The purpose of the residential districts is to implement the General Plan and Local Coastal Program Land Use Plan residential land use designations. Five residential zoning districts are established by this chapter as follows:
A. 
The RL Low Density Residential District provides opportunities for single-family residential land use in neighborhoods, subject to appropriate standards. Cluster development is allowed. Maximum density is seven units per acre.
B. 
The RM Medium Density Residential District provides opportunities for housing of a more intense nature than single-family detached dwelling units, including duplexes, triplexes, town houses, apartments, multi-dwelling structures, or cluster housing with landscaped open space for residents' use. Single-family homes, such as patio homes, may also be suitable. Maximum density is 15 units per acre.
C. 
The RMH Medium High Density Residential District provides opportunities for a more intensive form of development than is permitted under the medium density designation while setting an upper limit on density that is lower than the most intense and concentrated development permitted in the City. One subdistrict has been identified with unique characteristics where separate development standards shall apply: RMH-A Small Lot. Maximum density is 25 units per acre.
D. 
The RH High Density Residential District provides opportunities for the most intensive form of residential development allowed in the City, including apartments in garden type complexes and high rise where scenic and view potential exists, subject to appropriate standards and locational requirements. Maximum density is 35 units per acre.
E. 
The RMP Residential Manufactured Home Park District provides sites for mobile home or manufactured home parks, including parks with rental spaces and parks where spaces are individually owned. Maximum density is nine spaces per acre.
(3334-6/97, 4215-8/20)
In the following schedules, letter designations are used as follows:
"P" designates use classifications permitted in residential districts.
"L" designates use classifications subject to certain limitations prescribed by the "Additional Provisions" that follow.
"PC" designates use classifications permitted on approval of a conditional use permit by the Planning Commission.
"ZA" designates use classifications permitted on approval of a conditional use permit by the Zoning Administrator.
"TU" designates use classifications allowed upon approval of a temporary use permit by the Zoning Administrator.
"P/U" designates that accessory uses are permitted, however, accessory uses are subject to approval of a conditional use permit if the primary use requires a conditional use permit.
"Neighborhood Notification" refers to use classifications that require an Administrative Permit by the Director. Use classifications that are not listed are prohibited. Letters in parentheses in the "Additional Provisions" column refer to provisions following the schedule or located elsewhere in the zoning ordinance. Where letters in parentheses are opposite a use classification heading, referenced provisions shall apply to all use classifications under the heading.
RL, RM, RMH, RH, and RMP Districts: Land Use Controls
P = Permitted
L = Limited (see Additional Provisions)
PC = Conditional use permit approved by Planning Commission
ZA = Conditional use permit approved by Zoning Administrator
TU = Temporary use permit
P/U = Requires conditional use permit on site of conditional use
- = Not Permitted
RL
RM
RMH, RH
RMP
Additional Provisions
Residential Uses
(A)(M)(Q)
Day Care, Ltd.
P
P
P
P
Group Homes Incl. Sober Living Homes
L-8
L-8
L-8
L-8
Group Residential
-
-
PC
-
Multifamily Residential
(B)(C)(D)(R)
2 - 4 units
ZA
P
P
-
5 - 9 units
ZA
ZA
ZA
-
10 or more units
PC
PC
PC
-
Manufactured Home Parks
ZA
ZA
-
ZA
(E)(F)
Referral Facility
-
L-9
L-9
L-9
L-9
Residential Care Facility
P/PC
P/PC
P/PC
P/PC
(T)
Single-Family Residential
P
P
P
P
(B)(D)(F)(P)(R)(S)
Supportive Housing
L-7
L-7
L-7
L-7
Transitional Housing
L-7
L-7
L-7
L-7
Public and Semipublic
(A)(O)
Clubs & Lodges
PC
PC
ZA
ZA
Day Care, Large-family
L-6
L-6
L-6
L-6
Day Care, General
L-1
ZA
ZA
ZA
Park & Recreation Facilities
L-2
L-2
L-2
L-2
Public Safety Facilities
PC
PC
PC
PC
Religious Assembly
L-3
PC
PC
PC
Residential Care, General
-
PC
PC
PC
Schools, Public or Private
PC
PC
PC
PC
Utilities, Major
PC
PC
PC
PC
Utilities, Minor
P
P
P
P
Commercial
Communication Facilities
L-5
L-5
L-5
L-5
Horticulture
ZA
ZA
ZA
ZA
Nurseries
ZA
ZA
ZA
ZA
Visitor Accommodations
Bed and Breakfast Inns
-
-
L-4
-
Accessory Uses
P/U
P/U
P/U
P/U
(A)(G)(H)(I)(L)(M)
Temporary Uses
(J)(M)
Commercial Filming, Limited
P
P
P
P
Real Estate Sales
P
P
P
P
(N)
Personal Property Sales
P
P
P
P
Street Fairs
TU
TU
TU
TU
Nonconforming Uses
(K)(L)
(Ord. 4308-5/21/2024)
L-1 
A conditional use permit from the Planning Commission is required and only allowed on lots 1.0 acre (gross acreage) or greater fronting an arterial in RL District.
L-2 
Public facilities permitted, but a conditional use permit from the Zoning Administrator is required for private noncommercial facilities, including swim clubs and tennis clubs.
L-3 
A conditional use permit from the Planning Commission is required, and only schools operating in conjunction with religious services are permitted as an accessory use. A general day care facility may be allowed as a secondary use, subject to a conditional use permit, if the Planning Commission finds that it would be compatible with adjacent areas and not cause significant traffic impacts.
L-4 
A conditional use permit from the Zoning Administrator is required and only allowed on lots 10,000 square feet or greater in RMH-A subdistrict. See also Section 230.42, Bed and Breakfast Inns.
L-5 
Only wireless communication facilities permitted subject to Section 230.96, wireless communication facilities.
L-6 
Neighborhood notification is required pursuant to Section 241.24. No architectural plans shall be required.
L-7 
Supportive housing and transitional housing shall be considered a residential use of property and shall be subject only to those restrictions and processing requirements that apply to other residential dwellings of the same type in the same zone.
L-8 
Group Homes and Sober Living Homes.
A. 
A group home or sober living home with six or fewer residents in the RL, RM, RMH, RH, RMP, a Specific Plan Residential, or a Specific Plan Mixed Use zone shall require a Special Use Permit from the Community Development Director, and:
1. 
As measured from the property line to property line, a sober living home shall be at least 1,000 feet from any other property that contains a group home, sober living home, or State-licensed residential care facility. Refer to the procedures and location requirements of Section 230.28.
B. 
A group home or sober living home with seven or more residents is not permitted in the RL zone. In the RM, RMH, RH, RMP, Specific Plan Residential, or Specific Plan Mixed Use zone, a group home or sober living home with seven or more residents shall require a Conditional Use Permit from the Planning Commission, and:
1. 
As measured from the property line to property line, the group home or sober living home shall be at least 1,000 feet from any other property that contains a group home, sober living home, or State-licensed residential care facility;
2. 
An application for an operator's permit that complies with Chapter 5.110 of the Huntington Beach Municipal Code (HBMC) shall be required for and may be granted to permit the operation of a group home or sober living home.
C. 
An applicant may seek relief from the strict application of this section by submitting a reasonable accommodation application to the Community Development Director setting forth specific reasons as to why accommodation over and above this section is necessary under State and Federal laws, pursuant to Chapter 17.77 of the Huntington Beach Municipal Code.
L-9 
A referral facility is any individual residential care facility, group home, or sober living home where one or more person's residency in the facility is pursuant to a court order or directive from an agency in the criminal justice system. The following standards are applicable to referral facilities:
A. 
Referral facilities are not permitted in the Residential Low Density (RL) zone, and no referral facility may be located within 500 feet of property that is zoned either Residential Low Density (RL) or Specific Plan Residential Low Density areas, or within 500 feet of a school, park, place of worship, or licensed day care facility.
B. 
A referral facility must have a manager on-site, 24 hours every day to ensure the orderly operation of the facility and its compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and conditions.
C. 
No referral facility shall admit a resident who has been convicted of any crime involving physical force against a person, illegal possession of a weapon, possession or use of a weapon in the commission of a crime, or a felony involving a controlled substance.
(A)
Any addition or modification subsequent to the original construction that would result in an increase in the amount of building area, or a structural or architectural alteration to the building exterior, shall require an amendment to the previously approved conditional use permit, if any, or approval of a new conditional use permit.
(B)
A conditional use permit from the Planning Commission is required for residential uses requesting reduction in standards for senior citizens (See Section 210.08), for affordable housing (See Sections 210.10 and 230.14), or for density bonus (See Section 230.14).
(C)
A conditional use permit from the Zoning Administrator is required for any multiple family residential development that:
(1)
Abuts an arterial highway;
(2)
Includes a dwelling unit more than 150 feet from a public street; or
(3)
Includes buildings exceeding 25 feet in height.
(D)
See Section 210.12, Planned Unit Development Supplemental Standards. In addition, a conditional use permit is required for condominium conversion pursuant to Chapter 235.
(E)
See Section 210.14, RMP District Supplemental Standards. In addition, Neighborhood Notification pursuant to Chapter 241 is required for the addition of manufactured home space(s) to an existing manufactured home park.
(F)
See Section 230.16, Manufactured Homes.
(G)
See Section 230.12, Home Occupation in R Districts.
(H)
See Section 230.08, Accessory Structures.
(I)
See Section 230.10, Accessory Dwelling Units.
(J)
See Section 241.20, Temporary Use Permits.
(K)
See Chapter 236, Nonconforming Uses and Structures.
(L)
See Chapter 233, Signs.
(M)
Tents, trailers, vehicles, or temporary structures shall not be used for dwelling purposes.
(N)
See Section 230.18, Subdivision Sales Offices and Model Homes.
(O)
Limited to facilities on sites of fewer than two acres.
(P)
See Section 230.22, Residential Infill Lot Developments.
(Q)
See Section 230.20, Payment of Parkland Dedication In-Lieu Fee.
(R)
Small Lot Development Standards for RM, RMH, and RH Districts. A conditional use permit from the Planning Commission is required for small lot residential subdivisions, including condominium maps for detached single-family dwellings. See also Section 230.24, Small Lot Development Standards.
(S)
See Coastal Element Land Use Plan, Table C-2, for permitted uses, development requirements and restrictions applicable to development within Subarea 4K as depicted in Figures C-6a and C-10 of the Coastal Element Land Use Plan. Subdivision design and development within Subarea 4K shall incorporate the information from the plans and studies required in Table C-2 for development of that subarea. If there is a conflict between the requirements and restrictions of Table C-2 and other provisions of the Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance, the requirements and restrictions included in Table C-2 shall prevail.
(T)
Unlicensed residential care facilities are not permitted in any R district.
(1)
State licensed residential care facilities serving six or fewer persons are permitted in the in the RL, RM, RMH, RH, RMP, a Specific Plan Residential, or a Specific Plan Mixed Use zones.
(2)
State licensed residential care facilities serving seven or more persons in the RL (See Provision L-1), RM, RMH, RH, RMP, a Specific Plan Residential, or a Specific Plan Mixed Use zone are subject to a CUP by the Planning Commission pursuant to the requirements of Section 230.28.
(3334-6/97, 3410-3/99, 3455-5/00, 3568-9/02, 3706-6/05, 3724-2/06, 3761-2/07, 3832-7/09, 3858-2/10, 4215-8/20)
A. 
The following schedule prescribes development standards for residential zoning districts and subdistricts designated on the zoning map. The columns establish basic requirements for permitted and conditional uses; letters in parentheses in the "Additional Provisions" column refer to "Additional Development Standards" following the schedule.
B. 
In calculating the number of units permitted on the site, density is calculated on the basis of net site area. Fractional numbers shall be rounded down to the nearest whole number except that one dwelling unit may be allowed on a legally created lot complying with minimum lot area. All required setbacks shall be measured from ultimate right-of-way and in accordance with the definitions set forth in Chapter 203, Definitions.
C. 
Any new parcel created pursuant to Title 25, Subdivisions, shall comply with the minimum building site requirements of the district in which the parcel is located unless approved as a part of a planned unit development.
Property Development Standards for Residential Districts
RL
RM
RMH-A Subdistrict
RMH
RH
RMP
Additional Provisions
Min. Building Site
6,000
6,000
2,500
6,000
6,000
10 ac.
(A)(B)(C)
Width (ft.)
60
60
25
60
60
N/A
Cul-de-sac frontage
45
45
-
45
45
N/A
Min. Setbacks
(D)(Q)
Front (ft.)
15
15
12
10
10
10
(E)(F)
Side (ft.)
3; 5
3; 5
3; 5
3; 5
3; 5
-
(G)(I)(J)
Street Side (ft.)
6; 10
6; 10
5
6; 10
6; 10
10
(H)
Rear (ft.)
10
10
7.5
10
10
-
(I)(J)
Accessory Structure
(T)
Garage
(K)
Projections into Setbacks
(L)(Q)
Max. Height (ft.)
Dwellings
35
35
35
35
35
20
(M)
Accessory Structures
15
15
15
15
15
15
(M)(Q)
Max. Floor Area Ratio (FAR)
-
-
1.0
-
-
-
Min. Lot Area per Dwelling Unit (sq. ft.)
6,000
2,904
*
1,742
1,244
—
Max. Lot Coverage (%)
50
50
50
50
50
75
(U)
Min. Floor Area
(N)
Min. Usable Open Space
(O)
Accessibility within Dwellings
(P)
Waterfront Lots
(Q)
Landscaping
See Ch. 232
(R)
Fences and Walls
See Section 230.88
Lighting
(S)
Residential Privacy Design Standards
(V)
Relocating Structures
See HBMC Ch. 17.28
(W)
Underground Utilities
See Ch. 17.64
Screening of Mechanical Equipment
See Section 230.76
Refuse Storage Areas
See Section 230.78
Antenna
See Section 230.80
Performance Standards
See Section 230.82
Off-Street Parking and Loading
See Ch. 231 & Section 210.12
Signs
See Ch. 233
Nonconforming Structures
See Ch. 236
Accessory Structures
See Section 230.08
Notes
*
Lots 50 feet or less in width = 1 unit per 25 feet of frontage
Lots greater than 50 feet in width = 1 unit per 1,900 square feet
N/A = Not applicable
(4308-5/21/2024)
A. 
See Section 230.62, Building Site Required and Section 230.64, Development on Substandard Lots.
B. 
See Section 230.66, Development on Lots Divided by District Boundaries.
C. 
The minimum lot area shall be 12,000 square feet for general day care, general residential care, and public or private schools, except minimum lot area for general day care in the RL district shall be one gross acre.
D. 
Building Separation. The minimum spacing between buildings including manufactured home units shall be 10 feet.
E. 
Patio Cover Separation. The minimum separation between a detached solid patio cover post/wall and a building on the same lot is six feet. The minimum separation between a detached open lattice/trellis patio cover on a permanent foundation and a building may be less than six feet. The minimum separation from eave to eave shall be one foot subject to building code requirements.
F. 
Variable Front Setback for Multifamily Projects. Projects with more than four units in the RM District, more than eight units in the RMH District, or more than 14 units in the RH District shall provide a minimum setback of 15 feet from any public right-of-way. Minimum 50% of the garages shall be set back 20 feet from the front property line. (See Section 210.12(B))
G. 
Upper-Story Setbacks for Multifamily Structures. The covered portion of all stories above the second story in any multifamily structure shall be set back an average of 10 feet from the second floor front façade (see Exhibit).
Zoning--Image-11.tif
Upper Story Setback
H. 
Interior Side Setback.
1. 
In the RL, RM, RMH, including RMH-A subdistrict, and RH Districts, interior side Setbacks shall be minimum 10% of lot width, but not less than three feet and need not exceed five feet, except as stated below.
2. 
For projects in the RM, RMH, including RMH-A subdistrict, and RH Districts adjoining an RL District, interior side setbacks shall be at least:
a. 
10 feet for units in single-story or two-story buildings.
b. 
14 feet for units above two stories.
Subject to approval of a conditional use permit, the Zoning Administrator or the Planning commission, may approve upper-story setbacks in lieu of an increased side setback if the second and third stories are set back the required distance.
I. 
Street Side Setbacks.
1. 
In the RL, RM, RMH (excluding RMH-A subdistrict), and RH districts, the street side yard shall be 20% of the lot width, minimum six feet and need not exceed 10 feet.
2. 
In the RMH-A subdistrict, street side setback shall be minimum five feet.
3. 
For projects with 10 or more multifamily units (including RMH-A subdistrict), the street side setback shall be the same as the front setback.
J. 
Building Walls Exceeding 25 Feet in Height. The required interior side or rear setback adjoining a building wall exceeding 25 feet in height, excluding any portion of a roof, and located on a lot 45 feet wide or greater, shall be increased three feet over the basic requirement.
K. 
Zero Side or Rear Setback.
1. 
A zero interior side setback may be permitted provided that the opposite side setback on the same lot is minimum 20% of the lot width, not less than five feet, and need not exceed 10 feet, and shall be subject to the requirements listed in paragraph (3) of this subsection.
2. 
A zero rear setback may be permitted provided that the opposite rear setback for the Adjacent lot is either zero or a minimum of 10 feet, and subject to the requirements listed in paragraph (3) of this subsection.
3. 
A zero side or rear setback may be permitted subject to the following requirements:
a. 
The lot adjacent to the zero side or rear setback shall either be held under the same ownership at the time of application or a deed restriction or agreement approved as to form by the City Attorney shall be recorded giving written consent of the adjacent property owner.
b. 
A maintenance easement, approved as to form by the City Attorney, shall be recorded between the property owner and the owner of the adjacent lot to which access is required in order to maintain and repair a zero lot line structure. Such easement shall be an irrevocable covenant running with the land. No building permits shall be issued until such recorded maintenance easement has been submitted.
c. 
Separation between the proposed structure and any structure on an adjacent lot shall either be zero or a minimum of five feet.
d. 
No portion of the dwelling or any architectural features shall project over the property line.
e. 
The zero setback shall not be adjacent to a public or private right-of-way.
f. 
Exposure protection between structures shall be provided as specified by the Fire Department and Building Division.
4. 
Double zero side setbacks may be permitted for planned unit development projects subject to approval of a conditional use permit and compliance with Section 210.12(B).
L. 
Garage Setbacks.
1. 
Setbacks for the main dwelling shall apply, except as specifically stated below:
a. 
Front entry garage: 20 feet.
b. 
Side entry garage: 10 feet.
c. 
Garage with alley access: 5 feet.
2. 
For garages with rear vehicular access from an alley and located on a lot 27 feet wide or less, the side setback adjacent to a street or another alley may be reduced to three feet.
3. 
A minimum 25-foot turning radius is required from the garage to the opposite side of the street, alley, drive aisle or driveway.
Zoning--Image-12.tif
M. 
Projections into Setbacks.
1. 
See Section 230.68, Building Projections into Yards.
2. 
Balconies and bay windows may project into required setbacks and usable open space areas subject to Section 230.68, provided that balconies have open railings, glass, or architectural details with openings to reduce visible bulk. Balconies composed solely of solid enclosures are not allowed to project into required setbacks.
N. 
Height Requirements. See Section 230.70, Measurement of Height, and Section 230.72, Exceptions to Height Limits.
1. 
Single-family dwellings in all residential districts, except lots in the RMH-A subdistrict with less than 50 feet of frontage shall comply with the following standards:
a. 
Second story top plate height shall not exceed 25 feet measured from the top of the subfloor/slab directly below.
b. 
Roofs shall have a minimum 5/12 pitch if building height exceeds 30 feet.
c. 
Maximum building height for main dwellings shall be 35 feet; however, main dwellings exceeding 30 feet in height shall require approval of a conditional use permit by the Zoning Administrator.
d. 
Habitable area, which includes rooftop decks and balconies, above the second story top plate line shall require approval of a conditional use permit by the Zoning Administrator. Habitable area above the second story plate line shall be within the confines of the roof volume, with the following exceptions:
i. 
Dormers, decks and other architectural features may be permitted as vertical projections above the roof volume provided the projections are set back five feet from the building exterior and do not exceed the height limits as stated above.
ii. 
Windows and deck areas above the second story plate line shall orient toward public rights-of-way only.
Zoning--Image-13.tif
e. 
Access to any habitable area above the second story top plate line shall be provided within the main dwelling and shall be consistent with internal circulation. Exterior stairways between the ground floor and a habitable area above the second story plate line shall be prohibited.
Two vertical cross-sections through the property (front-to-back and side-to-side) that show the relationship of each level in a new structure and new levels added to an existing structure to both existing and finished grade on the property and adjacent land within five feet of the property line shall be submitted in order to determine compliance with this subsection.
2. 
Single-family dwellings in the RMH-A subdistrict on lots with less than 50 feet of frontage shall comply with the following standards:
a. 
Second story top plate height shall not exceed 25 feet measured from the top of the subfloor/slab directly below.
b. 
Roofs shall have a minimum 5/12 pitch if building height exceeds 30 feet.
c. 
In the front and rear 25 feet of the lot, maximum building height for all structures, including railings and architectural features, shall be 25 feet. Otherwise, maximum building height shall be 35 feet.
Zoning--Image-14.tif
Maximum Building Height for Single-Family Dwellings on Lots Less Than 50 Feet Wide in RMH-A Subdistrict
d. 
Access to any habitable area above the second story top plate line shall be provided within the main dwelling and shall be consistent with internal circulation. Exterior stairways between the ground floor and a habitable area above the second story plate line shall be prohibited.
Two vertical cross-sections through the property (front-to-back and side-to-side) that show the relationship of each level in a new structure and new levels added to an existing structure to both existing and finished grade on the property and adjacent land within 5 feet of the property line shall be submitted in order to determine compliance with this subsection.
3. 
Accessory Structures. See Section 230.08, Accessory Structures. Accessory structures located on projecting decks abutting a waterway shall comply with the height established in subsection S of this section.
4. 
Recreation Buildings. The maximum height of a recreation building for multifamily, planned residential, and mobile home park projects shall be established by the conditional use permit.
O. 
Minimum Floor Area. Each dwelling unit in a multifamily building and attached single-family dwellings shall have the following minimum floor area.
Unit Type
Minimum Area
(Sq. Ft.)
Studio
500
One bedroom
650
Two bedrooms
900
Three bedrooms
1,100
Four bedrooms
1,300
All detached single-family dwellings shall have a minimum 1,000 square feet of floor area not including the garage and shall be a minimum of 17 feet in width.
P. 
Open Space Requirements.
1. 
The minimum open space area (private and common) for multifamily residential projects in RM, RMH, including RMH-A subdistrict, and RH Districts shall be 25% of the residential floor area per unit (excluding garages).
2. 
Private Open Space.
a. 
Private open space shall be provided in courts or balconies within which a horizontal rectangle has no dimension less than 10 feet for courts and six feet for balconies. A minimum patio area of 70 square feet shall be provided within the court.
b. 
The following minimum area shall be provided:
Unit Type
Minimum Area (Sq. Ft.)
Ground Floor Units
Units Above Ground Floor
Studio/1 bedroom
200
60
2 bedrooms
250
120
3 bedrooms
300
120
4 or more bedrooms
400
120
c. 
Private open space shall be contiguous to the unit and for the exclusive use of the occupants. Private open space shall not be accessible to any dwelling unit except the unit it serves and shall be physically separated from common areas by a wall or hedge exceeding 42 inches in height.
d. 
A maximum of 50% of the private open space requirement, may be on open decks above the second story subject to approval of a conditional use permit by the Zoning Administrator, provided that no portion of such deck exceeds the height limit.
e. 
Patio and balcony enclosures within existing planned developments or apartment complexes shall be subject to the following conditions:
i. 
A maximum of one enclosure per unit shall be allowed.
ii. 
The existing balcony or patio area shall not be enlarged.
iii. 
The balcony or patio enclosure shall comply with the current setback and height requirements for the district in which the site is located.
iv. 
The enclosure shall consist entirely of transparent materials, i.e., no solid walls or opaque walls, except an existing solid roof may be part of the enclosure.
v. 
No structural change shall occur to the interface wall and doorway between the enclosure and the adjacent inside room of the building, unless the balcony/patio is replaced with equivalent unenclosed area for use as private open space.
vi. 
The enclosed area shall be considered as private open space and may be counted toward current private open space requirements.
vii. 
Required egress for fire escape routes shall be maintained.
3. 
Common Open Space.
a. 
Common open space, provided by interior side yards, patios, and terraces, shall be designed so that a horizontal rectangle has no dimension less than 10 feet, shall be open to the sky, and shall not include driveways, parking areas, or area required for front or street side yards.
b. 
Projects with more than 20 units shall include at least one amenity, such as a clubhouse, swimming pool, tennis court, volleyball court, outdoor cooking facility, or other recreation facility.
4. 
The Director may allow a reduction in the open space requirement to 10% of the livable area per unit for projects with less than 10 units and located within walking distance of 1,000 feet of a public park or beach.
Q. 
All habitable rooms in a dwelling unit must be accessible from within the dwelling.
R. 
Waterfront Lots. Projecting decks, windscreens, fencing, patio covers and solariums on waterfront lots may be permitted subject to the development standards set forth in this chapter, Chapter 245, Chapter 17.24, and the following requirements:
1. 
Projecting Decks. Decks on waterfront lots may project five feet beyond the bulkhead provided the decks comply with the side setbacks required for the main dwelling.
2. 
Windscreens. Windscreens may be permitted if constructed of light-weight materials such as plastic, canvas, fiberglass, tempered glass or metal, except for necessary bracing and framing. The maximum height for windscreens shall be seven feet above the finished surface of the deck at the bulkhead line.
3. 
Fencing. All portions of fencing within the required rear setback area shall comply with Section 230.88 and the visibility provisions below.
4. 
Solariums. Solariums (patio enclosures) may project a maximum of 30 inches over the bulkhead. In all cases, the solarium shall maintain a 45 degree visibility angle as measured from the main dwelling building line extended to the side property line. The maximum height shall not exceed the top of the first floor ceiling joist.
5. 
Patio Covers. Patio covers (including eaves) may be permitted to project five feet into the rear yard setback; however, construction materials shall allow compliance with visibility provisions below.
6. 
Visibility. The portion of any windscreen, fence or patio cover in the rear yard setback or solarium above 36 inches in height shall be composed of materials and design which allow a minimum of 85% transmission of light and visibility through the structure in each direction when viewed from any angle.
7. 
Removal. Decks, solariums and windscreens projecting over waterways which do not comply with the above provisions may be removed by the City upon 30 days' written notice. Such projections are declared to be a privilege which can be revoked for noncompliance and not a vested right.
Zoning--Image-16.tif
Waterfront Lot Projections
S. 
Landscaping.
1. 
A minimum 40% of the front yard shall be landscaped. For single-family residences in the RMH-A subdistrict, a minimum three-foot wide landscape planter along the front property line (excluding maximum five-foot-wide walkway) may be provided in lieu of the 40% requirement. A maximum 18-inch high planter wall may be constructed along the front property line.
2. 
All required trees specified in Chapter 232 shall be provided.
3. 
All subdivisions shall provide a minimum five-foot-wide landscaped area along arterial street/highway property lines. The actual required width shall be determined during the planning process. Maintenance of said landscaped area shall be by a homeowners association, property owner or other method approved by the City of Huntington Beach.
T. 
Lighting. A lighting system shall be provided in all multifamily projects along all vehicular accessways and major walkways. Lighting shall be directed onto the driveways and walkways within the development and away from adjacent properties. A lighting plan shall be submitted for approval by the Director.
U. 
See Section 230.08, Accessory Structures.
V. 
Solid patio covers open on at least two sides may be permitted an additional five percent site coverage. Open lattice patio covers are exempted from site coverage standards.
W. 
Properties subject to residential privacy design standards shall:
1. 
Off-set bedroom and bathroom windows above the first floor from bedroom and bathroom windows above the first floor on existing adjacent single-family residences.
2. 
Orient upper story balconies toward the subject home's front or rear yard areas, a public street, or permanent open space. The yard area or direction faced by the longest side of the balcony shall determine the orientation. A minimum 20-foot separation between the exterior face of the balcony or deck and the existing adjacent structure may be provided if orientation requirements cannot be met.
X. 
No person, firm or corporation shall move any building, structure, or portion of a building or structure into the City or relocate within the City, or cause the same to be done without first obtaining a separate relocation permit for each building or structure. See HBMC Chapter 17.28 - Moving Buildings.
(3268-12/94, 3334-6/97, 3410-3/99, 3706-6/05, 3885-8/10, 4183-3/20, 4193-3/20, 4308-5/21/2024)
This section establishes development standards for senior residential projects that may be permitted by the Planning Commission.
A. 
Minimum Floor Area. Each dwelling unit shall have a minimum floor area of 450 square feet.
B. 
Minimum Setbacks. The project shall comply with the minimum setback requirements of the district applicable to the site.
C. 
Minimum Distance between Buildings. Minimum building separation shall be 10 feet.
D. 
Building Design. No structure shall exceed 180 feet in length. To provide variation in building facades, two of the following architectural elements are required as part of each building: sloped roofs; bay windows; awnings; roof eaves; cornices; balconies; or patios.
E. 
Open Space Requirements.
1. 
Private Open Space. A minimum of 60 square feet of private open space for studios or one bedroom units and 120 square feet for two or more bedrooms, with minimum dimensions of six feet.
2. 
Common Open Space. A minimum of 2,500 square feet for the first 50 units, and an additional 50 square feet for each unit over 50.
3. 
Community Club House. An enclosed community or clubhouse facility containing minimum seven square feet per unit, and a total area of minimum 400 square feet, may satisfy up to 50% of the common open space requirement. The clubhouse shall include handicapped bathrooms and kitchen facilities to be used by project residents and their guests only.
F. 
Elevators. Buildings with more than two levels, including living areas or parking, shall have elevators.
G. 
Parking. Parking shall comply with Chapter 231. Any parking space over and above the one space per unit shall be marked for guest use.
(3334-6/97, 3410-3/99)
The Planning Commission may approve a conditional use permit modifying the minimum property development standards in this chapter for affordable housing, as provided in Section 230.14. The proposed modifications shall be requested in writing by the applicant, accompanied by a detailed pro-forma, rental guidelines, deed restrictions, financial subsidies, and other types of documentation which will serve to demonstrate the need for a reduction of development standards. Modifications to the standards may include, but are not limited to, the parking requirements and open space. The specific standard(s) from which the applicant is requesting relief shall be identified and alternative development standard(s) proposed.
(3334-6/97, 3410-3/99)
This section establishes supplemental development standards and provisions that shall apply to all planned unit developments.
A planned unit development shall provide a mutual benefit for the residents of the project as well as the general public. Examples of public benefits that may be provided in a planned unit development include, but are not limited to the creation of permanent open space, usable and appropriately located recreation facilities, the conservation of natural elements, land features and energy, and other public improvements.
A. 
Maps. A tentative and final or parcel map shall be approved pursuant to Title 25, Subdivisions.
B. 
Project Design.
1. 
Driveway parking for a minimum of 50% of the units shall be provided when units are attached side by side.
2. 
A maximum of six units may be attached side by side and an offset on the front of the building a minimum of four feet for every two units shall be provided.
3. 
A minimum of one-third of the roof area within a multi-story, multi-unit building shall be one story less in height than the remaining portion of the structure's roof area.
4. 
The number of required parking spaces for each dwelling unit shall be provided in accordance with Chapter 231. In addition, one or more of the following alternative parking configurations may be permitted in a planned unit development if it is determined that such configuration and location thereof will be accessible and useful in connection with the proposed dwelling units of the development:
a. 
Required enclosed spaces may be provided in a tandem configuration provided that the minimum parking space dimensions comply with Section 231.14.
b. 
Required open spaces may be provided with a combination of off-street and on-street spaces as long as the total number of required parking spaces is provided with the development site.
C. 
Common Areas. Every owner of a lot or dwelling unit shall own as an appurtenance to such unit or lot either an undivided interest in the common areas and facilities or a share in the corporation, community association, or limited partnership owning the common areas and facilities.
D. 
Covenants. The developer shall submit a covenant setting forth a plan or manner of permanent care and maintenance of all common areas and communal facilities. Such covenant shall be included in the Covenant, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs) applying to the property and shall be approved by the City Attorney and director. The CC&Rs shall be approved prior to final or parcel map approval and when approved, shall be recorded in the office of the Orange County Recorder.
E. 
Maintenance. The corporation, community association, or limited partnership shall have the responsibility of maintaining the common areas and facilities as shown on the final development plans, the buildings and use of property for planned unit development.
F. 
Sale of Lots. No dwelling unit or lot shall be sold or encumbered separately from an interest in the common areas and facilities in the development which shall be appurtenant to such dwelling unit or lot. No lot shall be sold or transferred in ownership from the other lots in the total development or approved phase of the development unless all approved community buildings, structures and recreational facilities for the total development, or approved phase thereof, have been completed, or completion is assured, by bonding or other method satisfactory to the City.
G. 
Management Agreement. No lot or dwelling unit in the development shall be sold unless a corporation, community association, or limited partnership has been formed with the right to assess all those properties which are jointly owned with interests in the common areas and facilities in the development to meet the expenses of such entity, and with authority to control, and the duty to maintain, all of said mutually available features of the development. Said entity shall operate under recorded CC&Rs which shall include compulsory membership of all owners of lots and/or dwelling units, and flexibility of assessments to meet changing costs of maintenance, repairs and services. The developer shall submit evidence of compliance with this requirement to and receive approval of the City prior to making any such sale. This condition shall not apply to land dedicated to the City for public purposes.
(3334-6/97, 3885-8/10)
This section establishes supplemental standards for the development of manufactured home parks.
A. 
Individual space setbacks for manufactured homes and accessory structures shall be landscaped and are as follows:
1. 
Front: Minimum five feet.
2. 
Side: Ten feet aggregate; minimum three feet on any side.
3. 
Rear: Minimum five feet.
B. 
Each space shall be provided with a minimum 150 cubic feet of enclosed, usable storage space.
C. 
The undercarriage of all manufactured homes shall be screened from view on all sides.
D. 
A six-foot-high concrete or masonry wall shall be provided along all interior property lines of the manufactured home park. In addition, a 20-foot-wide landscaped berm or a 10-foot-wide landscaped area and a six-foot-high wall shall be located at the minimum front setback line.
E. 
A boat or trailer storage area shall be provided and screened from view by a 6-foot-high fence or wall.
F. 
Maximum site coverage for each individual manufactured home space shall be 75%.
G. 
Projects in the RMP district shall provide a minimum common open space area of 200 square feet per manufactured home space.
(3334-6/97, 3410-3/99)
All applications for new construction and exterior alterations and additions shall be submitted to the Community Development Department for review. Discretionary review shall be required as follows:
A. 
Zoning Administrator Review. Projects requiring a conditional use permit from the Zoning Administrator; projects on substandard lots; see Chapter 241.
B. 
Design Review Board. See Chapter 244.
C. 
Planning Commission. Projects requiring a conditional use permit from the Planning Commission; see Chapter 241.
D. 
Projects in the Coastal Zone. A Coastal Development Permit is required unless the project is exempt; see Chapter 245.
(3334-6/97, 3410-3/99, 3867-4/10, 4090-10/16)