handouts will be prepared
for distribution at the planning counter and/ or
at re- application meetings. Information will
include a description of the ordinance and how
property owners may bring their property into
conformance with city codes.
● Redevelopment. The city will continue to
encourage the future redevelopment of
industrial and commercial projects in suitable
locations to strengthen the city's tax and
employment base. The existing redevelopment
plans applicable to the city’s four project areas
will continue to be implemented. The city may
investigate the feasibility of establishing new
redevelopment projects in the future.
● Zoning Conformity Program. The city will
continue to review the zoning ordinance and
map to ensure that the development standards
are consistent with those identified in the
Community Development Element. The city will
initiate appropriate changes to the zoning map
to ensure conformity between the Community
Development Element and zoning map.
3.5 Land Use Plan
3.5.1 Plan Purpose
Through the implementation of the community
development plan, the Commerce seeks to
accomplish the following:
● The establishment and maintenance of an
orderly pattern of development in the city;
● The establishment of a land use classification
system as a means to implement the city’s land
use policy;
● The identification of permitted land uses, their
general location, and distribution; and,
● The establishment of standards for population
density and development intensity for both
existing and future development.
The land use map ( Exhibit 2- 1) indicates the location
and extent of permitted development in the city.
Population Density & Development Intensity
State planning law requires that land uses identified
on a land use map or diagram indicate standards for
development intensity and population density. The
purpose of the requirement is to aid in the understanding
of the type and extent of development contemplated for
each land use designation depicted on the land use map.
Development Intensity may be described in different
ways. In the Commerce General Plan, the residential
development intensities are defined as the number of
units per acre. For non- residential development,
intensity standards rely on a floor area ratio, or FAR,
which is simply the ratio of a building’s floor area to the
lot area on which the building is located.
Population density is typically applied to residential
land use designations to enable decision- makers to
understand the potential population associated with the
land use plan’s implementation. Population density is
typically derived by multiplying the number of housing
units permitted under a particular land use designation by
the average household size of the community.
City of Commerce
2020 General Plan
City of Commerce General Plan ● Adopted January 2008
Page 41
With the city of Commerce completely urbanized,
the land use map’s focus is on the conservation,
maintenance, and rehabilitation of existing
development in the city. However, the land use
map is also sensitive to the potential opportunities
for new infill development and redevelopment.
California planning law calls for conformity between
the land use map and the zoning map. This
consistency provision is important, since the zoning
ordinance serves as the primary implementation tool
of the Community Development Element. For
example, an area designated for commercial
development on the land use map must have a
corresponding commercial zoning designation. In
instances where there is a conflict and an
inconsistency arises, the general plan designation
prevails.
State law indicates