This division expands upon the standards of Division 2 (Zoning Districts and Allowable Land Uses) by addressing the details of site planning and project design. These standards are intended to ensure that all development:
A. 
Produces an environment of stable and desirable character;
B. 
Is compatible with existing and future development; and
C. 
Protects the use and enjoyment of neighboring properties, consistent with the General Plan.
(Ord. 3677 § 1, 2004)
The requirements of this chapter shall apply to all proposed development and new land uses, except as specified in Chapter 20.61 (Nonconforming Uses, Structures, and Parcels), and shall be considered in combination with the standards for the applicable zoning district in Division 2 (Zoning Districts and Allowable Land Uses), and those in Division 4 (Standards for Specific Land Uses). If there is a conflict, the standards in Division 4 shall control.
(Ord. 3677 § 1, 2004)
A. 
Each building site shall be planned and arranged to occupy only the portion of the lot not otherwise required as a yard, setback, easement, right-of-way, or other legally established open space, except that, where all other provisions of this Zoning Code are met, a building site may be established in airspace where the right to construct and occupy the airspace otherwise exists.
B. 
For the purposes of measuring lot dimensions and area, public and private service easements contained within the lot lines, other than street right-of-way or access easements, may be included in the computation.
(Ord. 3677 § 1, 2004)
A. 
Purpose. This section requires minimum setbacks from waterways for new structures, to provide reasonable protection to owners of riparian property and the public from the hazards of stream bank failures and flooding, while allowing owners of property near waterways reasonable use of and the opportunity to improve their properties consistent with general safety.
B. 
Applicability. No structure, including buildings of any type, including overhangs, cantilevered portions, second story additions to single-story structures, swimming pools, including prefabricated swimming pools, driveways, streets, parking areas, patios, platforms, decks, fences, liquid storage tanks, mobile homes, broken concrete rubble, earth fill or other structural debris fill, or retaining walls, shall be placed within the creekside setbacks required by this Section.
1. 
Existing structures. An existing, lawfully constructed structure that is located within a setback required by this Section is subject to the requirements for nonconforming structures in Chapter 20-61 (Nonconforming Uses, Structures, and Parcels).
2. 
Exceptions. This section shall not apply to: Paved or unpaved trails, both private and public, Storm drainage, erosion control, and creekbank stability improvements that have been approved as required by law by the governmental agencies having jurisdiction over them.
3. 
Design guidelines. See also Section 4.4 (Creeks, Riparian Corridors, and Storm Drainage) of the City's Design Guidelines.
C. 
Definitions. Definitions of the technical terms and phrases used in this section may be found in Division 7 (Glossary), under "Waterway."
D. 
Creekside setback requirements.
1. 
Waterway with defined bank. The exterior boundary of the setback area on each side of a natural or modified natural waterway shall be 50 feet from the top of the highest bank on that side of the waterway, as determined by the Director. When the bank of a natural or modified natural waterway is steeper than 2.5:1, the exterior setback boundary shall be measured by the projections of a slope of 2.5:1 from the toe of the stream bank to ground level, plus 50 feet. See Figure 3-1.
2. 
Waterway without defined bank. The exterior boundary of the setback area adjacent to the side of a natural or modified natural waterway, where the top of the stream bank is not defined, shall be 50 feet, measured horizontally, from the established 100-year storm freeboard level. See Figure 3-2.
Figure 3-1 – Setback with defined bank (see exceptions Section 20-30.040.D.4.)
Figure 3-2 – Setback without defined bank (see exceptions Section 20-30.040.D.4.)
3. 
Channelized waterway. Where a fully channelized waterway exists, structures may be closer to the top of the bank than a distance of 2.5 times the depth of the bank plus 50 feet, subject to the following standards: the setback encroachment will not obstruct or impair the channel's hydraulic functions; impede City or Sonoma Water access or maintenance of the channel; impair the stability of the slope, bank, or maintenance of the channel; or impair the stability of the slope, bank, or creekbed fountain, all as determined by and approved by the Planning and Economic Department, the Water Department, and additionally Sonoma Water for projects adjacent to Sonoma Water owned or controlled channelized waterways.
4. 
Exceptions.
a. 
The setbacks required in Section 20-30.040 shall be 30 feet for existing properties or adjacent areas within the City that were developed in compliance with applicable setback requirements in effect prior to September 3, 2004.
b. 
The setbacks required in Section 20-30.040 shall be 30 feet for new development that is surrounded by existing structures that were developed in compliance with applicable setback requirements in effect prior to September 3, 2004.
c. 
Setbacks for accessory dwelling units shall be provided consistent with Section 20-42.130 Accessory dwelling units.
E. 
Bridges and utilities within setback areas. Bridges for motor vehicles, pedestrians, and/or bicycles, and/or public utility infrastructure may cross through a waterway setback area and over or under its channel, provided that the installation has received all required approvals from the City. "Bridges" as used in this subsection includes the segments of the street connecting with the ends of the bridge and the use of box culverts to contain the waters of a waterway for a street overcrossing.
(Ord. 3677 § 1, 2004; Ord. 3711 § 1 Exh. A, 2005; Ord. 2020-003 § 5; Ord. 2021-012 § 19)
A lot of record that was subdivided in compliance with the Map Act and all applicable City requirements, with less than the area and/or dimension required by the applicable zoning district, may be used for an allowable land use, provided that the use complies with the required setbacks or has been granted of a Variance from those requirements in compliance with Section 20-52.060 (Variance and Minor Adjustment).
(Ord. 3677 § 1, 2004)
A. 
Purpose. This section provides regulations for the installation, construction, and placement of fences on private property. For the purposes of this Zoning Code, the term "fence" includes fences, hedges, walls or structures in the nature of a fence.
B. 
Measurement of fence and wall height.
1. 
Fence height shall be measured as the vertical distance between the finished grade at the base of the fence and the top edge of the fence material.
2. 
The height of fencing atop a wall shall be measured from the base of the wall.
3. 
Where the ground elevation within six feet of the base of a fence differs from one side of the fence to the other (as when a fence is placed at the top of a slope or on a retaining wall), the height shall be measured from the side with the lowest natural grade; except that a safety fence with a height of 42 inches shall be allowed on the top of a retaining wall of 30 inches or more in height with Minor Use Permit approval. See Figure 3-3.
Figure 3-3—Fence Height Measurement
C. 
Height limits. A fence in a residential zoning district is subject to the following restrictions:
1. 
Single family dwelling shall not exceed the height limits shown in Table 3-1, unless authorized in compliance with Subsection D of this section (Additional height with Minor Use Permit approval). See also Figure 3-4.
2. 
Multifamily dwelling and non-residential properties will require Design Review approval and are not subject to the height limits shown in Table 3-1.
TABLE 3-1—MAXIMUM HEIGHT OF FENCES
Location
Maximum Height (1)
Within required front yard setback
36 inches
Within interior side or rear yard setback
6 feet (2)
Within exterior side setback
36 inches
Within a vision triangle (see Section 20-30.070.E)
No fence allowed, except as provided by Section 20-30.070.E (Vision Triangles).
Outside of a required setback
6 feet (2)
Notes:
(1)
See the City's Processing Review Procedures for Owners of Historic Properties for fence height guidelines with an -H (Historic) combining district.
(2)
A six-foot fence with two feet of lattice is allowed by right in an interior side or rear yard setback, and outside of a required front or street side setback (see Figure 3-5); provided that any fence exceeding seven feet in height requires a Building Permit.
Figure 3-4—Allowed Fence Height
Figure 3-5—Lattice Allowed for Additional Fence Height
D. 
Additional height with Minor Use Permit approval. A fence may be constructed to a height in excess of the limits established by Subsection C with Minor Conditional Use Permit approval, except within a required vision triangle (Section 20-30.070.E). Minor Conditional Use Permit approval shall require that the review authority first make all of the following findings, in addition to those required for Minor Conditional Use Permits by Section 20-52.050:
1. 
The issuance of the permit is reasonably necessary, by reason of unusual or special circumstances or conditions relating to the property, for the preservation of valuable property rights or the full use and enjoyment of the property;
2. 
The fence will not create a safety hazard to pedestrians or vehicular traffic;
3. 
The appearance of the fence is compatible with the design and appearance of other existing buildings and structures within the neighborhood;
4. 
The fence is a planned architectural feature to avoid dominating the site or overwhelming the adjacent properties and structures;
5. 
The orientation and location of the fence is in proper relation to the physical characteristics of the site and the surrounding neighborhood; and
6. 
The fence will be of sound construction.
E. 
Fire hazards. The Building Official shall not grant a building permit for any fence that will interfere with access in case of fire by the Fire Department to buildings in the vicinity, or that will constitute a hazard to vehicle traffic or pedestrians.
F. 
Temporary fences—Exceptions. Nothing in this Zoning Code shall be deemed to prohibit the erection of a temporary fence around construction works in compliance with the Building Code and other applicable provisions of the City Code.
G. 
Barbed wire. Barbed wire fencing shall not be constructed or placed over a fence except in agricultural, open space, or industrial areas. Minor Conditional Use Permit approval shall be required for barbed wire fencing abutting residential uses.
H. 
Screening.
1. 
Proposed development within commercially or industrially zoned sites that are adjacent to any residential zoning district shall provide screening between districts, subject to Design Review.
2. 
Outdoor storage areas in any commercial or industrial zoning district shall be permanently screened from view from any adjacent public right-of-way, access easement, or adjacent private property in compliance with Section 20-42.170 (Storage, Outdoor), and Section 20-30.090.L.1.g (Security—Dumpsters).
(Ord. 3677 § 1, 2004; Ord. 2021-012 § 20; Ord. 2025-014, 11/18/2025)
A. 
Purpose. This section describes the required methods for measuring the height of structures in compliance with the height limits established by this Zoning Code, and exceptions to those height limits.
B. 
Maximum height of structures. The height of each structure shall not exceed the height limit established for the applicable zoning district by Division 2 (Zoning Districts and Allowable Land Uses), except as otherwise provided by this Section.
C. 
Height measurement. The maximum allowable height shall be measured as the vertical distance from the natural grade of the site to an imaginary plane located the allowed number of feet above and parallel to the grade. See Figure 3-6. The location of natural grade shall be established in a manner consistent with parcels in the vicinity as determined by the Director, and shall not be artificially raised to gain additional building height.
Figure 3-6 – Height Measurement
D. 
Height limit exceptions.
1. 
Towers and similar structures. With Design Review approval, the building height limits of the applicable zoning district may be exceeded by towers, gables, spires, cupolas, water tanks, and similar structures, including mechanical appurtenances, provided that:
a. 
No portion of the structure that is over the height limit shall cover an area greater than 15 percent of the building footprint area;
b. 
No tower or similar structure, shall be used for sleeping or eating quarters, nor for any commercial purpose other than is incidental to the use of the habitable space within the building.
This exception applies only to the height limits of this Zoning Code and not to any limit provided by other law. Height limits and exceptions for telecommunication facilities are established in Chapter 20-44 of this Zoning Code.
2. 
Structures within commercial zoning districts. A structure within a commercial zoning district may exceed the height limits of this Section with Conditional Use Permit approval, except as provided by the requirements of the CD district (Section 20-23.060.B).
3. 
Fences and walls. A fence or wall shall comply with the height limits established by Section 20-30.060 (Fences, Walls, and Screening) and, where applicable, Subsection E (Vision Triangles).
E. 
Vision triangles. Proposed structures and landscaping on a corner lot shall comply with the following vision triangle height limits, as indicated in Section 20-30.110.E.
(Ord. 3677 § 1, 2004; Ord. 2020-014 § 17)
Outdoor lighting on private property shall comply with the following requirements.
A. 
The following maximum heights shall be adhered to for outdoor light standards based on land use type:
1. 
Single-Family Residential—17 feet.
2. 
Multi-Family Residential—14 feet.
3. 
Business and Light Industrial Parks—16 feet.
4. 
Retail Centers and Commercial Districts—16 feet.
B. 
Outdoor lighting shall utilize energy-efficient fixtures/lamps. Examples of energy efficient fixtures/lamps include high pressure sodium, hard-wired compact florescent, or other lighting technology that is of equal or greater energy efficiency.
C. 
For safety and security, during business hours, all areas having frequent vehicular and pedestrian traffic shall be equipped with a lighting device providing a minimum one-foot candle of light at ground level during the hours of darkness.
D. 
Lighting fixtures shall be shielded or recessed to reduce light bleed to adjoining properties, by:
1. 
Ensuring that the light source (e.g., bulb, etc.) is not visible from off the site; and
2. 
Confining glare and reflections within the boundaries of the site to the maximum extent feasible.
Each light fixture shall be directed downward and away from adjoining properties and public rights-of-way, so that no on-site light fixture directly illuminates an area off the site.
E. 
No lighting on private property shall produce an illumination level greater than one footcandle on any property within a residential zoning district except on the site of the light source.
F. 
No permanently installed lighting shall blink, flash, or be of unusually high intensity or brightness, as determined by the Director.
(Ord. 3677 § 1, 2004; Ord. 3968 § 6, 2011)
A. 
Purpose. This section provides performance standards that are designed to minimize various potential operational impacts of land uses and development within the City, and promote compatibility with adjoining areas and land uses.
B. 
Applicability. The provisions of this Section apply to all new and existing land uses, including permanent and temporary uses in all zoning districts, unless an exemption is specifically provided. Uses existing on the effective date of this Section shall not be altered or modified thereafter to conflict with these standards.
C. 
Air emissions. No visible dust, gasses, or smoke shall be emitted, except as necessary for the heating or cooling of structures, and the operation of motor vehicles on the site.
D. 
Combustibles and explosives. The use, handling, storage, and transportation of combustibles and explosives shall comply with the Uniform Fire Code, and California Code of Regulations Title 19.
E. 
Dust. Activities that may generate dust emissions (e.g., construction, grading, commercial gardening, and similar operations) shall be conducted to limit the emissions beyond the site boundary to the maximum extent feasible. Appropriate methods of dust management shall include the following, subject to approval by the City Engineer.
1. 
Scheduling. Grading shall be designed and grading activities shall be scheduled to ensure that repeat grading will not be required, and that completion of the dust-generating activity (e.g., construction, paving or planting) will occur as soon as possible.
2. 
Operations during high winds. Clearing, earth-moving, excavation operations or grading activities shall cease when the wind speed exceeds 25 miles per hour averaged over one hour.
3. 
Limiting the area of disturbance. The area disturbed by clearing, demolition, earth-moving, excavation operations or grading shall be minimized at all times.
4. 
Dust control. Fugitive dust emissions shall be controlled by watering a minimum of two times each day, paving or other treatment of permanent on-site roads and construction roads, the covering of trucks carrying loads with dust content, and/or other dust-preventive measures (e.g., hydroseeding, etc.).
5. 
Revegetation. Graded areas shall be revegetated as soon as possible, but within no longer than 30 days, to minimize dust and erosion. Disturbed areas of the construction site that are to remain inactive longer than three months shall be seeded and watered until grass cover is grown and maintained; and
6. 
Fencing. Appropriate fences or walls shall be constructed to contain dust within the site as required by the City Engineer.
F. 
Ground vibration. No ground vibration shall be generated that is perceptible without instruments by a reasonable person at the property lines of the site, except for vibrations from temporary construction or demolition activities, and motor vehicle operations.
G. 
Light and glare. Outdoor lighting shall comply with the requirements of Section 20-30.080 (Outdoor Lighting).
H. 
Liquid waste. No liquid shall be discharged into a public or private body of water, sewage system, watercourse, or into the ground, except in compliance with applicable regulations of the Regional Water Quality Control Board.
I. 
Noise. The City's noise standards are in Chapter 17-16 (Noise) of the City Code.
J. 
Odor. No obnoxious odor or fumes shall be emitted that are perceptible without instruments by a reasonable person at the property line of the site.
K. 
Radioactivity, electrical disturbance or electromagnetic interference. None of the following shall be emitted:
1. 
Radioactivity, in a manner that does not comply with all applicable State and Federal regulations.; or
2. 
Electrical disturbance or electromagnetic interference that interferes with normal radio or television reception, or with the function of other electronic equipment beyond the property line of the site; or that does not comply with all applicable Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and other applicable State and Federal regulations.
L. 
Security. Proposed development shall comply with the following security standards, and should comply with the following security guidelines, unless determined by the Director to be infeasible or ineffective in the particular case.
1. 
Security standards.
a. 
Overhead roll-up doors shall be secured with a cylinder lock or padlock from the inside.
b. 
Door hinges should be tamper proof or installed on the interior side of the door.
c. 
Trees and shrubs shall not block the view of entrances and/or exits.
d. 
Internal roof access points shall be secured with internal locks.
e. 
All windows shall have locks.
f. 
Air circulation systems shall be barricaded to prevent illegal tampering and/or suggest an opportunity to circulate bio-hazardous substances.
g. 
Dumpsters, loading areas, and storage yards shall not create blind spots, hiding areas, or dead-end alleys (and be clearly visible).
h. 
All entrances shall have adequate lighting, be well-defined, and visible to public and patrol vehicles.
i. 
Pedestrian entrances shall be adjacent to vehicle entrances.
j. 
Elevators shall be close to the main entrance with the entire interior of the elevator in view when the doors are open.
2. 
Security guidelines.
a. 
Exterior architectural features to the buildings should not be designed in a manner that allows access to the roof areas.
b. 
All areas inside and outside that are not to be accessible by visiting patrons, need to be designated private and not a point of entry.
c. 
Loading zones, with designated delivery hours, should be separate from public parking.
d. 
Dumpster lids should be secured with locks, or the dumpster units themselves should have three solid walls and a lockable access gate on the front.
e. 
Delivery entrances should be separate, identifiable, and monitored.
M. 
Biological Resource Assessment. Any discretionary development proposed on a site with natural habitat conditions that may support special-status species, sensitive natural communities, important wildlife corridors, or regulated wetlands and waters shall provide a biological resource assessment from a qualified biologist.
N. 
Health Impact Assessment. Any nonresidential development proposal of 100,000 square feet or more in an Equity Priority Area (as mapped in the General Plan) shall include a health impact assessment that includes mitigation for any potential negative health implications of the project.
(Ord. 3677 § 1, 2004; Ord. 2025-014, 11/18/2025)
The use of a septic tank may be allowed where no public sanitary sewer is accessible or within 500 feet, where the parcel is more than two acres in area and meets County Health Department standards.
(Ord. 3677 § 1, 2004)
A. 
Purpose. This section provides minimum dimensions and uses of setbacks, sight distance areas, and vision triangle standards. These standards provide open areas around structures for: visibility and traffic safety; access to and around structures; access to natural light, ventilation and direct sunlight; separation of incompatible land uses; and space for privacy, landscaping and recreation.
B. 
Setback requirements. Each structure shall be located on its site so that it is set back from property lines and other structures in compliance with the setback requirements of the applicable zoning district, in Division 2 (Zoning Districts and Allowable Land Uses), and with any setbacks established for specific uses by Division 4, except as otherwise provided by this section.
1. 
Setbacks from public right-of-way and public easements.
a. 
No portion of any structure shall extend within, over, under, or upon any public service easement, access easement, or utility easement, unless both the City Engineer and the Director(s) of the City department(s) having responsibility for any and all City activities within the Easement Area have determined, in their sole discretion, that such structure or portion of structure will not unreasonably interfere with the City's use of the Easement Area or can be easily removed for the construction, reconstruction, installation, removal, repair, replacement, maintenance, or operation of any current or future City facilities within, over, under, or upon the Easement Area.
b. 
Should the City Engineer and the Director(s) determine that a portion of a structure may extend within, over, under, or upon any public service, access, or utility easement as set forth in Subsection B.1.a above, the property owner(s) shall execute and record a covenant running with the land in favor and for the express benefit of the City:
(1) 
Empowering the City, in its sole discretion to remove, cause to remove, or destroy the structure or any portion thereof or compel the property owner(s) to remove the structure or any portion thereof; and
(2) 
Acknowledging that the City shall have no obligation, responsibility, or liability for the repair, replacement, erection, installation, or reconstruction of any structure or any portions of a structure encroaching within, over, under, or upon any public service easement, access easement, or utility easement when such structure or portions of such structure are removed or destroyed by City or by the property owners.
2. 
Setbacks from private easements. No portion of any structure shall extend within, over, under, or upon on any private easement or access easement unless otherwise determined by the City Engineer after receiving written permission granted by a recorded agreement executed by the owners of the dominant and servient tenements and acknowledging that the City shall have no obligation, responsibility, or liability for the repair, erection, installation, or reconstruction of any portions of a structure encroaching within, over, under, or upon any private service easement or access easement that are damaged or removed as part of construction, reconstruction, installation, removal, repair, replacement, maintenance, or operation within or around the easement area.
C. 
Measurement of setbacks. The setbacks required by Subsection B shall be measured as follows:
1. 
Front yard setback. The front setback shall be across the narrow dimension of the lot, unless determined otherwise by the Director.
a. 
General measurement method. A required front setback shall be measured by the most restrictive of the following methods to the nearest point of the front wall of the building, except as provided in Subsection C.2:
(1) 
From the front property line; or
(2) 
If established, from a proposed new property line (also known as the plan line);or
(3) 
Back of the sidewalk (the sidewalk edge away from the street);or
(4) 
The edge of an easement for a private road or driveway.
b. 
Front setback on a block with developed lots. In any case where 25 percent or more of the lots fronting on any block in the same zone (not including frontage along the side of a corner lot) have been developed with buildings of a character permitted in the zone, and the front setbacks of the lots vary in depth by not more than 10 feet, the required front setback for each lot in the block shall be not less than the average depth of the front setbacks on the developed lots.
c. 
Infill development within a previously approved project. Where the City has established specific setback requirements for individual parcels through the approval of a specific plan, subdivision map, or other entitlement, prior to the effective date of this Zoning Code, those setbacks shall apply to the infill development instead of the setbacks required by this Zoning Code, except where the review authority determines that an original setback that is more restrictive than the current zoning no longer serves desired neighborhood character.
Figure 3-7—Location & Measurement of Setbacks
2. 
Side yard setbacks.
a. 
Interior side setback. A required interior side setback shall be measured at right angles from the nearest point on the side property line of the lot to the nearest point of the wall of the structure, establishing a setback line parallel to the side property line which extends between the front and rear setbacks.
b. 
Corner side setback. A required side setback on the street side of a corner lot shall be measured from the nearest point on the side property line bounding the street, or the edge of an easement for a private road or driveway, or the inside edge of the sidewalk, whichever results in the greatest setback that extends between the front setback and the rear property line.
3. 
Rear yard setback. The rear setback shall be measured at right angles from the nearest point on the rear property line to the nearest point of the structure, establishing a setback line parallel to the rear property line.
a. 
The Director shall determine the location of the required rear setback on a through lot.
b. 
Where a parcel has no rear property line because its side lot lines converge to a point, an assumed line five feet long within the parcel, parallel to and at a maximum distance from the front property line, shall be deemed to be the rear property line for the purpose of determining the depth of the required rear setback.
D. 
Limitations on the use of setbacks.
1. 
Allowed structures and uses. A setback required by this Zoning Code, Minor or Conditional Use Permit, or Design Review approval, shall be improved and maintained only with plants and other natural materials except for the following:
a. 
Building projections permitted in Subsection E;
b. 
Fences, hedges, plant materials, structures, and walls permitted in Section 20-30.060;
c. 
Necessary walks and steps; and
d. 
A driveway that provides required parking or access to parking.
2. 
Extended storage or parking. It is unlawful to use any required setback for the extended parking or storage of any mobile home, trailer, airplane, boat, other motor vehicle, or parts of any of those vehicles, or building materials (except building materials being used for on-site construction under a valid building permit); provided, however, these requirements shall not apply to a fully-operational vehicle parked in a driveway that is used on a regular day-to-day basis. Extended parking or storage, as used in this section, means the presence for a period of 72 or more consecutive hours within the required yard or setback area.
E. 
Allowed projections into setbacks. Table 3-2 identifies the features that may project into a required setback.
TABLE 3-2—ALLOWED PROJECTIONS INTO SETBACKS
Projecting Feature
Allowed Projection into Specified Setback
Front Setback
Side Setback
Rear Setback
Architectural feature (e.g., cornice, canopy, eave, sill, bay window, chimney, etc.) (1)
2-1/2 ft, provided that the projection shall not exceed 1/2 the depth of the required setback. Bay window and chimney projections shall not occupy, in the aggregate, more than 1/3 of the length of the building wall on which they are located.
Cantilevered overhang above the ground floor, not requiring ground or bracket supports
No limitation on projection in C zoning districts; 4 ft in other districts
No limitation on projection in C zoning districts; 2-1/2 ft into a corner side setback
No limitation on projection in C zoning districts; 2-1/2 ft into a rear setback, provided that the projection shall not exceed 1/2 the depth of the required setback
Fire escape
Not allowed
Not allowed in corner side setback; may project up to 2-1/2 ft into an interior setback
36 in
Unenclosed deck, porch or terrace not exceeding 12 inches in height, and any necessary steps or landings, with no individual step exceeding 12 inches in height
Not allowed, except as provided in Table 2-5
Not allowed in corner side setback, except as provided in Table 2-5; allowed within interior setback
Allowed
Recycling collection/trash enclosure area
As allowed by Section 20-30.120.E
Detached residential accessory structures
As allowed by Section 20-42.030.C.3
Note:
(1)
Room additions are not considered architectural features even if they do not include a foundation or floor area. This provision is not intended to allow an increase floor area, habitable area, or storage area, or allow substantial portions of a building wall, to encroach into required setbacks.
Figure 3-8—Example of Allowed Projections into Side Setbacks
F. 
Vision triangles and sight distance. The purpose of this section is to limit the height of structures and landscaping at intersections and driveways to provide adequate sight distances for pedestrian and vehicle traffic. This section applies to all structures, landscaping, and any other improvements located within vision triangles or sight distance areas adjacent to any public or private street intersections, including alley and driveway intersections with public or private streets.
1. 
Vision triangles.
a. 
Vision triangle boundaries are formed by: (1) drawing a 40-foot line along the face of curb or edge of one roadway to a point of intersection; (2) from the point of intersection, drawing a line 40 feet back along the face of curb or edge of the second roadway; and (3) connecting the end points of these two lines, as shown in Figure 3-9. Vision triangles at locations with all way stop controls or signalized intersections may be allowed less restrictive requirements with City Traffic Engineer approval.
Figure 3-9 – Vision Triangle
b. 
Driveway vision triangle boundaries are formed by first drawing a 10-foot line along the back edge of the sidewalk from the driveway and then drawing a 10-foot line along the driveway edge abutting the sidewalk. Connecting these two legs completes the vision triangle, as shown in Figure 3-10.
Figure 3-10 – Driveway Vision Triangle
2. 
Sight distance. City streets and nonresidential driveways shall be designed in accordance with sight distance requirements as defined by the Caltrans Highway Design Manual, Sections 201 and 405.
3. 
Limitations on structures and landscaping within vision triangles and sight distance areas.
a. 
Street intersections. Vegetation and structures, including signs, shall not exceed a height of three feet within sight distance or vision triangle areas, unless there is a "transparency" feature, such as open railings or well-pruned climbing plants, allowing for sight visibility.
b. 
In all zoning districts. No wall, fence, hedge, other plant material, or any other view obstruction shall be erected or maintained between 36 inches and seven feet above grade on any corner lot within a vision triangle, and further, nothing over 24 inches in height may be located in the first five feet behind the curb line or edge of pavement of the vision triangle. Single stem plants or trees without foliage between the height of three feet and eight feet may be planted and maintained within the vision triangle on any corner lot. In no case shall any commercial sign be permitted in a vision triangle.
c. 
Commercial driveways. To provide for pedestrian visibility at nonresidential driveways, a clear zone with nothing over 24 inches in height shall be established in the driveway vision triangle. Driveway vision triangles are required on both sides of the driveway. If these clear zones cannot be met, additional measures may be needed to provide necessary pedestrian awareness (see Figure 3-10).
d. 
Residential driveways and alleys. Visibility of a driveway or alley crossing a street lot line shall not be blocked above a height of three feet within the sight distance.
e. 
Exempt structures and plantings. The regulations of this section do not apply to existing buildings; public utility poles; saplings or plant species of open growth habits and not planted in the form of a hedge that are so planted and trimmed as to leave at all seasons a clear and unobstructed cross view; official warning signs or signals; or places where the contour of the ground is such that there can be no cross visibility at the intersection.
(Ord. 3677 § 1, 2004; Ord. 3711 § 1 Exh. A, 2005; Ord. 3968 § 7, 2011; Ord. 2020-014 § 18; Ord. 2024-012, 11/19/2024)
A. 
Purpose. The purpose of these provisions is to provide for recycling and waste collection areas within all developments (except single-family and multiple-family dwelling groups of four or fewer units) City-wide. Integrated collection areas with recycling components assist in the reduction of waste materials, thereby prolonging the life of landfills and promoting environmentally sound practices.
B. 
Recycling and waste collection areas required. In all zoning districts, recycling and waste collection areas appropriate to serve all uses (except single-family and multiple-family dwelling groups of four or fewer units) are required. No person shall use any established collection area for another purpose unless the Director waives the requirements of this section under circumstances wherein it is necessary to prevent or lessen practical difficulties or unnecessary hardships inconsistent with the objectives of this section.
C. 
Design review approval required. Design Review approval is required for all recycling and waste collection areas.
D. 
Criteria for approval. Criteria for Design Review approval are:
1. 
Compliance with the City's design review guidelines;
2. 
Screening of collection areas from public view, in compliance with Section 20-30.090.L.1.g (Security— Dumpsters);
3. 
Adequate provision for access to the collection areas by reclamation/disposal agency equipment;
4. 
Adequate space for source separation of recyclables and agency collection containers;
5. 
In new development, recycling collection areas shall be placed alongside waste collection areas so as to provide convenience for users and promote recycling; and
6. 
Collection areas shall be sited to minimize nuisance impacts, particularly noise impacts on residential sleeping areas.
E. 
Exceptions for retrofitting existing developments without recycling collection areas. In retrofitting existing developments without recycling collection areas, the following exceptions may be permitted through Design Review to achieve the recycling goals and objectives of the City:
1. 
A recycling collection area will not be required to be screened from public view.
2. 
A recycling collection area may occupy required parking spaces if no other serviceable location can be found on the site. The use of required parking spaces shall not render a development nonconforming with respect to parking required in compliance with Chapter 20-36 (Parking and Loading). Prior to approval of a parking reduction, a public hearing shall be required.
3. 
Recycling collection areas may encroach into required interior side or rear yard setbacks. If no other placement alternative exists for the site, a recycling collection area may be located in the front yard or exterior side yard setbacks, however, they must be screened from view.
(Ord. 3677 § 1, 2004)