Medical Retail Space in Huntington Beach

What to diligence before LOI

1. 01

   Know the category before you sign: Section 211.04 permits Offices, Medical & Dental (the Chapter 204 definition covers physicians, dentists, optometrists, dermatologists, chiropractors, acupuncturists, podiatrists, psychologists and physical therapists) in the CO, CG and CV districts. Primary Health Care (clinics) is L-11, permitted up to 5,000 sq ft and a Zoning Administrator conditional use permit above that, and it is not allowed in CV. Emergency Health Care is L-2, a Zoning Administrator permit up to 5,000 sq ft and a Planning Commission permit above. Ask Planning in writing which category an urgent care or clinic falls into.

2. 02

   Parking runs heavier than retail: Section 231.04 requires 1 space per 175 sq ft for medical and dental offices, including outpatient medical and surgery centers, against 1 per 200 for retail. A 3,500 sq ft dental suite needs 20 spaces instead of 18. Section 231.04(C) lets the Director approve a change of use that adds five spaces or fewer on a site with two or more uses and at least 50 spaces, and Section 231.06 allows a recorded joint-use agreement when uses peak at different hours.

3. 03

   Labs and draw sites: Laboratories (medical or dental laboratory services) are L-1 in CO and CG, permitted up to 5,000 sq ft and subject to Neighborhood Notification above that, with parking at 1 per 500 sq ft. Laboratories are not listed as allowed in CV.

4. 04

   Coastal and visitor sites: Section 211.05(J) requires the entire ground floor of a CV property to be visitor-oriented, puts other uses upstairs with a conditional use permit, and bars office uses seaward of Pacific Coast Highway. Section 211.08 adds a Coastal Development Permit for coastal zone projects unless exempt, so a ground floor clinic near the beach needs an early read from Planning.

5. 05

   Occupancy: the 2025 California Building Code, Section 304.1, lists outpatient clinics and ambulatory care facilities in Business Group B, while shops are Mercantile Group M. A retail-to-clinic conversion is a change of occupancy, so ask the Huntington Beach Building Division what that means for exits, restrooms and fire protection in the specific suite. Dental and imaging users should also confirm plumbing routes to each operatory and where X-ray rooms can go before lease signing.

6. 06

   Path of travel: CBC Section 11B-202.4 requires an accessible path of travel to the altered area, including the primary entrance, the restrooms serving the area, drinking fountains and signs. When the adjusted construction cost is at or below the state valuation threshold, the required spend is capped at 20% of the construction cost, so ask the landlord whether the center's parking, entrance and restrooms already comply.