The purpose of this chapter is to explain how various measurements referred to in this title are to be calculated.
(Ord. 6171, 2/25/2025)
For all calculations, the applicant is responsible for supplying drawings illustrating the measurements that apply to a project. These drawings must be drawn to scale and of sufficient detail to allow easy verification upon inspection by the Community Development Director.
(Ord. 6171, 2/25/2025)
A. 
Maximum Allowable Residential Density. The maximum allowable residential density or “base density” means the greatest number of units allowed under the density range specified by the Zoning Ordinance, Specific Plan, or land use element of the General Plan or Coastal Land Use Plan, applicable to the project. Density shall be determined using dwelling units per acre (du/ac). If there is a conflict, the highest allowable density prevails.
1. 
Calculation. To calculate the maximum number of dwelling units permitted on a lot, the net lot area is converted from square feet to acres by dividing it by 43,560. The resulting acreage is multiplied by the density range. For density calculations with a remainder greater than 0.01 units, a whole unit is permitted.
Residential Density Calculation Example:
Net Lot Area: 21,000 sq. ft./43,560 = 0.48 acres
General Plan Density Range: 27 to 36 units/acre
Calculate Allowed Units: 27 to 36 units per acre x 0.48 acres = 12.96 to 17.28 units
Rounding Up: 13 to 18 units allowed
B. 
Density Calculations in Mixed-Use Projects. For mixed-use projects, the maximum allowable residential density shall be calculated by using the total net lot area and does not exclude the nonresidential portion of the mixed-use site.
C. 
Density Calculations for Other Uses. Other facilities that are not residential uses but are subject to residential density limitations as specified in this code, (including, but not limited to, Group Residential, Community Care Facilities, Residential Care Facilities, and Hotels with kitchens) must be equivalent in size to a residential project at base density ranges as permitted by the General Plan.
D. 
Accessory Dwelling Units. Accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units are not counted in maximum density calculations, unless otherwise specified in this title.
(Ord. 6171, 2/25/2025)
The average slope of a parcel of land, or any portion thereof, is calculated using a topographic map conforming to National Mapping Standards and having a scale of not less than one inch equals 200 feet and a contour interval of not more than five feet, and the following formula:
S = (I)(L)/A, where:
A. 
S = Average slope (in percent)
B. 
I = Contour interval (in feet)
C. 
L = Total length of all contour lines on the parcel (in feet), excluding the length of contours in drainage channels and in natural water courses below the 25-year flood level
D. 
A = Area of subject area for which the slope is to be determined (in square feet)
FIGURE 30.15.030: DETERMINING AVERAGE SLOPE
(Ord. 6171, 2/25/2025)
The “Top of Bank” is determined by the creek channel geometry. Any parcel that adjoins or is within 50 feet of a creek where development is proposed shall have the top of bank determined as part of any plan submittal. The top of bank shall be determined using one of the conditions described below in Cases 1-4 and depicted in the associated diagrams below. If more than one condition applies, the approach that is most protective of creek resources shall apply. If there is disagreement about where the top of bank is located the Creeks Division Manager, in consultation with the City Attorney, shall make a final determination of top of bank.
A. 
Case 1 - Bank Slopes with a Single Defined Hinge Point. When the creek has a sloped bank rising from the toe of the bank to a hinge point at the generally level ground above, the hinge point is the top of bank. If the existing slope of the bank is steeper than 1.5 (horizontal):1 (vertical), the intersection of a projected plane with a 1.5:1 slope from the toe of the bank to the generally level upper ground is the “top of bank.” For concrete flood control channels, that meet the definition outlined above, the top of bank is the upper hinge point regardless of the steepness of the bank.
B. 
Case 2 - Bank Slopes with Multiple Hinge Points. When the creek bank slope rises from the toe of the bank, levels off one or more times, then rises to a higher hinge point at the generally level upper ground, the hinge point at or directly above the FEMA 100-year flood surface elevation is the top of bank. If the FEMA 100-year flood surface elevation is above the highest hinge point, the location of the top of bank does not change and is the highest hinge point.
C. 
Case 3 - Bank Slopes with No Readily Defined Hinge Point. When no discernible break in slope occurs above the active channel, and the creek bank opposite a project site has a well-defined hinge point, the elevation of that hinge point will be used to determine the top of bank for the project site. Where no readily determined hinge point defines the top of bank on either side of the creek, the FEMA 100-year flood elevation is the top of bank.
D. 
Case 4 - Flood Control Projects. Where an existing flood control project exists, or has been approved, the top of bank will be located at the top of the proposed or completed flood control channel wall, or the hinge point just above the top of wall, whichever is higher, even for banks steeper than 1.5:1 as outlined in Case 1 above.
FIGURE 30.15.040: DETERMINING TOP OF BANK
(Ord. 6171, 2/25/2025)
Whenever this title requires consideration of numerical quantities, all calculations shall use fractions no smaller than hundredths, and if the end result of a calculation contains a fraction of a whole number, the results shall be rounded as follows:
A. 
General Rounding. Fractions are to be rounded up to the nearest whole number, except as otherwise provided.
B. 
Exception for Parking Spaces. In determining the number of parking spaces fractions are to be rounded down to the nearest whole number. Where multiple structures or standards are involved, any rounding of spaces must be made on the aggregate total required for the site, and not on individual uses prior to calculating the total. See Section 30.175.040, Required Automobile and Bicycle Parking Spaces, for additional parking rounding requirements.
C. 
Exception for Inclusionary Housing. In determining the number of Inclusionary Units required by Chapter 30.160, Inclusionary Housing, any decimal fraction less than 0.5 shall be rounded down to the nearest whole number, and any decimal fraction of 0.5 or more shall be rounded up to the nearest whole number. Refer to Section 30.150.110 Inclusionary Requirements for Rental Housing Projects, to determine the number of Inclusionary Units for Rental Housing Projects.
(Ord. 6171, 2/25/2025)
A. 
Measurements are Shortest Distance. When measuring a required distance, such as the minimum distance between a structure and a lot line, the measurement is made at the closest or shortest distance between the two objects.
B. 
Distances are Measured Horizontally. When determining distances for setbacks and structure dimensions, all distances are measured along a horizontal plane from the appropriate line, edge of building, structure, storage area, parking area, or other object. These distances are not measured by following the topography or slope of the land.
C. 
Measurements Involving a Structure. When measuring a required distance involving a structure, the measurements are made to the closest exterior wall or exterior element of the structure. Structures or portions of structures that are entirely underground are not included in measuring required distances.
FIGURE 30.15.060.A, B, AND C: MEASURING DISTANCES
D. 
\Measurement of Vehicle Stacking or Travel Areas. Measurement of a minimum travel distance for vehicles, such as vehicle backup distance, are measured down the center of the vehicle travel area. For example, curving driveways and travel lanes are measured along the center arc of the driveway or traffic lane.
FIGURE 30.15.060.D: MEASURING TRAVEL AREAS
E. 
Measuring Radius. When a specified element is required to be located a minimum distance from another element, the minimum distance is measured in a straight line from all points along the lot line of the subject land use, in all directions.
FIGURE 30.15.060.E: MEASURING RADIUS
(Ord. 6171, 2/25/2025)
The net floor area of a structure is the sum, in square feet, of the horizontal areas of all floors of a structure or other enclosed structure, or portions thereof, measured from either the interior perimeter of the exterior walls, or below the roofline, or the centerline of interior walls, as described below. All references to floor area in this title are to net floor area, unless otherwise indicated. The following are included in and excluded from floor area except as otherwise provided in this title.
A. 
Included in Floor Area.
1. 
Enclosed Structures. Net floor area includes all space within a structure that is below the roof and within the interior perimeter of the exterior walls of any main or accessory structure.
2. 
Interior Spaces. Net floor area of interior spaces, such as rooms or separate tenant spaces, includes all space within the centerlines of demising walls separating such spaces or portions thereof.
3. 
Stairways and Elevator Shafts. In the case of a multistory structure that has covered or enclosed stairways, stairwells, or elevator shafts, the floor area of such features is counted only once at the floor level of their greatest area of horizontal extent.
4. 
Unenclosed Structures. When measuring the area of a structure that is unenclosed such as a carport, the net floor area includes all space below the roof line.
B. 
Excluded from Floor Area. The following areas are excluded from floor area:
1. 
Vent shafts or areas with a ceiling height of less than five feet above finished floor.
2. 
Attics, crawlspaces, or similar areas, where entry is made only for service of utilities, and not designed for use as storage or any other use whatsoever.
3. 
If unenclosed on at least two sides, roofed areas such as patio covers, porches, trellises, gazebos, shade structures, or other similar unenclosed structures shall not count toward the calculation of floor area if not used for the shelter, housing, or enclosure of persons, animals, or property.
4. 
Enclosed spaces in nonresidential or mixed-use structures that contain “infrastructure” (e.g., mechanical equipment enclosures, vent shafts, trash and recycling enclosures, air conditioners, forced air units, electric vaults, water heaters and softeners, cellular telephone equipment, and other similar uses) shall not count toward the calculation of floor area if such areas are designed in the minimum size necessary to screen or enclose such equipment, and the space cannot be converted to storage or another non-infrastructure use.
5. 
Minor accessory structures that do not require a building permit for construction or installation.
6. 
Temporary structures permitted with a Temporary Use Permit.
FIGURE 30.15.070: MEASURING FLOOR AREA
(Ord. 6171, 2/25/2025)
Front yards shall be measured by extending perpendicular lines from each point of a front lot line to the nearest wall of the first main building on the lot. Where there is no wall of a main building on the lot which intercepts said perpendicular lines, said yard will terminate at a point determined by extending a line parallel to the front lot line from the corner of the front elevation of the main building to the nearest lot line. The front elevation of a building is any elevation that faces a street.
A. 
Rounded Corners. If the corner of the front elevation is rounded (i.e., a tower), the corner of the elevation shall be established by drawing the smallest square or rectangle that will enclose the round element and extend the line from the corner of the superimposed square or rectangle that is closest to the front lot line.
FIGURE 30.15.080: MEASURING FRONT YARDS
(Ord. 6171, 2/25/2025)
A. 
Measuring Height Generally. Height is the vertical distance measured from existing or finished grade, whichever is lower, to the top of the structure directly above. Special measurement provisions are also provided below.
B. 
Measuring Building Height on Sloped Lots. Building height on sloped lots is measured from a warped plane connecting the perimeter of the building where it contacts the lower of existing or finished grade to every part of the building roof or parapet.
C. 
Height Exclusions.
1. 
Light Wells. The vertical portion of exterior doors, stairway landings, or light wells on a basement elevation are excluded from the height calculation if the cumulative total width does not exceed 12 feet per elevation.
2. 
Architectural Elements. Architectural elements that do not add floor area to a structure, such as chimneys, vents, antennae, open trellises that do not exceed 12 feet in height, rooftop equipment and associated screening, roof-mounted solar energy systems a maximum of three feet above the maximum height limit, roof decks that do not exceed 10 inches in height above the roof, guard rails for roof decks, and towers including stairway or elevator towers with minimum landings for egress are not considered a part of the height of a structure, but all portions of the roof and roof parapet are included.
3. 
Additional Height Allowances. See Section 30.140.100, Exceptions to Height Limitations.
FIGURE 30.15.090.B: MEASURING BUILDING HEIGHT ON SLOPED LOTS
D. 
Measuring the Height of Fences and Hedges. The height of a fence or hedge is measured in a vertical line from the lowest point of contact with the ground directly adjacent to both sides of the fence or hedge to the highest point of the fence or hedge along said vertical line.
1. 
Multiple Fences and Hedges. All fences and hedges located within five feet of each other, including fences and hedges on adjoining lots, shall be considered a single fence or hedge. The height of multiple fences and hedges that are subject to the same height limitation shall be measured from the lowest point of contact with the ground of a fence or hedge to the highest point of any other fence or hedge located within five feet. The horizontal separation shall be measured from the surfaces of the fences or hedges that face each other.
FIGURE 30.15.090.D: MEASURING THE HEIGHT OF FENCES AND HEDGES
E. 
Determining Prescribed Landscape Height. The prescribed heights of landscape are the heights to be attained within five years after planting.
F. 
Measuring the Height of Decks and Patios. Deck and patio height is determined by measuring from the ground below to the top of the surface of the deck or patio directly above. Guardrails, the minimum height required by the Building Code, are exempt from the height measurement.
FIGURE 30.15.090.F: MEASURING HEIGHT OF DECKS AND PATIOS
G. 
Determining the Number of Stories in a Building. In determining the number of stories in a building or structure, the following rules apply:
1. 
The number of stories in a building or structure shall be construed to be the maximum number of stories through which any one of an unlimited number of possible vertical lines can pass, without passing through a wall.
2. 
An interior balcony or mezzanine is counted as a story if its floor area exceeds one-third of the total area of the nearest full floor directly below it.
3. 
Any floor which is partly below and partly above grade, such as a basement, cellar, or understory, shall be counted as a story if more than a cumulative total width of 12 feet per elevation has a distance from finished grade to ceiling greater than four feet.
4. 
An attic half-story, when applicable, is identified by “.5” in the description of maximum height. An attic half-story is not counted as a whole story when its top wall plates, on at least two opposite exterior walls, are less than four feet above the floor of such story.
FIGURE 30.15.090.G: DETERMINING THE NUMBER OF STORIES
(Ord. 6171, 2/25/2025)
Setbacks are measured as the distance between any lot line and a line parallel to the lot line the depth of such area being the distance required by this title.
A. 
Front Setbacks. If a portion of the property is located within a street dedication, the setback is measured from the boundary of the street dedication.
B. 
Upper Story Setbacks. Upper story setbacks shall apply to all portions of any upper story except as provided in Section 30.140.090, Encroachments into Setbacks and Open Yards.
C. 
Upper Story Stepbacks. Upper story stepbacks shall be measured at the required setback line. For example, if the setback is 15 feet, with a 5-foot stepback, the portion of the building subject to the stepback shall be stepped back a minimum of 5 feet from the 15-foot setback line (i.e., 20 feet from the property line). Upper story stepbacks apply to all portions of any upper story except as provided in Section 30.140.090, Encroachments into Setbacks and Open Yards. Recessed areas on interior upper story stepbacks may not be used as a balcony, deck, terrace, or other usable space.
D. 
Multiple Required Setbacks. If there are multiple required setbacks, the more restrictive applies.
FIGURE 30.15.100: MEASURING SETBACKS
FIGURE 30.15.100.C: MEASURING UPPER STORY STEPBACKS
(Ord. 6171, 2/25/2025)
These standards provide methods for the screening and buffering of surface parking, mechanical equipment, and any other objects or land uses as required by this code to minimize visual, noise, and privacy impacts to surrounding properties and rights-of-way.
A. 
Screening Generally. Unless otherwise stated in this section, objects and activities are considered “screened” when they are either not publicly visible, as defined in Section 30.300.160 “P” of this code, or behind a solid six-foot-high fence or hedge where such fence or hedge is otherwise allowed by zoning. Screening shall be required for the repair, rehabilitation, expansion, new installation, or relocation of any object or land use to be screened.
B. 
Uncovered Parking. Uncovered automobile parking shall be screened, in locations as specified by Section 30.175.060, Location of Required Automobile and Bicycle Parking, consistent with one of the following:
1. 
On a site with four or fewer automobile parking spaces, uncovered parking must be screened from public view, except at driveways necessary for ingress and egress, by a solid fence, wall, driveway gate, or a compact evergreen hedge, with a maximum height between five and six feet and a minimum distance of 10 feet from the front lot line. The area between the lot line and such fence or wall must be landscaped; or
2. 
If located more than 35 feet from a front lot line, and includes no more than four automobile parking spaces, uncovered parking is considered screened by the distance from the front lot line; or
3. 
On a site with five or more automobile parking spaces, applicable fence and landscape buffers, consistent with Section 30.175.080 Parking Area Landscape and Fence Standards, must be provided for screening.
C. 
Trash and Recycling. Trash and recycling containers must be screened and located in compliance with the standards in Section 30.140.240, Waste, Recycling, and Outdoor Storage.
D. 
Screening Materials. Screening may include fences and walls, landscape, equipment painted to match the building, building parapets, or other architectural elements in the building’s architectural style.
E. 
Screening Height. All screen devices shall be as high as the highest point of the object being screened but shall not exceed applicable maximum height limitations. Screening height shall be measured as the vertical distance between the finished grade at the base of the screen and the top edge of the screen material.
F. 
Exceptions.
1. 
olar energy (i.e., photovoltaic) panels and electric vehicle charging stations shall not be subject to the screening requirements described in this section. However, accessory power equipment associated with these systems shall be fully screened.
2. 
Where an applicant can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the appropriate Design Review body that variations in the requirements of this section are warranted in order to provide relief for existing site constraints, or to achieve a superior aesthetic or environmental design, screening may be reduced or waived by the Design Review body.
FIGURE 30.15.120: SCREENING
(Ord. 6171, 2/25/2025)