City of Lakewood, CA Part 3 M-F-R (Multiple-Family Residential) Zone Regulations

§ 9330 Multiple-Family Residential Zone.

[Added by Ord. 72-19; amended 11-11-2025 by Ord. No. 2025-3]

The Multiple-Family Residential Zone is hereby created to provide a means of achieving neighborhoods with greater residential densities while maintaining a desirable character and quality of life that will benefit the overall City of Lakewood. This zone allows residential development that is not out of harmony with the surrounding neighborhoods, and which meets current development standards of density and open space with landscaping, light, air, pedestrian and vehicular access, and standards of architectural design, all of which will maintain the suburban residential character of the City, while providing for multiple-family and multifamily attached residential housing. For the purposes of this Chapter, M-F-R Zone and MFR Zone shall have the same meaning.

§ 9331 Uses Permitted.

[Amended by Ord. 74-9; Ord. 75-12; Ord. 77-14; Ord. 77-2; Ord. 78-2; Ord. 78-14; Ord. 79-1; Ord. 85-12; Ord. 86-7; Ord. 92-4; Ord. 2003-8; Ord. 2005-8; Ord. 2013-3; Ord. 2018-7; Ord. 2018-9; 11-11-2025 by Ord. No. 2025-3]

A. Multiple-family dwellings, together with accessory uses and buildings, including accessory dwelling units pursuant to Section 9302.1 and residential care facilities, small.

B. Governmental buildings and facilities, including but not limited thereby, park and recreation areas, libraries and museums.

C. The keeping of not more than two (2) dogs over four (4) months of age and not more than two (2) cats over four (4) months of age in conjunction with the maintenance of each dwelling unit.

D. The following uses, provided in each instance a conditional use permit has been obtained and continues in full force and effect:

1. Churches of a permanent character.

2. Educational institutions.

3. Hospitals, convalescent homes and sanitariums.

4. Children's nursery, including, but not limited thereby, children's room, private day school, day nursery, or day nursery school, private boarding school, and children's boarding home.

5. Condominiums, planned development, community apartment projects, and stock cooperatives as defined in Section 11004.5 of the California Business and Professions Code.

6. Homes/facilities for the aged, retirement hotels, and adult care facilities, under the specified development standards contained in Section 9332.3.

7. Bed and breakfast establishments, under the specified development standards and conditions contained in Section 9332.4.

8. Cottage Food Operations. These are subject to the conditions and restrictions listed in Section 9320.C.13.

9. Residential care facilities, large.

E. Residential sales events as defined in Section 9302.36.c, not exceeding two (2) per calendar year. Each event shall be allowed to operate a maximum of two (2) days. If the sales event terminates prior to the two (2) day period allowed, it will be considered one of the two (2) events allowed per year. No new items shall be permitted for resale. The sale shall not encroach into any public right-of-way.

F. Family Day Care Homes.

G. Home business occupation, subject to the conditions and restrictions listed in Section 9320.J.

H. Rentals. As specified in Subsection 9320.F of this Title.

I. Accessory uses allowed in connection with any church, religious facility or school use, for fund raising purposes, including:

1. Temporary fireworks stands, where authorized by permit of the City Council pursuant to and subject to the provisions of Section 3105.1;

2. Bingo games, where authorized by permit issued under Article VI and subject to the terms and provisions of this Code pertaining to bingo games;

3. Carnivals, where authorized by permit issued pursuant to and subject to Article VI of this Code; and

4. Christmas tree and other holiday sales, where authorized by permit pursuant to and subject to Article VI of this Code.

§ 9332 Development Standards.

[Amended by Ord. 74-2; Ord. 79-1; Ord. 81-10; Ord. 2004-5; Ord. 2005-8; Ord. 2012-1; Ord. 2018-2; Ord. 2023-6; 11-11-2025 by Ord. No. 2025-3; 3-10-2026 by Ord. No. 2026-3]

Construction, development, use and occupancy in the M-F-R Zone shall comply at all times with the following standards:

A. Lot Size.

1. Area. The minimum required area of each lot shall be not less than 5,000 square feet.

2. Width. All parcels shall have and maintain an average width of not less than 60 feet.

3. Depth. All lots shall have a sufficient depth to provide not less than the required minimum lot area.

4. The provisions of this Subsection shall not be applicable to any lot established by subdivision map or parcel map prior to on the date of enactment of this section. The provisions of this Subsection shall not apply to parcels under common ownership and that are not developed with residential units.

B. Buildings.

1. Height. No building or structure shall exceed the height of three stories or 38 feet except where authorized by Conditional Use Permit.

2. Density.

(a) The maximum and minimum allowable densities per lot based on lot area shall be as follows:

(1) Not more than 32 dwelling units per acre and not less than 24 units per acre for lots with less than 12,500 square feet in area.

(2) Not more than 40 dwelling units per acre and not less than 30 units per acre for lots between 12,500 square feet and 21,780 square feet in area.

(3) Not more than 50 dwelling units per acre and not less than 37.5 units per acre for lots greater than 21,780 square feet in area.

(b) The minimum allowable density per lot shall be not less than 75% of the maximum allowable density per lot. Projects subject to ministerial approval may be approved with fewer units than as shown in the Housing Element provided a written finding is included as part of the project approval that the remaining sites in the Housing Element’s inventory have sufficient capacity to accommodate the remaining unmet Regional Housing Needs Assessment for each income level. Projects subject to discretionary approval may be approved with fewer units than as shown in the Housing Element provided a written finding is included in resolution or other instrument approving the project. For the purposes of this Subsection, those portions of a parcel reserved through an easement or other covenant and used for the purpose of ingress and egress, common parking facilities, and/or utilities, may be excluded when calculating the required density.

(c) When the application of this chapter results in the requirement of a fractional dwelling unit, any remaining fraction shall be rounded down to the next whole number.

(d) No Net Loss. Prior to or concurrent with approving an application to develop a housing element parcel with fewer units by income category than identified in the housing element for that parcel, or taking any administrative, quasi-judicial, legislative, or other action to otherwise allow development of a housing element parcel at a lower residential density, as defined in Government Code Section 65863(g), the City body or official taking such action shall make a written finding supported by substantial evidence as to whether the remaining sites identified in the housing element are adequate to meet the requirements of Government Code Section 65583.2 and to accommodate the City's share of the regional housing need pursuant Government Code Section 65584. This finding shall include a quantification of the remaining unmet need for the City's share of the regional housing need at each income level and the remaining capacity of sites identified in the housing element to accommodate that need by income level.

3. Floor Area. All dwelling units shall have a minimum floor area as follows:

(a) Efficiency Units: 150 square feet and as defined as efficiency units per Health and Safety Code Section 17958.1 and shall identified by labeling such units on the floor plan submittal.

(b) Studio Units: Not less than 300 square feet.

(c) One Bedroom Units: Not less than 450 square feet.

(d) Two Bedroom Units: Not less than 800 square feet.

(e) Three Bedroom Units: Not less than 1,000 square feet.

(f) Additional Bedroom Units Above Three: Not less than an additional 75 square feet shall be required for each additional bedroom.

(g) Measurement for the purposes of this Section shall be taken from the outer surface of the exterior wall. The habitable floor area shall be exclusive of attached garages, storage areas, open entries, porches, or patios.

4. Elevators. All dwelling units with the entrance above the second floor shall be served with elevators in addition to the stairways otherwise required by law.

C. Yard Requirements.

1. Front Yard Setback Area. Every lot shall have a front yard setback area of not less than 15 feet in depth measured from the front property line, or not less than 10 feet from the front property line, where the lot or parcel is located on a cul-de-sac street or on a knuckle intersection, except as allowed for ADU projections into the front yard.

2. Side Yard Setback Area.

(a) On interior lots, the side yard setback area shall not be less than five feet in width, unless otherwise waived, or modified by state law. Where a building or structure on a lot exceeds two stories in height, the required side yard shall be increased an additional one foot at ground level for each story over the first two stories except as modified by state law. Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) shall be allowed to have a side yard setback of not less than four feet.

(b) On the comer lots, the side yard setback area abutting a street shall not be less than four (4) feet in width, unless otherwise waived, or modified by state law. Where a building or structure on a lot exceeds two stories in height, the required side yard shall be increased an additional one foot at ground level for each story over the first two stories, except as modified by state law. Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) shall be allowed to have a side yard setback of not less than four feet.

3. Rear Yard. The rear yard shall not be less than 10 feet, unless otherwise waived, or modified by state law. Where a building or structure on a lot exceeds two stories in height, the required yard shall be increased and additional 2 1/2 foot at ground level for each story in excess of two stories, unless otherwise waived, or modified by state law. Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) shall be allowed to have a rear yard setback of not less than four feet.

4. Accessory Building Setbacks. Accessory buildings may be located on the rear lot line, if there are no openings in the wall abutting the rear lot line or alley, and the wall is constructed of one-hour fire resistant materials. Provisions shall be made for all roof drainage to remain on the subject property. Each garage fronting on any street or alley providing access thereto shall be located no closer than twenty (20) feet from the street or alley right of way line except as follows:

(a) Any garage constructed with an automatic mechanical garage door opener and having access onto an alley, may be located closer than twenty feet from the property lines, provided that a twenty-four (24) foot back out turning radius is maintained from the automatic garage door to the opposite side of the alley.

(b) Any garage constructed pursuant to a building permit issued prior to March 26, 1974, and finalized before March 26, 1975, pursuant to a subdivision map tentatively approved by the City Council prior to March 26, 1975, may be located closer than twenty (20) feet from said street or alley right-of-way line, as authorized by any ordinance in effect on March 26, 1974.

(c) Canopies may be located only in the rear yard and may not be located in any driveway area used for automobile parking. Such structures shall be located not less than 3 feet from the side and rear property lines and shall be subject to all standards applicable to accessory structures.

5. Accessory Structures. No accessory structure, such as, but not limited to garages, workshops, sheds, or greenhouses, shall be used as living quarters or recreational areas, except as allowed for as a conversion to an ADU as defined in Section 9302.21a., a JADU as defined in Section 9302.21b, and/or as a second primary dwelling unit or as otherwise waived or modified by state law.

D. Distance Between Buildings. There shall be provided and maintained on each lot the following open or unobstructed space between buildings:

1. The minimum distance between all buildings on a project site shall be at least 10 feet.

E. Open Space. At least 300 square feet of usable open space shall be provided for each dwelling unit as follows:

1. Usable Open Space. Usable open space shall include a combination of private and common open space areas that include the following:

(a) Usable areas designed for and to be used for outdoor living, recreation or landscaping.

(b) Usable open spaces shall include balconies, roof decks, patios, swimming pools, open cabanas, recreation rooms, gymnasiums, and indoor living space of like nature designed for sports, games, and recreation.

2. Private Open Space. Private open space is included in and is a part of the requirement for 300 square feet of usable open space per unit. Balconies and private patios shall count toward the private open space area requirement. A minimum of 100 square feet of private open space shall be provided adjacent to each unit. All private open space interior dimensions shall be no less than six feet.

3. Common Area Open Space. The usable open space for common areas shall have minimum dimensions of five feet. Required front yard areas shall not be included in usable open space calculations.

4. All usable open space, except private patios, balconies, fenced swimming pools, walkways, and building structures, shall be furnished and maintained with landscaping. Yard areas designed for games may be surfaced with hardscaping as approved by the City.

5. Usable open space within a building or structure properly improved and designed for sports, games or recreational purposes, may contribute to a maximum of twenty-five percent (25%) of the open space requirement.

6. In computing usable open space, the following areas shall be excluded: areas devoted to automobile parking spaces, driveways, and loading zones. Also excluded from usable open space is any storage area and any area fenced or otherwise inaccessible to tenants.

F. Required Landscaping.

1. A minimum of five percent (5%) of the total lot area shall be permanently maintained with landscaping.

2. Not less than five percent (5%) of the total paved area used for driveways and for open parking shall be landscaped where such areas are visible from dwelling units on the lot or from adjacent property or public rights-of-way. One twenty-four-inch box tree shall be provided for each ten (10) open parking spaces.

3. All landscaping shall be provided and maintained with an automatic irrigation sprinkler system.

4. A planter bed used as landscaping shall have an average width of three (3) feet and a minimum area of nine (9) square feet.

5. A minimum eighteen-inch (18") planter bed shall be required separating a driveway from a dwelling unit on lots with a street frontage greater than 50 feet.

6. There shall be a minimum of one (1) tree per unit provided on the subject lot and shall be a minimum twenty-four-inch box in size.

7. Plans shall be submitted for all proposed landscape areas in accordance with the City’s Water Conservation in Landscaping Ordinance as applicable.

G. (Reserved)

H. Utility Areas.

1. Each multifamily residential project shall provide on-site laundry facilities. Each dwelling unit shall include a laundry closet or room with utility connections for laundry appliances. The interior dimensions of each laundry closet or room shall be no less than 36 inches in each direction and ceiling height of not less than seven feet six inches.

2. There shall be a maintenance room or building with a minimum area of 75 square feet for the storage of building maintenance supplies and/or tools where the lot or parcel is greater than 21,780 square feet in area and where 50 or more dwelling units are proposed.

I. Internal Walkways.

1. There shall be at least one internal walkway between each dwelling unit primary entry door and both an adjacent public sidewalk and any off-street parking area on the site. Such walkways shall be a minimum of 36 inches wide and shall be improved with a hard, durable, continuous walkable surface.

2. Driveways shall not be defined or used as the required internal walkways.

J. Private Storage Space. Private storage spaces shall be located adjacent to one or more of the following areas:

1. The residential unit to which the private storage space is assigned.

2. Within the residential unit but shall not include closets inside of a bedroom.

3. A central mailbox area.

4. The same parking area serving its assigned residential unit.

More than one private storage space area may be provided for each residential unit. The minimum interior dimension shall be at least three feet and at least seven feet in height. Each private storage space shall have a minimum capacity of 100 cubic feet.

K. Walls. A solid, reinforced masonry wall, not less than six feet in height, shall be constructed and maintained along all exterior property lines, except in those areas designated as a front yard or where a pedestrian or vehicular access gate is provided.

L. Lighting. Exterior lighting of entryways, walkways, between buildings, grounds, and within parking areas shall be designed, installed, and arranged to provide safe use thereof and shall not reflect direct or indirect light upon abutting or adjacent properties outside of the project site. Light fixtures shall be fitted with shatter resistant safety glass or be constructed in a similarly durable manner. Walkways shall be illuminated with either light standards or building-mounted lighting, or a combination of the two.

M. Vacant Property or Building. Any vacant property or building subject to vandalism, trespassing, dumping, storage or graffiti, and determined to be a property nuisance as provided in Section 4323.A, shall be completely enclosed with six (6) feet high fencing or walls, with locked accesses.

N. Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Installations. All mechanical, electrical, and plumbing installations shall be subject to the following standards:

1. Air-conditioning condensers, heat pumps, and similar equipment shall not be located in the required front or side yards. Roof-mounted equipment shall be located behind parapets and shall not be visible at ground level. Equipment located on decks and balconies shall be screened from view by a solid wall matching the architecture of the building. All conduit and line set shall be located within the building and not visible from external views.

2. All electrical equipment rooms, electrical panels, and similar enclosures shall be flush with the exterior surface of the building. All doors and covers shall be painted to match adjacent wall surfaces. All conduits shall be located within the building. All electrical utility lines shall be located underground.

3. Photovoltaic panels and solar water heater panels may be roof mounted or located above open parking areas subject to applicable setbacks. All conduit and plumbing shall be located within the building or structure and shall not be run between buildings above finished grade. Connecting conduit shall be painted to match adjacent surfaces.

4. All water heaters, water softeners, and similar appliances shall be located enclosure within the building. All plumbing and conduits shall be located within the building.

O. By-Right Approval of Multi-Family Projects with At Least 20% Affordability. Approval shall be granted for multi-family residential projects where the project applicant voluntarily includes at least 20% of the units as affordable pursuant to California Government Code Section 65583.2 without discretionary approval and subject to the following:

1. Multi-family residential projects on housing sites shall be a “use by right,” subject to all the following requirements:

(a) The site is designated in Appendix B: RHNA Sites List of the 2021-2029 Housing Element to accommodate lower income households and it is either:

(1) A non-vacant site included in one prior housing element as indicated in Appendix B by a residential unit(s) under the Existing Use-Existing Units column and as indicated by a “Yes” under the Last Two Cycles column, or;

(2) A site indicated as being vacant during the previous two Housing Element cycles;

(b) The site was not previously approved to develop a portion of the City’s regional housing need allocation;

(c) The project restricts at least 20% of the units to rents or sales prices affordable to lower income households; and

(d) The site has sufficient water, sewer, and other dry utilities available and is accessible and as indicated by a “Yes” under the Infrastructure column.

2. “Use by right” shall have the same meaning as provided in Government Code Section 65583.2, subdivision (i).

3. “Lower income households” shall have the same meaning as provided in Health and Safety Code section 50079.5.

4. Review of qualifying projects shall be reviewed pursuant to Section 9200 et al. and the Subdivision Map Act and the subdivision map processes set forth therein, which may result in a “project” for purposes of CEQA.

5. Qualifying projects shall be ministerially reviewed for compliance with applicable objective standards.

P. Objective Design Standards. Architectural and landscape plans for development projects submitted for compliance review with this section shall be consistent with Lakewood’s Objective Design Standards for Multiple-Family Residential Development. The Objective Design Standards for Multiple-Family Residential Development shall become effective following adoption by City Council resolution. The Director of Community Development shall cause the Objective Design Standards to be prepared and is authorized to update these Standards from time to time.

§ 9332.1 Development Standards for Multiple-Family Housing for Elderly or Handicapped.

[Added by Ord. 77-4]

A. Multiple family dwellings for housing the elderly or handicapped, as defined in Section 9302.19.A shall be constructed, developed, used and occupied as provided in this part, provided, however, that the development standards of Section 9332 may be modified in whole or in part pursuant to the issuance and maintenance of a conditional use permit as hereinafter set forth.

B. In addition to the requirements of this chapter pertaining to the issuance of conditional use permits, consideration shall be given to the following factors which, if found to exist, shall be deemed a reasonable basis for differentiation from the development standards set forth in Section 9332 on the basis that these factors hereinafter set forth will tend to ensure the continual maintenance and operation of the structures for the housing of the elderly or handicapped. Said factors which the Planning and Environment commission shall consider in determining whether or not a conditional use permit shall issue authorizing different development standards, as hereinafter set forth, than those in Section 9332, are:

1. Availability of Services. Units located within a reasonable distance of a shopping center containing at least a drug store; a food store selling fresh vegetables and fruit, fresh meat, bakery goods and canned foods; a store dealing in men's and women's outer and underclothing; a shoe store; a variety store selling usual household items; and a clothes cleaning establishment shall be considered likely for continual and logical housing of the elderly and handicapped. In determining "reasonable distance" for the purpose of this subsection, the availability of public transportation, the separation of housing from the required shopping center by one or more heavily traveled thoroughfares, the existence or lack of sidewalks, the adequacy of street lighting, and similar factors affecting pedestrian travel, shall be considered.

2. Establishment of Need. The applicant shall have the burden of proof of establishing a need for additional housing for the elderly or handicapped within the community, and that the housing for which the conditional use permit is sought will aid in satisfying that need.

3. Denial for Incompatibility. The provisions of this chapter pertaining to the issuance or denial of an application for a conditional use permit shall be applicable and, in addition, the compatibility or lack of compatibility of the zoning, or use developed on adjacent property shall be considered. A conditional use permit may be denied because the zoning of adjacent property, or the use established on adjacent property creates factors incompatible with the peaceful and quiet enjoyment of such housing for the elderly.

C. Such conditional use permit may authorize development and maintenance of said housing at standards less restrictive or different than those set forth in Section 9332, in whole or in part, upon a finding that said development standards are reasonable and necessary for the development and maintenance of housing for the elderly or handicapped, and in any case meet at least the following minimum requirements:

1. Lot Size. The minimum required area of each lot shall be not less than one acre, or 43,560 square feet.

2. Lot Coverage. The maximum allowable lot coverage by all buildings and structures shall be sixty percent (60%) of the lot area.

3. Buildings.

(a) Minimum unit sizes shall be:

[Amended by Ord. 88-4]

(1) One Bedroom Unit: Minimum size - 460 square feet and shall consist of a dwelling unit designed and intended for the occupancy of no more than two (2) persons.

(2) Two Bedroom Unit: Minimum size - 650 square feet and shall consist of a dwelling unit designed and intended for the occupancy of no more than three persons.

(b) Recreation Rooms: Every elderly/handicapped housing development shall contain at least one (1) recreation room within the main structure, containing not less than 450 square feet of floor area; however, that no less than fifteen (15) square feet of indoor recreation area shall be provided for each dwelling unit.

(c) Elevators. All dwelling units other than those on the ground floor, shall be served by elevators. At least one of the required elevators shall be of the 2500 pound service type suitable for handling ambulance stretchers. The above required elevator(s) may be waived by the Planning and Environment Commission when:

[Amended by Ord. 88-4]

(1) The project is a maximum of two stories, and

(2) Stairways shall be specifically designed and maintained for the elderly and shall comply with Title 24 of the California Administrative Code which governs handicapped accessibility.

(d) Ramps. Ramps shall be provided between every change of elevation intended to be used by pedestrians or persons in wheelchairs, other than change of elevation between stories served by elevators.

(e) Non-Skid Material. All ramps, all bath areas, and all showers and tubs shall be covered by non-skid material satisfactory to the Development Review Board (or Building and Safety Section).

(f) Door Width. All doors and door openings intended for the use of any occupant or guest shall be of sufficient width to permit access by means of wheelchairs. All public doors shall be a minimum of 3'0" wide. Private doors shall be maintained as follows:

Main entrance to living unit	3'0"
Secondary entrance to living unit	2'8"
Bathrooms, toilets in living unit	2'8"
Habitable rooms	2'8"

In no instance shall a door be of insufficient size to permit the admittance of persons, furniture and equipment.

(g) Baths. Each dwelling unit shall have one bathroom containing a lavatory, water closet and bathtub. Bathrooms shall be convenient to the bedroom. Fixtures within bathrooms shall be provided as follows:

(1) Bathtubs shall be at least five (5) feet long and shall be provided with at least two (2) grab bars.

(2) A stall shower with a seat and grab bars may be provided in lieu of a bathtub.

(3) Tub or shower bottom surfaces shall be slip resistant.

(4) Grab bars shall be installed to sustain a dead weight of 250 pounds for five (5) minutes.

(5) Fixtures in bathrooms of at least ten percent (10%) of the living units of each type (other than types containing more than one floor within the living unit) shall be arranged and space provided to permit access and use by a person in a wheelchair. In all such bathrooms, the entire length of at least one side of the tub shall be accessible to the bather. A stall shower, if provided, shall be at least four (4) feet square, without curbs, and with handrails and access in accordance with American National Standards Institute Standard A117.1. The lavatory shall comply with American National Standards Institute A117.1.

(h) Electrical Outlets. All electrical outlets shall be at least twenty-four (24) inches above the floor.

(i) Grab Bars - Handrails. Grab bars shall be provided at every bathtub, shower, and at every toilet, and handrails shall be provided at every ramp, and flight of stairs in excess of 24 inches and width exceeding four (4) feet on both sides and one side where the stairs are less than four (4) feet in width.

(j) Emergency Signal. Every dwelling unit shall be provided with a mechanism that will activate an emergency signal at an approved central location.

4. Density. "Density" shall be determined by the allowable lot coverage and maximum building heights.

5. Usable Open Space. Usable Open Space shall be provided at the rate of 200 square feet per unit.

6. Manager. A full-time, live-in manager shall be provided, who shall be responsible for compliance with all conditions of said permit.

7. Handicapped Units. All units designed for handicapped occupancy shall be located on the ground floor.

8. Compliance Required. A condition of issuance of said permit shall be a common ownership of the entire multiple-family unit to be maintained in one person, firm, partnership or corporation, and that a covenant binding said owner, or the heirs, executors or assigns thereof, to the use of said property for such housing of the elderly or handicapped be recorded in the office of the Los Angeles county Recorder. Said covenant shall be in the form and fashion approved by the City Attorney prior to recordation, and shall run with the land in favor of the City of Lakewood, and all tenant occupants of said structure, containing therein the agreement and promise of said owner, or the heirs, executors or assigns thereof, that said property of said owner, or the heirs, executors or assigns thereof, that said property will not be used for any purpose other than the housing of the elderly or handicapped, as defined in Section 9302.19.

No one other than those persons defined in Section 9302.19.A shall occupy any unit constructed and maintained pursuant to a conditional use permit under this section, and no person shall permit any person to violate this section. No person shall rent or provide any housing for which a conditional use permit has been issued pursuant to this section to any person who may not lawfully occupy the same in accordance with the provisions of this section.

§ 9332.2 Additional Development Standards and Regulations Pertaining to Any Condominium, Planned Development, Community Apartment, Stock Cooperative Project or Investment Apartment.

[Added by Ord. 79-1; amended by Ord. 88-15]

A. The establishment of any condominium, community apartment, planned development, stock cooperative project, or investment apartment, in addition to the standards of Section 9332 shall be subject to the following requirements:

1. A conditional use permit shall be issued and maintained in accordance with the requirements of this Chapter. In addition to any other condition required, a condition of approval shall be that covenants, conditions and restrictions be prepared and approved by the Director of Community Development and the City Attorney. In reviewing and approving said covenants, conditions and restrictions, the following additional provisions and conditions shall be considered:

(a) That adequate provisions are made for compliance with the terms and provisions of the precise plan approval.

(b) That provisions are made for responsible management and for perpetual succession thereto.

(c) That provisions are contained therein for the name and address of the person who will serve as the responsible manager, and provisions are made for the appointment of a successor thereto.

(d) Provision is made for the recording of the name and address of any successors to the responsible management.

(e) Provision is made fixing and determining responsibility for all service and utility connections.

(f) Provision is made for the responsibility of maintaining all common walls and structures, and for collection of the cost of repair or maintenance therefor.

(g) Provisions are made requiring management to be responsible for compliance with all of the terms and provisions of Development Review Board approval, any precise plan approval, and compliance with the zoning, building and other ordinances of the City, including said permit.

(h) Provision is contained to the effect that management shall be a person or persons upon whom service of any notice, summons, city or court order may be made, and that such service will be binding on all owners of the property in respect to the occupancy, use, or compliance with the terms and provisions of subdivision approval, precise plan, approval of the Development Review Board, and compliance with the ordinances of the City, including said permit.

(i) The CC&R's shall contain a covenant and provision to the effect that use of the premises for condominium, planned development, community apartment, stock cooperative project, or investment apartment purposes shall continue only during the existence and compliance with the terms and conditions of this subdivision approval, Development Review Board approval, and conditional use permit approval.

(j) There shall be no amendment to the CC&R's without the approval of the Planning and Environment Commission.

(k) The CC&R's shall contain a provision that the aforementioned enumerated conditions (a) through (j) shall run in favor of the City of Lakewood, a Municipal Corporation, as well as all other persons interested in said subdivision, and in the event of violation may be enforced by the City of Lakewood, but the failure to do so shall not bar their enforcement in any future proceedings brought by the City of Lakewood or any other interested party.

2. Each unit shall be served by a separate meter for each utility and all common areas shall be on separate meters in the name of the homeowner's association or other trustee. This provision shall not apply to investment apartments.

3. Each building shall be served by separate sewer laterals to main line sewers. This provision shall not apply to investment apartments.

4. All properties originally permitted as apartment structures shall be inspected by the Building and Safety Section of the Community Development Department and must comply with the corrections set forth in order to insure compliance with the City's Building, Electrical, and Plumbing Codes.

5. All structures subject to the provisions of this section shall provide a minimum of a two (2) car enclosed garage for each unit. All other parking standards of Section 9490 shall be observed. The two car garage shall be located so as to abut the private open space to its assigned unit or adjacent to an entryway into the unit. This provision shall not apply to investment apartments or where the lot or parcel area is greater than 25,000 square feet.

[Amended by Ord. 2012-1]

6. No existing apartment structure shall be allowed to be converted to a condominium structure where the vacancy rate for apartment units in the City of Lakewood falls below five (5) percent of the total number of available rental units. The vacancy rate shall be based upon identified vacancy rates for the City of Lakewood area. This provision shall not apply to investment apartments.

7. Each unit shall be provided sufficient space for private laundry facilities. This provision shall not apply to investment apartments.

8. In reviewing the CC&R's and the aforementioned conditions, the Director of Community Development is authorized to make minor variances in those conditions where necessary in order to secure approval of the Real Estate Commissioner, lending institution, or the Corporation Commissioners, and where the spirit, purpose and intent of these conditions are otherwise complied with.

9. The subdivision of multiple family residential units to investment apartment units shall result in individual ownership of not less than two (2) dwelling units per each ownership and all dwelling units shall be maintained as rental units.

10. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an existing multiple family development which is subdivided into investment apartments shall comply with the zoning regulations in effect at the time the development was originally constructed.

11. All dwelling units within the investment apartment project shall be provided with a fire-warning system, in conformity with the Lakewood Building Code.

12. All off-street parking spaces provided in the investment apartment project shall be held in common ownership, except garage parking spaces attached to investment apartment units. Such garage parking spaces may be held under the individual ownership of the investment apartment unit to which they are attached. Any off-street parking space held in common ownership may not be allocated, sold, leased or reserved for or by any owner or resident, but shall be maintained for the common benefit of all residents of the investment apartment project.

13. All investment apartment projects shall be reviewed and approved by the Development Review Board prior to the granting or issuance of a conditional use permit.

§ 9332.3 Development Standards for Homes/Facilities for the Aged, Retirement Hotels, and Adult Care Facilities.

[Added by Ord. 85-12]

A. The establishment of any Home/Facility for the Aged, Retirement Hotel, or Adult Care Facility, as defined in Sections 9302.25.a, 9302.38.a, and 9302.2.b, shall comply to the standards of Section 9332, except for the standards set forth herein as follows:

1. Minimum Lot Size. .50 acre.

2. Lot Coverage. The maximum allowable lot cover age by all buildings and structures shall be 60% of the lot area.

3. Buildings.

(a) Minimum Unit Size. In this section a unit shall consist of a bedroom or bedroom with a separate sitting room with a private or shared bath. No kitchen facilities shall be permitted in units.

(1) Unit Size. Minimum 200 square feet, exclusive of bath. Maximum two (2) beds per room.

(2) Two (2) room unit. Minimum 200 square feet, with minimum bedroom size of 120 square feet. Maximum two (2) beds per bedroom.

(b) Recreation Room. Each development shall contain at least one recreation room within the main structure, containing not less than 450 square feet of floor area; however, no less than 15 square feet of indoor recreation area shall be provided for each unit. A dining room, if used for recreation purposes, may count up to 50% of the required recreation area.

(c) Density. Density shall be determined by allowable lot coverage and number of units permitted by unit size.

(d) Usable Open Space. Usable open space shall be provide data rate of 200 square feet per unit.

4. Parking spaces required shall comply with Section 9490.H.a.

§ 9332.4 Development Standards and Conditions for Bed and Breakfast Establishments.

[Added by Ord. 2003-8]

A. The establishment of any bed and breakfast establishment shall comply with the development standards of Section 9332, except for the standards set forth herein as follows:

1. One dwelling unit may be constructed on a property provided that sufficient lot area is retained and/or the building is configured in a manner that allows for the development of additional attached and/or detached dwelling units if said property is no longer used as a bed and breakfast. A separate development plan demonstrating that such a project will be capable of meeting the development standards of Section 9332 shall be made a part of the Conditional Use Permit application.

2. Said use shall have a distinct architectural character as approved by the Development Review Board, and shall be located on one (1) lot, with at least two (2) and not more than five (5) attractively decorated guest rooms. Said establishment shall have not more than one (1) kitchen facility on the property, one (1) common room for providing meal service to guests and staff only, and one (1) common room available to guests for social interaction.

3. Said use may include childcare services for the exclusive use of guests, and recreational facilities including saunas, spas, swimming pools, tennis courts, and similar such facilities for the use of the guests and their visitors.

B. The establishment of any bed and breakfast establishment shall provide lodging on a temporary basis to any one guest for at least one (1) day and not more than 30 consecutive days, and in no case shall a combination of stays by any one guest exceed 120 days during any calendar year. Guest rooms shall not be rented on an hourly basis. For the purposes of this Section, the calculation of the length of each stay shall commence from the initial date of registration. A manager of at least 21 years of age shall be on the premises at all times.

§ 9332.5 Density Bonuses.

[Amended by Ord. 2014-8; 11-11-2025 by Ord. No. 2025-3]

A. Purpose and Intent. Density Bonuses are intended to provide incentives for the production of affordable housing for specified households in accordance with Sections 65915 through 65918 of the California Government Code. It is the intent of the City of Lakewood to implement the goals, objectives, and policies of the City's Housing Element by facilitating the development of affordable housing through the use of density bonuses as allowed by State Law.

B. Implementation. Density Bonuses shall be granted in accordance with Sections 65915 through 65918 of the California Government Code. Shared housing developments and residential care facilities for the elderly, as defined in Section 1569.2 of the Health and Safety Code, shall be eligible for Density Bonuses per California Government Code Section 65915.

§ 9333 Limitation on Permitted Use.

A. Location of Utility Lines. Utility lines, including but not limited to electric, telephone, communications, street lighting, cable television, within each lot or parcel shall be placed below ground. The owner or developer of each parcel shall make the necessary cost and other arrangements with each of the public utilities for the installation of underground facilities and relocation of existing facilities in conformance with the respective operating rules and regulations on file and approved by the State of California Public Utilities Commission. No utility poles are permitted to be located on site, and no new utility poles other than replacement poles are permitted off site to serve any development in the M-F-R Zone unless the same are approved as to their location by the City. For the purpose of this subsection, appurtenances and associated equipment such as, but not limited to, surface-mounted transformers, pedestal-mounted terminal boxes, and meter cabinets, and concealed ducts in an underground system may be placed above ground. The City may waive any requirement of this subsection if topographical or other soil conditions make such underground installation unreasonable or impractical. This subsection is inapplicable to any use involving single-family dwellings.

[Amended by Ord. 77-23]

B. Mechanical Equipment. All mechanical equipment, air-conditioning units, electrical supply equipment, and similar devices and equipment shall be constructed, arranged, operated, shielded and maintained so as to prevent the emission of sounds, noises, vibrations, odors, gases, dust, smoke, or land or air or water pollution, or to create any dangerous, injurious, noxious, fire, explosive or other hazard, or glare or electrical or other disturbance in such a way or manner or amount as to constitute a public nuisance. Public nuisance, as used herein, means one which affects at the same time an entire community or neighborhood, or any considerable number of persons, although the extent of the annoyance or damage inflicted upon the individuals may be unequal and consists of anything which is injurious to the health or is indecent or offensive to the senses or an obstruction to the free use of property so as to interfere with the comfortable enjoyment of life and property. The City may impose reasonable conditions to assure compliance with this subsection.

§ 9334 Development Plan Review.

A. Permits. No person shall construct any building or structure nor shall any building or structure or alteration or expansion or relocation of any building or structure until the development plan of the same has been approved by the Development Plan Review Board. Upon approval of such a development plan, the property shall be developed and maintained in accordance with the conditions of approval of said plan and none other.

B. Plan Approval. The Development Review Board shall determine whether or not the purposes and objectives of the Part have been met and in that regard conditions may be imposed to assure that the purposes and objectives of this Part will be realized. The requirements of this Part pertaining to lot area, lot area per unit, the minimum unit size, lot coverage, front, side, and rear yard, and distance between buildings may be modified by the Development Review Board as authorized and for the reasons set forth in this Chapter pertaining to the powers and duties of the Development Review Board and where under the conditions imposed the public health, safety and welfare and the property and residents of the neighborhood are as adequately protected and promoted as provided in the aforementioned development standards, as herein authorized, shall be granted except in accordance with the following additional principles and standards.

1. No such approval shall be granted which constitutes a special privilege not available to others within the Zone.

2. The approval shall not be in substantial conflict with the General Plan.

3. The nature, condition and development of adjacent uses, buildings and structures shall be considered, and no approval shall be granted where such will adversely affect or be materially detrimental to the said adjacent uses, buildings or structures.

4. The site of the proposed use shall be adequate in size and shape to accommodate the yards, walls, fences, buildings, parking and loading facilities, landscaping and other development features required by this Part, or as required as a condition in order to integrate said uses with the uses in the neighborhood.

5. The site for the parcel for which development plan approval is sought shall be served by highways or streets adequate in width and improved as necessary to carry the kind and quantity of traffic such use would generate.

In approving the development plan, the Development Review Board shall approve the site plan showing thereon the location of all buildings, structures, improvements, facilities, utilities, landscaping, and storage areas, and exterior elevation plans. The Development Review Board shall require said plans to show the location of public facilities, including but not limited to fire hydrants, street lights, vehicular and pedestrian circulation. Said plans shall, in addition, contain a general schedule of development and construction materials utilized.