1. 
The purpose of this article is to achieve the following:
A. 
Reserve planned neighborhood areas for residential living with a broad range of dwelling unit densities (i.e., low, medium, and high density detached/attached, multi-family and housing for special needs), consistent with the General Plan and appropriate standards of public health, safety, welfare and aesthetics;
B. 
Ensure adequate light, air, privacy and open space for each dwelling;
C. 
Minimize traffic congestion and avoid the overloading of public services and utilities;
D. 
Protect residential neighborhoods from excessive illumination, noise, odor, smoke, unsightliness and other objectionable influences;
E. 
Facilitate the provision/enhancement of public improvements commensurate with anticipated increase in population, dwelling unit densities and service requirements;
F. 
Designate land to accommodate housing units which meet the diverse economic needs of the City's residents (i.e., very low, low and moderate income, senior citizen, etc.) situating development in a manner that will retain the scale and character of existing residential neighborhoods; and
G. 
Promote enhanced urban design in residential projects to ensure that new development is architecturally and functionally compatible and results in uniquely identifiable neighborhoods.
2. 
The purpose of the individual residential zoning districts is as follows:
A. 
R-L (Low-Density Residential) Zone. This zone is intended to provide for low density detached single-family dwellings with private yards at a density range of 0 to 8.712 units per gross acre. Manufactured homes on permanent foundations are also permitted. Additional land uses (i.e., day care, schools, churches, etc.) may be allowed when compatible to and in harmony with, and serving the needs of, a low density residential neighborhood.
B. 
R-M (Medium-Density Residential) Zone. This zone is intended to provide for medium density detached and attached residential dwellings (i.e., townhomes, small-lot single-family dwellings, two and three family structures, low-rise apartments, etc.) at a density range of 8.713 to 17.424 units per gross acre. Additional land uses (i.e., convalescent homes, child-care facilities, churches, etc.) may be allowed when compatible to and in harmony with, and serving the needs of, a medium density residential neighborhood.
C. 
R-H (High-Density Residential) Zone. This zone is intended to provide for high density attached multi-family dwellings (i.e., apartments, condominiums, etc.) with common open space at a density range of 17.425 to 20 units per gross acre. Senior citizen housing developments at a maximum density of 225 units per gross acre and single room occupancy (SRO) facilities at a maximum density of 225 units per gross acre are conditionally permitted uses in this zoning district. Additional land uses (i.e., convalescent homes, child-care facilities, churches, etc.) may be allowed when compatible to and in harmony with, and serving the needs of, a high density residential neighborhood.
(§ 1, Ord. 666-NS, eff. September 15, 2001)
Any structure/use designated as "Permitted" (P) by the following list shall comply with the provisions of this Code. Any permitted use which will occupy an existing structure with no structural alteration/enlargement) shall comply with the operational standards contained in this chapter as well as Article III (General Property Development Standards). Additionally, any permitted use which will occupy an existing structure that is to be altered, enlarged, or requires construction or installation (i.e., manufactured housing) of a structure(s) shall require the approval of a Development Permit (D) in compliance with Chapter 2, Article 10.
The following list (Table IV-1) represents those uses in the residential zoning districts that are Permitted (P), subject to a Development Permit (D), subject to a Large Family Child Care Home Permit (LCC) or a Conditional Use Permit (C):
Table IV-1
ALLOWED LAND USES
LAND ACTIVITY
R-L
R-M
R-H
1.
Residential Uses
 
A.
Condominiums
D
D
D
 
B.
Convalescent Homes
-
C
C
 
C.
Child Day Care Facility
 
 
 
 
 
Small Family Child Day Care Home
P
P
P
 
 
Large Family Child Day Care Home
LCC
LCC
LCC
 
D.
Density Bonus/Affordable Housing
P
P
P
 
E.
Manufactured Housing
D
D
D
 
F.
Multi-Family Dwellings
-
D
D
 
G.
Second Dwelling Unit/"Granny" Housing/Guest House
P
-
-
 
H.
Senior Citizen/Congregate Care Housing
-
-
C
 
I.
Single-Family Dwellings
P
P
P
 
J.
Single Room Occupancy Facilities
-
-
D
 
K.
Group Homes
 
 
 
 
 
Small Group Homes (licensed and unlicensed)
P
P
P
 
 
Large Group Homes (unlicensed)
P
P
P
Large Group Homes (licensed)
C
C
C
 
L.
Transitional Housing
P
P
P
 
M.
Supportive Housing
P
P
P
 
N.
Zero Lot Line/Small Lot Residential Developments
-
D
D
 
O.
Employee and Farmworker Housing
 
 
 
 
 
Providing accommodations for 6 or fewer employees
P
P
P
 
 
Providing accommodations for more than 6 employees
C
C
C
 
P.
Low-Barrier Navigation Centers
D
D
D
2.
Recreational Accessory Uses
 
A.
Swimming Pool, Private
P
P
P
 
B.
Tennis Court, Private
D
D
D
 
C.
Tree "Play" House
P
P
P
3.
Accessory Uses
 
A.
Fences and Walls
P
P
P
 
B.
Garage
P
P
P
 
C.
Keeping of Domestic Animals/Household Pets
P
P
P
 
D.
Laundry Facilities (Washer and Dryer)
P1
P1
P1
 
E.
Outdoor Play/Athletic Equipment
P
P
P
 
F.
Patio (with or without cover)/Gazebo
P
P
P
 
G.
Satellite Dish Antenna
D
D
D
 
H.
Storage
D
D
D
 
I.
Vehicle Repair (Property owner/tenant vehicle only and only within enclosed garage/yard)
P
P
P
 
J.
Vertical Antenna
 
 
 
 
 
12 feet or less in height
P
P
P
 
 
12+ feet in height
D
D
D
4.
Other
 
A.
Churches
-
C
C
 
B.
Educational Institutions, Low-Intensity
C
C
C
 
C.
Public Utilities/Facilities
D
D
D
5.
Home Enterprises
Subject to Home Enterprise Permit
6.
Temporary Uses
Subject to Temporary Use Permit
1
Laundry facilities shall be located within the footprint of a dwelling unit. For multi-family properties, common laundry facilities shall be located in a detached or attached enclosed room specifically designated as a laundry facility and shall consist of not less than one automatic washer and dryer for every four units.
(§ 3, Ord. 771-NS, eff. March 21, 2006, § 2, Ord. 845-NS, eff. January 7, 2010, § 3, Ord. 846-NS, eff. January 21, 2010, § 1, Ord. 847-NS, eff. January 21, 2010, § 2, Ord. 849-NS, eff. January 21, 2010, § 7, Ord. 2019-978, eff. September 5, 2019, § 7, Ord. 2023-02, eff. December 7, 2023; Ord. 2025-02, eff. September 3, 2025)
1. 
General Standards. The development standards contained in Table IV-2 (Zoning District Development Standards) relating to density, lot area and configuration, structure setbacks, structural lot coverage and height, accessory structure height, distance between structures, private outdoor useable space, and common useable open space apply to all residential zoning districts, and shall be determined to be minimum requirements, unless stated as maximum by this Code or otherwise excepted (e.g., zero lot line development or density bonus development). All setbacks shall be measured from the applicable property line.
Table IV-2
ZONING DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
STANDARD
R-L
R-M
R-H
Maximum Units/Acre
8.712
17.424
20.0
Lot Area (square feet)
5,000*
5,000*
15,000*
Lot Width (feet)
45*
45*
100*
Lot Depth (feet)
80*
100*
100*
Front Setback (feet)
201
151
101
Rear Setback (feet)
10
10
10
Side Setback (each)
4 feet plus 1 foot for each story over 1 story
Side Setback (street side)
10 feet plus 1 foot for each story over 1 story
Lot Coverage (Building Footprint) (percent, maximum)
45%
55%
65%
Distance Between Structures (feet)
6
102
102
Structure Height (feet, maximum)
35, 2 stories
35
45
Private Outdoor Useable Space (square feet per unit)3
450
250/200
200/150
Common Useable Open Space (square feet per unit)4
0
200
200
Main Structure Height (maximum)
35 feet, 2 stories
35 feet
45 feet
Accessory Structure Height (maximum)
20 feet or 1 story whichever is less
20 feet or 1 story whichever is less
20 feet or 1 story whichever is less
Antennae, Vertical
(Refer to Chapter 3 Article 1 Property Development Standards)
Fences, Walls, and Hedges
(Refer to Chapter 3 Article 1 Property Development Standards)
Satellite Dish Antennae
(Refer to Chapter 3 Article 1 Property Development Standards)
Notes:
*
Lots created before January 1, 2019 containing no more than one dwelling unit are exempt from the minimum lot size standards.
1
Garage door setback for single-family uses shall be a minimum of 20 feet from the front property line.
2
When two walls face each other and neither has a window opening they shall be separated by at least six feet. If one or more of the walls has a window opening, they shall be separated by at least 10 feet.
3
Each ground floor dwelling unit shall be provided with 250/200 (R-M/R-H) square feet of private outdoor useable space while each upper story unit shall be provided with 200/150 (R-M/R-H) square feet of private outdoor area. Private outdoor space for condominium developments/conversions shall be in compliance with Section 9-3.1507 of the Huntington Park Municipal Code. The Director shall have the authority to adjust/average these minimum standards when doing so would result in an improved design and an enhanced overall provision of private outdoor space.
4
All multi-family residential developments shall provide common useable open space in compliance with Subsection 9-4.103(2)(C), below. Common open space for condominium developments/conversions shall be in compliance with Section 9-3.1507 of the Huntington Park Municipal Code.
2. 
Zone Specific Standards. In addition to the general development requirements contained in Chapter 3, Article 1 (Property Development Standards), the following identifies specific standards that apply to the identified uses:
A. 
Accessory Structures. Accessory structures in residential zoning districts shall be compatible with the materials and architecture of the main dwelling(s) on the property. Accessory structures may only be constructed on a parcel containing a main dwelling unit.
Table IV-3
ACCESSORY STRUCTURES—SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES
Structure/Construction/Equipment
Property Line
Required Setback (In Feet)
Detached Garage, detached carport
Rear
3 (no windows/doors)*
5 (windows/doors)*
Side
3 (no windows/doors)*
5 (windows/doors)*
Side (street)
Main building setback
Swimming pool, spa, storage shed, fish pond
Rear
3
Side
3
Side (street)
Main building setback
Stationary barbecue, fire pit, attached patio cover, attached carport, gazebo
Rear
3
Side
3
Side (street)
Main building setback
Unenclosed/detached patio cover (within rear 1/3 of parcel)
Rear
1
Side
1
Side (street)
Main building setback
Air conditioning equipment, pool and spa equipment, and ground-based antennae
Rear
3
Side
3 located in rear yard;
Main building setback located in side yard.
Side (street)
3 located in rear yard; Main building setback located in side yard.
Tennis court
Front, side, rear
Main building setback
Balcony, exterior stairs in excess of 30 inches
Front, side, rear
Main building setback
*
If in the rear 33% of the lot, otherwise main building setback requirements apply. In no case shall a structure, construction, projection, or equipment be placed or occur beyond the property lines of the subject parcel.
Table IV-4
ACCESSORY STRUCTURES—MULTI-FAMILY HOMES
Structure/Construction/Equipment
Property Line
Required Setback (In Feet)
Detached Garage, detached carport
Rear
3 (no windows/doors)*
5 (windows/doors)*
Side
3 (no windows/doors)*
5 (windows/doors)*
Side (street)
Main building setback
Spa, spa equipment, storage shed, fish pond, ground-based antennae
Side
3
Rear
3
Stationary barbecue, fire pit, attached patio cover, attached carport, gazebo
Side
3
Rear
3
Unenclosed/detached patio cover (within rear 1/3 of parcel)
Side
1
Rear
1
Where a building site is situated so that the front, side, and rear property lines are not readily determinable, required setbacks shall be determined by the Director. Required setbacks determined by the Director shall not permit the placement of structures in a manner that would constitute a grant of special privileges inconsistent with the limitations placed on other properties in the vicinity and that are incompatible with surrounding uses.
B. 
Additional Height Allowances. When meeting standard setback requirements in the R-H zoning district, the maximum structure height is 45 feet. This standard may be increased by the Commission as part of a Development Permit application up to a maximum of 100 feet, subject to the following:
(1) 
A visual analysis relating structural proportions, massing, height and setback shall be conducted to preserve and enhance the scenic viewshed and minimize the structure's impact on adjacent residents and their privacy;
(2) 
The need and appropriateness of additional stories shall be demonstrated; and
(3) 
Architectural compatibility and harmony with surrounding development, land use designations and zoning shall be demonstrated.
As a condition of approval, the Commission may require setbacks greater than the minimum setbacks required with-in the R-H zoning district.
C. 
Common Useable Open Space. All multi-family residential developments with 10 or more dwelling units in the R-M and R-H zoning districts shall incorporate common useable open space for passive and active recreational purposes within the project's design. The minimum area dedicated for this purpose shall be 30% of the net parcel area or 200 square feet for each unit, whichever is greater. Useable open space shall not include rights-of-way, vehicle parking areas, areas between any structures less than 20 feet apart, setbacks*, private outdoor useable space, or slope areas greater than 8%.
(* Setback areas may be credited as useable open space up to a maximum of 50% of the total when the setback is a minimum of 15 feet wide and contiguous for a minimum distance of 10 running feet.)
Additionally, all multi-family developments shall provide indoor/outdoor recreational amenities within the common open space which may include, but are not limited to, the following:
(1) 
Barbecue/picnic area;
(2) 
Recreation building;
(3) 
Swimming pool; and/or
(4) 
Tot lot with play equipment.
The specific type/size/location of the amenities shall be subject to the approval of the Director. Additionally, the Director shall have the authority to adjust/average the minimum standards for private/common open space when doing so would result in an improved design and an enhanced overall provision of private/common useable open space.
D. 
Child Day Care Facility Development Standards. Small family child day care homes are considered a residential use of property and shall be a permitted use in all zones in which residential uses are permitted. Large family child day care homes are subject to the approval of a Large Family Child Day Care Home Permit (LCC) as described below. Day care centers are subject to the approval of a Conditional Use Permit in compliance with Section 9-2.1101 of this Code.
Large family child day care homes (large facility) shall be developed/operated in the following manner:
(1) 
The large facility shall conform to all property development standards of the zoning district in which it is located;
(2) 
A large facility shall not be located within 300 feet of another large facility unless it can be demonstrated that the existing facility is filled to capacity, offers different services, or there is a high need in the area;
(3) 
All on-site signs shall comply with the provisions of Section 9-3.1201 (Sign Standards);
(4) 
The city may require the construction of a six foot high solid decorative fence or wall if affected person or persons have noise complaints and those complaints are substantiated as set forth in subsection 15(a). The fence or wall shall be constructed on all property lines, except in the front yard or within a traffic safety-sight area.
In the front yard, the fence shall be a maximum of 60 inches in height and shall be constructed so as to have 80% visibility through the fence, when viewed from a point in the center of the adjoining street which is perpendicular to the center of such a fence. A solid fence or wall within the front yard shall be a maximum of 36 inches in height. Materials, textures, colors, and design of the fence or wall shall be compatible with on-site development and adjacent properties, and shall be subject to the approval of the Director. All fences or walls shall provide for safety with controlled points of entry;
(5) 
In addition, to mitigate for noise complaints, the city may require on-site landscaping which shall be consistent with that prevailing in the neighborhood and shall be installed and maintained, in compliance with Section 9-3.401 (Landscaping Standards);
(6) 
All large facilities shall be State-licensed and shall be operated in compliance with all applicable State Health and Safety regulations;
(7) 
There will be a fee of $100 for the application and processing of a Large Family Child Care Home Permit (LCC). This fee does not include the required fees for obtaining a city Business License or the Home Occupancy Inspection process;
(8) 
Approval/Denial of the Large Child Day Care Facility. The Director shall have 30 days to determine whether an application for a Large Family Child Care Home Permit is complete and shall notify the applicant within that time period if the application is not complete. A notice that an application is not complete shall be in writing and specify the matters needed to complete the application;
(9) 
The Director shall have 30 days after determining the application is complete in which to determine whether to grant or deny the application;
(10) 
Not less than 10 days prior to the date on which the Director intends to issue a decision granting an application for a Large Family Day Care Home permit, the Director shall give notice to all affected person, using the last known name and address of these owners as shown upon the current tax assessor's records of the County of Los Angeles. These notices shall be distributed via United States Postal Mail Services. The list shall be prepared and certified by the applicant, or a title insurance company, civil engineer, surveyor licensed to practice in California or mapping company;
(11) 
The decision shall be sent to the applicant by first class mail, shall specify the grounds for any denial of an application and shall inform the applicant of the right to appeal the decision to the Planning Commission and that any such appeal must be filed within 15 days of the date on which written notice of the denial was placed in the mail to the applicant;
(12) 
Any appeal to the Planning Commission from a decision of the Director, including a request for a hearing filed by an affected person, shall be set for hearing before the Planning Commission within 45 days of the filing of the appeal. In considering the appeal, the Planning Commission shall be limited to determining whether the applicant has met the conditions for granting a permit pursuant to the child day care facility development standards. An application that meets those standards shall be granted. The decision of the Planning Commission shall be set forth in a written resolution adopted by the Commission and the resolution shall contain findings of fact explaining the ground(s) for the Commission's decision;
(13) 
The applicant may appeal the decision of the Planning Commission to the City Council. Any such appeal must be filed within 10 days of the date on which the Planning Commission's resolution making its decision is adopted. The appeal shall be set for hearing before the City Council within 45 days of the date on which it is filed. Notice of the hearing shall be limited to affected persons and the applicant. In considering the appeal, the City Council shall be limited to determining whether the application meets the child day care facility development standards. If those standards have been met, the permit shall be granted. The decision of the City Council shall be set forth in a written resolution that sets forth the findings of fact explaining the decision, and the resolution shall be sent to the applicant by first class mail together with a certificate of mailing showing the date on which it was placed in the mail to the applicant;
(14) 
Revocation. The Director, or his or her designee, may hold a hearing to revoke or modify a Large Family Child Day Care Home Permit upon giving notice no less than 10 days prior to the hearing. The notice shall be in writing and mailed to the permittee and/or owner of the property as shown on the current tax rolls of the County of Los Angeles and/or the project applicant as shown on the Large Family Child Day Care Home Permit application. The City shall also provide written notice of the hearing to affected persons as defined in Section 9-1.203;
(15) 
A Large Family Child Care Home Permit may be revoked or modified by the imposition of conditions or operating restrictions by the Director if any one of the following findings can be made:
(i) 
If the City has given the large family child day care home 14 days written notice of specific complaints, which the Director, or his or her designee, has found to have reasonable basis, and the permittee and/or property owner has been unable or unwilling to modify its operations to reduce or eliminate the nature of the complaints,
(ii) 
That circumstances have changed so that one or more of the findings outlined in the LCC application can no longer be made, including any violation where the operator has been found to be in noncompliance with the ordinance codified in this section, during the time period of any approved permit or during the 12 months preceding the date of application of any Large Family Child Day Care Home Permit,
(iii) 
That the Large Family Child Day Care Home Permit was obtained by misrepresentation or fraud,
(iv) 
That one or more of the conditions of approval of the Large Family Child Day Care Home Permit in this chapter have not been met,
(v) 
That the use is in violation of any statute, ordinance, law or regulation.
E. 
Density Bonus/Affordable Housing. Development standards governing density bonuses are outlined in Chapter 3, Article 22 (Density Bonus/Affordable Housing Incentives). Development standards governing affordable housing are outlined in Chapter 3, Article 21 (Affordable Housing).
F. 
Garage/Yard Sales. Garage/yard sales are permitted in all Residential zoning districts subject to the following operational standards:
(1) 
No single garage/yard sales event shall operate more than two consecutive days;
(2) 
Garage/yard sales shall be limited to four times in each calendar year and permitted only on weekends;
(3) 
Items offered for sale shall be limited to personal property, not acquired for resale, owned by the resident(s) of the dwelling where the sale is to be conducted;
(4) 
One on-site sign advertising the sale, not exceeding four square feet in area, is permitted only during the sale;
(5) 
No off-site sign(s) shall be permitted, unless located on a neighbor's residential parcel with their permission; and
(6) 
Subject to obtaining a garage sale permit from Licensing Division.
G. 
Keeping of Domestic Animals/Household Pets. The keeping of domestic animals/household pets is permitted in all residential zoning districts subject to the following standards:
(1) 
The following figure shows the number of animals allowable, when properly licensed and maintained, per dwelling unit according to the number of units per parcel.
Number of Units Per Parcel
Maximum Animals Per Unit
One (single-family)
3 dogs and 3 cats
Two (duplex)
2 dogs and 2 cats
Three or more
1 dog and 1 cat
(2) 
Other domestic animals/household pets (i.e., birds, fish, rodents, etc.) may be permitted only if properly maintained within a dwelling;
(3) 
A young animal(s) born to a permitted animal kept within/outside of the dwelling may be kept until the young animal is weaned from its mother (10 weeks for dogs or cats); and
(4) 
No person may operate/maintain a private or commercial kennel or aviary within any residential zoning district.
H. 
Minimum Dwelling Size Standards. The following minimum dwelling areas are computed by calculating the living area as measured on the outside of walls and excludes garages, carports, porches, basements and exterior courtyards/patios:
The minimum area requirements for single-family homes in the R-L zoning district:
1000 square feet
The minimum area requirements for dwelling units in the R-M zoning district:
850 square feet
The minimum area requirements for dwelling units in the R-H zoning district are as follows:
Livable Area in Square Feet
Type of Dwelling Unit
500
Efficiency
600
1 Bedroom
750
2 Bedroom
900
3 Bedroom
150
(Additional) For each bedroom over 3
I. 
Minimum Room Size Standards. Minimum room size standards are as follows:
Room
Minimum Area in Square Feet
Garage (2-car)
400
Bedroom
100
Full bath (tub, toilet, and lavatory)
50
Three-quarter bath (stall shower, toilet, and lavatory)
35
Half bath (toilet and lavatory)
25
Common living areas of a dwelling unit, such as living rooms, dining areas, kitchen, family room, etc., need to be in proportion to the number of bedrooms provided to properly accommodate the occupants. The area occupied by the common living areas shall be equal to or larger than the area occupied by the bedrooms.
J. 
Mobile Home and Manufactured Housing Development Standards. Mobile or manufactured homes shall be installed/operated in the following manner:
(1) 
Mobile or manufactured homes may be used as single-family dwellings if the home is certified under the National Mobile Home Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974, or as amended;
(2) 
Mobile or manufactured homes which are used as single-family residences shall be installed on/secured to an approved permanent foundation in compliance with this Code.
K. 
Perimeter Walls. Any structure/use, other than a single-family dwelling, in a residential zoning district shall require the installation of a perimeter wall, which shall be constructed in the following manner:
(1) 
The wall shall be six feet in height, measured from the finished grade of the parcel;
(2) 
The wall shall be installed along the perimeter of the parcel except for those portions fronting a public right(s)-of-way. Walls located within the front yard setback shall not exceed a height of five feet with 80% see-through visibility or three feet if solid or over the 80% visibility;
(3) 
The wall shall be architecturally treated on both sides; and
(4) 
The design and construction materials of the wall shall be subject to the approval of the Director.
L. 
Private Tennis Court Development Standards. Private tennis courts are subject to the approval of a Development Permit and shall be developed/operated in the following manner:
(1) 
Tennis courts shall not encroach into the front and side setback or within 10 feet of the rear property line;
(2) 
The minimum parcel size shall be 10,000 square feet;
(3) 
There shall be no more than one tennis court for each residential parcel of land;
(4) 
Private tennis courts shall not be used for commercial purposes, and shall be used only by the residents and their invited guests;
(5) 
Private tennis courts shall be completely screened from public view;
(6) 
No tennis court fencing shall exceed 10 feet in height as measured from the court surface;
(7) 
Overhead court lighting shall be subject to the approval of a Conditional Use Permit;
(8) 
Light standards shall not exceed the following heights as measured from the court surface:
a. 
Eighteen feet with four poles on each side; and
b. 
Twenty feet with three poles on each side.
(9) 
All illumination fixtures shall be directed downward and away from adjoining properties and public rights-of-way; and
(10) 
Permitted hours of lighting shall be determined during permit review; in no instance shall lighting be used after ten p.m..
M. 
Rear Unit Access. Every developed residential parcel containing two or more residential units shall include a 10 foot-wide improved pedestrian passageway from the street to the rear unit(s). The passageway shall contain a paved walkway with a minimum width of four feet and shall be properly landscaped and maintained.
N. 
Second Dwelling Unit/"Granny" Housing/Guest Housing Development Standards. One additional dwelling unit may be sited on a single-family parcel in the R-L zoning district, subject to the approval of the Director, and shall be developed/operated in the following manner:
(1) 
No more than one additional dwelling unit shall be permitted on any single-family parcel.
(2) 
An additional dwelling unit may only be permitted on a residential parcel on which there is already built one owner-occupied single-family detached dwelling unit (main unit), and the additional unit may be within, attached, or detached to/from the existing main dwelling unit.
(3) 
An additional dwelling unit may not be permitted on a single-family parcel already having two or more dwelling units.
(4) 
The parcel upon which the additional dwelling unit is to be established shall conform to all standards of the R-L zoning district.
(5) 
The minimum size of the parcel upon which the additional dwelling unit may be built shall be 6,250 square feet. The parcel shall have a minimum width of 50 feet and a minimum depth of 80 feet.
(6) 
The additional dwelling unit may only be located within the rear half of the parcel.
(7) 
The size of the additional dwelling unit, whether attached or detached, shall not be less than 500 square feet and shall not exceed 650 square feet.
(8) 
The additional dwelling unit shall be architecturally compatible with the main dwelling unit.
(9) 
The property shall be provided with at least two off-street parking spaces, in compliance with Chapter 3, Article 8 (Off-Street Parking Standards), for the main unit, and one off-street parking space per bedroom for the second unit. Off-street parking for the second unit may be uncovered. Off-street parking for either unit may only be located within the rear half of the parcel, and shall be served by a level driveway.
(10) 
The additional dwelling unit shall not be metered separately from the main dwelling unit for gas, electricity, and water/sewer services.
(11) 
Prior to the issuance of a building permit for the additional dwelling unit, a covenant of restriction to run with the land, shall be recorded which specifies that the use of the additional unit as an independent dwelling may continue only as long as the property is owner-occupied. The additional dwelling unit may not be sold independently of the main dwelling and parent parcel.
(12) 
The applicant for the permit shall be the owner of the subject property as well as the resident of the main dwelling unit.
(13) 
This section shall not validate any existing illegal "additional" dwelling unit. An application for a permit may be made in compliance with all applicable sections of this Code to convert an illegal "additional" unit to a conforming legal "additional" unit. The standards and requirements for the conversion shall be the same as for a newly proposed "additional" dwelling unit.
(14) 
The following findings shall be made in order to approve a permit for an additional dwelling unit:
a. 
The additional dwelling unit is compatible with the design of the main dwelling unit and the surrounding neighborhood in terms of scale, height, length, width, bulk, lot coverage, exterior treatment and landscaping and will not cause excessive noise, traffic, or other disturbances to the existing neighborhood or result in significantly adverse impacts on public services and resources; and
b. 
The additional dwelling unit will not tend to cause a high concentration of these units sufficient to change the character of the surrounding R-L residential neighborhood.
O. 
Senior Citizen/Congregate Care Housing Development Standards. Development standards governing Senior Citizen/Congregate Care Housing facilities are outlined in Chapter 3, Article 11.
P. 
Single Room Occupancy (SRO) Facilities Development Standards. Development standards governing Single Room Occupancy (SROs) facilities are outlined in Chapter 3, Article 13.
Q. 
Trash Enclosures. Development standards governing trash enclosures are outlined in Section 9-3.103.
R. 
Zero Lot Line/Small Lot Residential Development Standards. Zero lot line/small lot developments are allowable in the R-H and R-M zoning districts, subject to the approval of a Development Permit, and shall be developed in the following manner:
(1) 
The parent parcel shall be a minimum of 6,100 square feet (two lots of 3,050 square feet each);
(2) 
The development shall comply with all of the applicable property development standards of the respective zoning district that the property is located in;
(3) 
Alleys may be permitted in order to provide vehicular access to individual units as well as to provide for trash collection and other public/private services. Alleys shall not be used for storage or parking;
(4) 
A parcel abutting a public alley shall be designed to gain vehicular access from the alley;
(5) 
Each lot shall front on a public street and shall have a minimum width of 30 feet. However, each lot fronting on both a public street and a public alley shall be permitted to have a minimum width of 20 feet on the public street and a minimum of 20 feet on the public alley, provided that the access for all required off-street parking is to be only from the public alley;
(6) 
All detached structures (i.e., dwellings, garages, etc.) shall be set back a minimum of five feet from the rear alley (public right-of-way) property line and five feet from the side/street right-of-way property line;
(7) 
Tandem parking may be permitted in required garage structures on parcels without alley access;
(8) 
The zero lot line development provides for the placement of a single-family dwelling on one interior side yard with a zero-foot required setback, while maintaining a five foot setback on the other interior side yard. To accomplish this, the parcel adjacent to the zero side yard shall be held under the same ownership at the time of initial development and shall provide for either a zero-foot setback if the units share a common building wall or a minimum of five feet of separation if the units are not attached. The opposite side yard on the adjacent second parcel shall be a minimum of four feet and shall be perpetually maintained free of any obstructions, other than a required solid decorative masonry garden wall, which shall be architecturally treated on both sides and be subject to the approval of the Director. The masonry wall shall intersect with the rear property lines;
(9) 
The zero side yard shall not be located adjacent to any private or public right-of-way;
(10) 
No portion of any structure or architectural element shall be permitted to project over any property line;
(11) 
Exposure protection between adjoining structures shall be in compliance with the requirements/specifications of the County Fire Department and the City Building Codes;
(12) 
The walls of the structure located at the zero lot line shall be constructed with low maintenance decorative masonry or masonry veneer;
(13) 
The walls of the structure located on the zero lot line shall have no windows, doors, air conditioning units, or any other type of openings. Atriums/courts may be permitted on zero lot line when they are enclosed by three walls of the dwelling and a solid wall, a minimum of eight feet in height, is provided on the zero lot line. The eight foot wall shall be constructed of the same material(s) as the exterior walls of the structure and be subject to the approval of the Director (see figure below);
(14) 
In order to provide for maintenance and repair of any structures located on the zero lot line, a perpetual four foot-wide wall/maintenance easement shall be provided on the lot adjacent to the zero lot property line which, with the exception of walls and/or fences, shall be kept clear of structures. This easement shall be shown on the parcel/tract map and incorporated into each deed transferring title to the subject property. The roof(s) of the structure(s) shall be designed to ensure that water runoff from the dwelling located on the common lot line is limited to the easement area;
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(15) 
Parking shall be provided and maintained in compliance with Chapter 3, Article 8 (Off-Street Parking Standards);
(16) 
Landscaping shall be installed and maintained in compliance with Chapter 3, Article 4 (Landscaping Standards);
(17) 
Each dwelling shall have a minimum of 400 square feet of private useable outdoor open space, with no dimension less than 10 feet; and
(18) 
The development of any flag lot shall require the approval of a Conditional Use Permit in compliance with Chapter 2, Article 11. A flag lot may share an access driveway easement with one other flag lot while maintaining a minimum paved width of 12 feet.
S. 
Employee Housing. Standards for employee housing are as follows:
(1) 
Employee housing is permitted in residential zones.
(2) 
Employee housing shall comply with all applicable State laws including, when applicable, the California Mobilehome Parks Act.
T. 
Group Homes. Standards for group homes are as follows:
(1) 
Unlicensed group homes are permitted in all residential use zones, subject only to the generally applicable, nondiscriminatory health, safety, and zoning laws that apply to all residential uses in that zone.
(2) 
Licensed small group homes (serving six or fewer residents) are permitted in all residential use zones, subject only to the generally applicable, nondiscriminatory health, safety, and zoning laws that apply to all residential uses in that zone.
(3) 
No group homes may be located in an accessory dwelling unit, unless the primary dwelling unit is used for the same purpose.
(4) 
Licensed large group homes (serving seven or more residents) are subject to a Conditional Use Permit in R-L, R-M, and R-H Zones.
(5) 
Findings for Conditional Use Permit. In conditionally approving a large licensed group home, the following findings shall be made:
a. 
The use applied for at the location set forth in the application is one for which a conditional use permit is authorized by this chapter.
b. 
The proposed project meets the development standards of this section including setbacks, fences, parking, and other required features.
c. 
The proposed project provides services that require licensing by the State of California and will comply with all licensing requirements thereof.
d. 
The proposed project would not cause direct threats to public health and safety.
(§ 1, Ord. 666-NS, eff. September 15, 2001, § 5, Ord. 771-NS, eff. March 21, 2006, § 2, Ord. 794-NS, eff. December 6, 2006, § 1, Ord. 798-NS, eff. January 18, 2007, § 1, Ord. 832-NS, eff. January 1, 2009, § 4, Ord. 846-NS, eff. January 21, 2010, § 3, Ord. 849-NS, eff. January 21, 2010, § 8, Ord. 2019-978, eff. September 5, 2019, § 7, Ord. 2023-02, eff. December 7, 2023; Ord. 2025-02, eff. September 3, 2025)
All uses shall be subject to the applicable regulations of this Code, including provisions located in the following chapters and article:
1.
Article 11 of Chapter 2
Conditional Use Permits
2.
Article 3 of Chapter 2
Home Enterprise Permits
3.
Article 4 of Chapter 3
Landscaping Standards
4.
Article 8 of Chapter 2
Minor Conditional Use Permits
5.
Article 7 of Chapter 2
Minor Variances
6.
Article 7 of Chapter 3
Off-Street Loading Standards
7.
Article 8 of Chapter 3
Off-Street Parking Standards
8.
Article 10 of Chapter 2
Development Permits
9.
Article 12 of Chapter 3
Sign Standards
10.
Article 9 of Chapter 2
Variances
11.
Chapter 3
General Regulations
(§ 1, Ord. 666-NS, eff. September 15, 2001)