City of Roseville, CA: Residential zone general development standards.

§ 19.10.010 Purpose.

This chapter provides regulations applicable to primary uses in the residential zoning districts established by Section 19.06.010 (Zoning districts established). The residential zoning districts are as follows:

Single-Family Residential (R1) District. The R-1, single-family residential district is intended for detached, single-family homes and similar and related uses inclusive of half-plexes.

Small Lot Residential (RS) District. The R-S, small lot residential district is intended to allow either attached or detached single-family dwellings, and similar and related compatible uses.

Two-Family Residential (R2) District. The R-2, two-family residential district is intended to allow two dwellings per lot, either detached single-family dwellings or duplexes, and similar and related compatible uses.

Multi-Family Housing (R3) District. The R-3, multi-family housing district is intended for a range of high density and multiple-family housing. The types of land use intended for the R-3 zoning district include apartments, condominiums, townhomes, small lot cluster housing, and similar and related compatible uses.

Residential Mixed Use (RMU) District. The residential mixed-use district is intended to promote a variety of residential uses/dwelling types and the flexible citing of uses that are typically considered to be compatible with residential development. The RMU zoning district establishes a mix of uses, through the use of overlay zones, to ensure that different residential uses and densities will be successfully integrated into desirable, cohesive residential neighborhoods. The RMU zoning district shall always be applied in conjunction with either the DS (Development Standards) or SA (Special Area) overlay zones. (Also see Chapter 19.18.)

(Ord. 5428 § 1, 2014; Ord. 6198 § 1, 2020)

§ 19.10.020 Permitted use types.

Primary uses are permitted in residential zones subject to the requirements of this title as designated below:

Principally permitted use, designated as "P";

Conditionally permitted use, designated as "CUP"; and

Administratively permitted use, designated as "A."

Primary use types not listed or designated by a dash (-) are not permitted in that zone district.

	R1	RS	R2	R3	RMU
AGRICULTURE AND OPEN SPACE USE TYPE
Animal Keeping	P	P	P	P	P
Resource Protection and Restoration	P	P	P	P	P
Resource Related Recreation	P	P	P	P	P
CIVIC USE TYPES
Community Assembly	CUP	CUP	CUP	P	P
Community Services	CUP	CUP	CUP	CUP	P
Essential Services	P	P	P	P	P
Schools, Public/Private Elementary and Secondary	CUP	CUP	CUP	CUP	P
Power Generating Facilities⁽³⁾
Emergency	P	P	P	P	P
Passive Power	P	P	P	P	P
RESIDENTIAL USE TYPES
Accessory Dwelling Units⁽¹⁾	P	P	P	P	P
Community Care Facilities, Small	P	P	P	P	P
Community Care Facilities, Large	A	A	A	P	P
Dwelling⁽⁵⁾
Multi-Family	—	—	—	P	P
Single-Family	P	P	P	P	P
Two-Family	—	—	P	P	P
Caretaker/Employee Housing	P	P	P	P	P
Family Day Care Homes, Small	P	P	P	P	P
Family Day Care Homes, Large⁽²⁾	P	P	P	P	P
Long-Term Care Facility, Small⁽⁷⁾	P	P	P	P	P
Long-Term Care Facility, Large	A	A	A	A	A
Low-Barrier Navigation Centers⁽⁸⁾	—	—	—	—	P
Mobile Home Park	CUP	CUP	CUP	CUP	P
Rooming and Boarding House	—	—	—	P	P
Short-Term Rental⁽⁶⁾	P	P	P	P	P
COMMERCIAL USE TYPES
Commercial Recreation, Residential Recreation Facilities	CUP	CUP	CUP	CUP	P
Community Care Facility	—	—	—	P	P
Day Care Center	CUP	CUP	CUP	CUP	P
Long-Term Care Facility	—	—	—	CUP	P
Neighborhood Commercial	—	—	—	CUP	P
TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUNICATION USE TYPES
Telecommunication Facilities⁽⁴⁾	A/CUP	A/CUP	A/CUP	A/CUP	A/CUP

Notes:
(1)	Accessory dwelling/junior accessory dwelling units are only permitted within areas zoned to allow single-family, two-family or multi-family residential use and must be located on a lot that contains an existing or proposed single-family, two-family or multi-family dwelling unit as defined in Sections 19.08.080(F)(1) and (F)(2) (Residential Use Types). See Chapter 19.60 for additional accessory dwelling/junior accessory dwelling unit regulations.
(2)	See Chapter 19.46 for large family day care home regulations.
(3)	See Chapter 19.55 for power generating facilities requirements.
(4)	See Chapter 19.34 for antennas and communications facilities requirements.
(5)	Transitional housing and supportive housing are considered residential use types and are permitted (P) where residential uses are permitted (P) or conditionally permitted (CUP). For supportive housing the total floor area dedicated to administrative office space shall not exceed 25% of the total floor area and must provide the minimum supportive services/service area defined in Government Code Section 65651, as may be amended from time to time.
(6)	Short-term rentals are only permitted in a single-family dwelling unit. See Chapter 4.25 for additional short-term rental requirements.
(7)	A long-term care facility which serves six or fewer persons shall be considered a residential use of the property.
(8)	Low-barrier navigation centers are exempt from a Design Review Permit.

(Ord. 5428 § 1, 2014; Ord. 5974 § 7, 2018; Ord. 6198 § 1, 2020; Ord. 6538 § 4, 2022; Ord. 6954, 6/18/2025)

§ 19.10.030 Residential zone general development standards.

Residential Development Standards. Permitted uses and associated structures shall comply with the following development standards, in addition to any other applicable requirements of this title:

RESIDENTIAL ZONE GENERAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
	Requirement by Zoning District
	R1	RS with attached sidewalk⁽¹⁰⁾	RS with separated sidewalk^{(8), (10)}	R2	R3⁽²⁾	RMU
Area, interior lot	6,000 sq ft	4,500 sq ft	4,275 sq ft	6,000 sq ft	6,000 sq ft	None ⁽⁷⁾
Area, corner lot	7,500 sq ft	5,500 sq ft	4,710 sq ft	7,500 sq ft	7,500 sq ft
Width, interior	60 ft	45 ft	45 ft	60 ft	60 ft
Width, corner	75 ft	55 ft	50 ft	75 ft	75 ft
Residential Density
Maximum number of primary dwelling units per lot	2 dwellings⁽¹⁾	2 dwellings⁽¹⁾	2 dwellings⁽¹⁾	2 dwellings⁽¹⁾	As provided by General Plan, but a minimum of 3 dwellings⁽¹³⁾	As provided by General Plan
Maximum number of accessory/junior dwelling units per lot⁽¹¹⁾	Up to 2 dwellings	Up to 2 dwellings	Up to 2 dwellings	Up to 2 dwellings	Up to 2 dwellings	Up to 2 dwellings
See Chapter 19.22 for accessory structure development standards for the following standards:
Setbacks (minimum)
Front^{(1) (9)}	20 ft for interior lots; 15 ft for corner lots; 20 ft minimum driveway depth	15 ft to living space or side wall of garage; 12.5 ft to porch; 18 ft minimum driveway depth⁽⁶⁾	10 ft to first floor living space or side wall of garage; 7.5 ft to porch, but in no case may encroach into a PUE; 15 ft to second floor living space; 18 ft minimum driveway depth⁽⁶⁾	20 ft for interior lots; 15 ft for corner lots; 20 ft minimum driveway depth	20 ft minimum on all street frontages	None⁽⁷⁾
Sides^{(1) (9)}	5 ft interior; 15 ft street side on corner	5 ft interior; 12.5 ft street side on first floor; 15 ft street side on second floor	5 ft interior; 10 ft street side on first floor; 13 ft street side on second floor	5 ft interior; 15 ft street side on corner	5 ft interior; 20 ft minimum on all street frontages	None⁽⁷⁾
Rear ⁽¹⁾	20% of lot depth; need not exceed 20 ft; 10 ft minimum⁽³⁾	10 ft minimum with minimum useable open space of 700 sq ft or 500 sq ft where a usable front porch is provided⁽⁴⁾	10 ft minimum with minimum useable open space of 500 sq ft⁽⁴⁾	20% of lot depth; need not exceed 20 ft; 10 ft minimum	20 ft; 20 ft minimum on all street frontages	None⁽⁷⁾
Lot Coverage (primary buildings)	35% for 2 story; 45% for 1 story	None⁽⁴⁾	None⁽⁴⁾	40%	50%	None⁽⁷⁾
Height Limits	35 ft	35 ft	35 ft	35 ft	45 ft⁽⁵⁾	None⁽⁷⁾
Additions to a single-family or two-family primary structure greater than 700 square feet in area ⁽¹²⁾

Notes:
(1)	Up to two residential units are permitted in the R1 and RS zone districts provided the criteria of Section 19.10.030(G) are met. Residential units may be attached or detached in the R1, RS, or R2 zone districts.
(2)	The general development standards for the R3 district may be modified through approval of a Design Review Permit.
(3)	On corner lots, the minimum rear setback may be determined by using an average of three measurements taken at the ends of the structure and a point midway between the ends of the structure. The measurements shall be made perpendicular to the rear lot line.
(4)	The rear and side yards may be utilized to meet the minimum usable open space provided the minimum dimension, measured perpendicular to the applicable rear or side yard, is 10 feet. Maximum coverage is a function of lot size, required setbacks and usable open space. A minimum usable open space of 500 square feet may be applied where a front porch is provided with minimum dimensions of six feet by 10 feet exclusive of entry way.
(5)	Except for residential units immediately adjacent to the R1 and RS zone districts, where the height limit shall be 35 feet.
(6)	Minimum driveway depth of 18 feet requires a roll-up garage door.
(7)	As provided in development standard overlay or special area overlay district.
(8)	Sidewalk separated from back of curb by five-foot planter strip.
(9)	Front setback (and side setback where adjacent to street) measured from back of walk. Fence side yard setback is five feet from back of walk where facing a street. In the absence of sidewalk, setbacks measured from the edge of right-of-way.
(10)	Variations to the standards and other housing product types may be permitted subject to processing of a Design Review Permit for Residential Subdivision (DRRS) concurrent with the approval of a tentative subdivision map and review of product type.
(11)	A combination of up to two accessory dwelling/junior accessory dwelling units are permitted within areas zoned to allow single-family, two-family or multi-family residential use provided the lot contains an existing or proposed single-family dwelling, two-family or multi-family unit as defined in Sections 19.08.080(F)(1) and (F)(2) (Residential Use Types), the accessory dwelling/junior accessory dwelling unit complies with the standards identified in Chapter 19.60 (Accessory Dwelling Units), and the lot has not been created via a ministerial two-lot single-family map or a ministerial multi-family map pursuant to Chapter 18.05. See Chapter 19.60 for the maximum number and combination of units allowed per lot. For purposes of density, accessory dwelling units shall be deemed to be an accessory use or an accessory building or structure and shall not be considered to exceed the allowable density for the lot upon which it is located.
(12)	Additions (attached or detached) to primary structures that exceed 700 gross square feet in area may be permitted upon approval of an Administrative Permit, which may include a public hearing as provided in Sections 19.74.010 and 19.78.020. Excludes accessory dwelling units complying with the standards identified in Chapter 19.60 (Accessory Dwelling Units).
(13)	Parcels created through the exercise of the ministerial multi-family map provisions of Chapter 18.05 are limited to the number of units permitted by Government Code Section 66499.41, as may be amended from time to time, and are not permitted accessory dwelling units or junior accessory dwelling units.

Clear Vision Triangle, Residential. The following standards shall apply to the installation of structures on corner parcels:

On a corner parcel, no fence, wall, sign or other structure, mounds of earth, or other visual obstruction over 36 inches in height above the top of the existing or planned curb elevation shall be erected or placed within a residential clear vision triangle (see Chapter 19.95, Definitions).

The foregoing provision shall not apply to public utility poles; trees trimmed (to the trunk) to a line at least eight feet above the elevation of the intersection; saplings or plant species of open growth habits and not planted in the form of a hedge, which are so planted and trimmed as to leave, at all seasons, a clear and unobstructed cross view; supporting members of appurtenances to permanent structures existing on the date that the ordinance codified in this section becomes effective; and official warning signs or signals.

Exceptions to Height Limits. Notwithstanding the requirements of subsection A, the following structures are permitted to exceed the maximum height limits, as follows:

Architectural features, mechanical equipment, chimneys, vents, and other architectural or mechanical appurtenances on buildings may be a maximum of 15 percent higher than the height limit of the applicable zone.

Exceptions to Setbacks. Notwithstanding the requirements of subsection A, the following structures are permitted to encroach into the required development setbacks, as follows:

Architectural features, such as, but not limited to: cornices, eaves, canopies, fireplaces and similar features, but not any flat wall or addition creating living space, may encroach up to two feet into any required setback.

Covered, unenclosed projections attached to the primary structure may encroach up to six feet into any front yard setback.

Manufactured Homes. Manufactured homes are permitted in residential zones provided they meet the following architectural standards:

The manufactured home shall be covered with exterior material customarily used on conventional dwellings within the subdivision. The exterior covering material shall extend to the ground as close to grade as allowed by the manufacturer’s recommendation;

The manufactured home shall have a minimum of 16-inch roof overhangs and roofing material on the manufactured home shall be compatible with other dwellings existing in the area and shall consist of materials customarily used on conventional dwellings. The roof shall have a minimum 2 1/2 in 12 pitch.

Landscaping Requirements in Setback Areas.

Single-Family and Two-Family Dwellings—Front Yard and Street Side Yard Setbacks.

Setback Area Paving Restrictions. A maximum of 50 percent of the required front yard setback may be paved for off-street parking, driveways, walkways, or uncovered patio use. A maximum of 50 percent of the required street side yard setback may be paved for off-street parking, driveways, walkways, or uncovered patio use; however, this maximum limitation does not apply to that portion of the street side yard located behind a fence that is in compliance with the street side fence requirements set forth in Chapter 19.22 of this code. These requirements may be modified with approval of a Design Review Permit for Residential Subdivision (DRRS), as provided for in Article V of this title.

Landscape and Maintenance Requirements. The unpaved portion of a front yard setback and street side yard setback shall be landscaped, irrigated, and maintained. The landscape shall include grass, annuals, perennials, groundcover, shrubs, trees, or other living vegetation. Synthetic grass or artificial turf may be used if it is permeable and has a minimum pile height of 1.25 inches. Design elements like planters, rocks, mulch, or similar elements are permitted when integrated as part of the landscape. All landscaping materials shall be mowed, trimmed, and maintained as often as necessary to prevent overgrowth and blight. No junk, debris, or other similar materials shall be stored in the landscaped setback area.

Height Restrictions for Landscaping Located in the Clear Vision Triangle. All landscaping located within the clear vision triangle for corner lots, as defined in Section 19.95.030 of this Code, shall not exceed three feet in height, except that trees exceeding three feet in height are allowed if the tree is maintained free of branches eight feet above the curb grade.

Vehicle Parking Requirements. Vehicles, including, without limitation, automobiles, boats, campers, trailers, and other recreational vehicles, must be parked on a paved surface, as provided for in Section 11.20.110 of this code. Vehicles shall not be parked within the landscaped setback area.

Multi-Family Dwellings (Three or More Residential Units)—Front Yard and Street Side Yard Set-backs. All minimum front yard and street side yard setbacks shall be landscaped, irrigated and maintained with primarily low ground cover or turf. The landscape shall include grass, annuals, perennials, groundcover, shrubs, trees, or other living vegetation. Synthetic grass or artificial turf may be used if it is permeable and has a minimum pile height of 1.25 inches. Design elements like planters, rocks, mulch, or similar elements are permitted when integrated as part of the landscape. All landscaping materials shall be mowed, trimmed, and maintained as often as necessary to prevent overgrowth and blight. No junk, debris, or other similar materials shall be stored in the landscaped setback area. Driveways and uncovered walkways are permitted to cross over the required front yard and street side yard setback. The required front yard and street side yard setbacks may not be paved for parking or patio areas.

Criteria for Two Residential Units in Single-Family Zones. The City’s single-family zones are R1 and RS. Parcels in single-family zones are permitted one residential unit, and may have a second residential unit subject to the following criteria and restrictions:

Demolition or Alteration of Existing Housing. The housing development shall not require demolition or alteration of housing:

Subject to a recorded covenant, ordinance, or law that restricts rents to levels affordable to persons and families of moderate, low, or very low income;

Subject to any form of rent or price control through a public entity’s valid exercise of its police power;

That has been occupied by a tenant at any time within the past three years.

Demolition or alteration is permitted if none of the above conditions apply.

Use Restrictions.

Short-Term Rentals. Residential units constructed pursuant to this section may not be rented for a period of less than 31 consecutive calendar days. Accordingly, short-term rentals, as authorized pursuant to Chapter 4.25 (Short-Term Rentals), are not permitted for residential units constructed pursuant to this section.

Accessory Dwelling Units/Junior Accessory Dwelling Units. An accessory dwelling unit and/or junior accessory dwelling shall not be permitted on parcels that have used this section to build two residential units and which are the result of a parcel map pursuant to Municipal Code Chapter 18.05.

Use Classification. Whether they are detached or attached, residential units constructed pursuant to this section shall be considered single-family buildings.

Development Standards. The new structure(s) shall be consistent with the development standards of the zone district in which they are located, except:

Parking Requirements. No off-street parking shall be required for new residential units constructed pursuant to this section if the parcel is located within ½ mile walking distance of either a high-quality transit corridor as defined in Public Resources Code Section 21155(b), as may be amended from time to time; or a major transit stop, as defined in Public Resources Code Section 21064.3, as may be amended from time to time; or if there is a car share vehicle located within one block of the parcel. In all other cases, new residential units constructed pursuant to this section shall provide a minimum of one off-street parking space. Off-street parking shall be designed consistent with the requirements of Section 19.26.040.

Setbacks. No setback shall be required for conversion of an existing structure or a structure constructed in the same location (i.e. footprint) and to the same or smaller dimensions as an existing structure. In all other cases, a setback of four feet from the side and rear lot lines shall be required for new residential units constructed pursuant to this section, including any garages, porches, decks, balconies, stairs, and patios which are attached to and for the use of the residential unit.

Waivers. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained within this section, a development standard applicable to the zone district in which the proposed residential units are located shall be waived if application of the standard would physically preclude either of the two residential units from being at least 800 square feet in floor area.

Site Limitations or Restrictions. To qualify for a second residential unit, a parcel shall meet the following criteria:

The parcel shall satisfy the requirements specified in Government Code Section 65913.4(a)(6)(B) to (K), as may be amended from time to time, including, but not limited to, not being within a special flood hazard area, a regulatory floodway, and/or a habitat for protected species.

Government Code Section 7060 et seq., as may be amended from time to time, to withdraw accommodations from rent or lease within 15 years before the date that the development proponent submits an application.

The parcel shall not be located within a historic district or property included on the State Historic Resources Inventory, as defined in Public Resources Code Section 5020.1, as may be amended from time to time, or listed as a City or county landmark or historic property or district pursuant to a City ordinance.

Reasons for Denial of Permit. A building permit for a second residential unit or two new residential units, pursuant to this section, shall be denied by written findings of the building official where, based on a preponderance of the evidence, the building official has determined the housing development would have a specific, adverse impact as defined and determined in Government Code Section 65589.5(d)(2), as may be amended from time to time, upon public health and safety or the physical environment and for which there is no feasible method to satisfactorily mitigate or avoid the specific, adverse impact.

(Ord. 5428 § 1, 2014; Ord. 5663 § 3, 2016; Ord. 5974 § 8, 2018; Ord. 6198 § 1, 2020; Ord. 6476 § 1, 2022; Ord. 6538 § 5, 2022; Ord. 6829, 6/19/2024)

§ 19.10.040 Supplemental design standards in the residential small lot (RS) district.

Residential Design Standards. In addition to the residential zone development standards listed above, the following supplemental design standards apply in all residential small lot (RS) districts:

Front Yard Stagger. None required, but optional per unit design.

Stagger for Third Car Garage. Two feet between third car bay and two-car garage.

Two-Story Unit Mix. No limit.

Separation Between Second Story Elements. A minimum of 10 feet shall be provided between second story elements of adjacent two-story dwellings.

Building Exterior. Architectural treatment shall be applied to all elevations of a building. At a minimum, all doors, windows and other wall openings shall be trimmed consistent with the architectural style. Panelized windows or other architectural treatment shall be used on all garage doors.

Exceptions. The supplemental design standards as listed above may be modified, expanded or eliminated through the approval of a Design Review Permit for Residential Subdivision (DRRS), as provided for in Article V of this title.

Expiration of Supplemental Design Standards Requirements. Supplemental design standards requirements do not apply to any residential dwelling unit that has received a final occupancy permit, unless a Design Review Permit for residential subdivision specifies a different (longer) term.

(Ord. 5428 § 1, 2014)

§ 19.10.045 Design review required for compact residential development.

Applicability. Design review shall be required for compact residential development projects that qualify under either of the following:

Attached or detached single-family housing units on property with a General Plan land use designation of medium density residential or higher (seven dwelling units per acre or higher, as depicted on the General Plan Land Use Map) (except for properties within the Downtown Specific Plan area or additions, remodels, or new detached or attached dwelling unit(s) on properties with an existing residential dwelling unit that is not associated with a request for subdivision); or

Residential projects of any density on a parcel or parcels zoned small lot residential (RS) where modifications to the RS supplemental design standards are requested.

Approvals Required. Compact residential development projects shall require approval of a Design Review Permit for Residential Subdivision (DRRS). The Approving Authority for a DRRS shall be the Planning Commission or as otherwise provided in Section 19.74.010(D).

Exceptions. The residential development standards identified in Section 19.10.030(A) applying to compact residential development projects may be modified, expanded, or eliminated through the approval of a Design Review Permit for Residential Subdivision (DRRS), as provided for in Article V of this title.

Modification. Modifications to a DRRS previously approved by the Planning Commission may be approved by the Planning Manager, pursuant to the requirements of Section 19.76.180.

(Ord. 5428 § 1, 2014; Ord. 6538 § 6, 2022)