As used in this title, the following land use designations shall be considered residential zones:
R-1
(Low Density Residential)
R-2
(Medium Density Residential)
R-3
(High Density Residential)
R-4
(Very High Density Residential)
(Ord. 806 § 1, 2007; Ord. 929 § 6, 2023)
The residential zones are established to provide for residential districts of varying densities for the purposes of family living permitted therein and including the necessary appurtenant and accessory facilities and uses associated with such living areas. The specific intent and purpose of each residential zone is identified below:
A. 
R-1 (Low Density Residential). Zone R-1 is established to provide for residential areas to be developed exclusively for one-family dwelling units, not to exceed 8.7 dwelling units per acre. In order to provide for the expansion of a single-family residential development into rural areas, provisions are made for the maintenance of limited agricultural pursuits. Additional uses, necessary and incidental to single-family development, are also permitted as shown in the Residential Land Use Matrix, Table 9.10A.
B. 
R-2 (Medium Density Residential). Established to provide for attached or detached two- and three-family dwellings not to exceed 15 dwelling units per acre.
C. 
R-3 (High Density Residential). Established to create multiple-family residential areas of four units or greater per parcel, not to exceed 30 dwelling units per acre.
(Ord. 806 § 1, 2007)
The following Residential Land Use Matrix, Table 9.10A, establishes the land uses that are permitted, conditionally permitted, permitted as accessory uses only, temporarily permitted, or strictly prohibited in the residential zones. Uses that are not listed in Table 9.10A shall be expressly prohibited. Uses not listed but similar to those permitted or conditionally permitted may be found to fall within the intent and purpose of this zone by the planning commission. The commission must find that the use(s) will not be more obnoxious or materially detrimental to the public welfare and must be comparable in nature and of the same class as the uses enumerated in this section.
Table 9.10A: Residential Land Use Matrix*
Uses
R-1 Zone
R-2 Zone
R-3 Zone
Supplemental Requirements
A: Accessory Use C: Conditional Use P: Principal Use S: Site Plan Review T: Temporary Use
Access to property lawfully used for a purpose not permitted in the R zone
S
S
S
Provided no other practical access to such property is available, and such access will not alter the character of the premises in respect to permitted uses in the R zones.
Accessory structures
A
A
A
Refer to definition.
Building construction materials: storage of
T
T
T
Building materials, storage of, used in construction of building or building project (during construction and 30 days thereafter) and includes temporary office; provided, that any lot or parcel of land so used shall be a part of the building project or on property adjoining the construction site.
Carnivals, circuses and street fairs
T
T
T
Refer to BGMC § 9.42.010, temporary uses.
Churches, temples or other places of religious worship
C
C
C
The minimum area requirement shall be 20,000 square feet.
Communication equipment buildings
C
C
C
Cottage food operations
P
P
P
Refer to BGMC § 9.20.096 for standards.
Country clubs
C
C
C
Crops, field, tree, bush, berry and row, including nursery stock, the growing of
P
Roadside stands, retail sale from the premises, or signs advertising products produced on the premises are not permitted.
Day care center
C
15 or more children; must comply with the minimum building floor area requirements of the state for number of children allowed.
Day care, large family
C
C
C
Nine to 14 children.
Day care, small family
S
S
S
Less than eight children.
Dwelling, one-family
P
P
P
Refer to Division 4 of this title, Supplemental Development Standards, for manufactured housing standards.
Dwelling, accessory unit
P
P
P
Refer to BGMC § 9.20.036, Accessory dwelling units.
Dwelling, accessory unit – junior
P
Refer to BGMC § 9.20.036, Accessory dwelling units.
Dwellings, two-family
P
P
Dwellings, multifamily
P
P
Dwellings, multifamily apartment house
P
Dwellings, multifamily condominiums
C
Refer to Division 3 of this title, Special Uses and Prohibited Uses.
Electric distribution substations
C
C
C
Includes microwave facilities. Refer to Division 4 of this title, Supplemental Development Standards, for standards.
Fraternity and sorority houses
C
Golf courses
C
C
C
Home occupation
A
A
A
Refer to BGMC § 9.20.107, Home occupation permit.
Homes for aged persons, foster family
S
S
P
Four aged persons or less.
Homes for aged persons, small group care
C
C
C
Maximum of seven to 15 persons.
Homes for children, foster family
S
S
P
Six children or less.
Homes for children, special boarding
C
C
Maximum of seven to 15 children.
Household pets
A
A
A
1. Domestic Animals. The occupants of a dwelling unit may keep and maintain domestic animals for their personal use, but in no instance may more than a total of six such animals nor more than two animals of any kind be kept upon the premises.
This subsection shall be construed as permitting dogs, cats, chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys and rabbits, but not the keeping of swine, sheep, goats, cattle, roosters, or horses.
2. Location. All animals permitted by this section shall be kept or maintained at a place where the keeping of domestic animals is permitted.
3. Prohibition. This section shall not be construed to permit any animal, other than cats and dogs, capable of inflicting harm or endangering the health and safety of any person or property.
Microwave stations
C
C
C
Mobile home parks
C
Established prior to January 27, 1971, and subject to special standards. Refer to Division 4 of this title, Supplemental Development Standards, for standards.
Model homes
P
P
P
Must be erected on the same premises and used in conjunction with a new subdivision tract offered for sale for the first time, provided they are not used in conjunction with a general real estate business.
Parking lots, off-street
S
S
S
Permitted as a supplemental use on lots or parcels of land which are adjoining or which are across from an alley from any commercial or manufacturing zone. Refer to Division 3 of this title, Special Uses and Prohibited Uses, for standards.
Radio and television stations and towers
C
Excluding studios.
Real estate tract office
T
T
T
Refer to BGMC § 9.42.010, temporary uses.
Residential care facility – six or fewer persons
P
P
P
Residential care facility – seven to 15 persons
C
Refer to BGMC § 9.20.137, special uses and applicable standards, in addition to BGMC § 9.10.040.
Residential condominium projects
C
Refer to Division 3 of this title, Special Uses and Prohibited Uses, for standards.
Residential planned development
C
C
C
Provided that the commission finds that the proposed development, in addition to the provisions of Chapter 9.50 BGMC, Variances and Conditional Use Permits, is in general accord with the following principles, standards and conditions:
That the plan provides as well or better for light and air, for public safety and convenience, for protection of property values and preservation of the general welfare of the community. Refer to Division 4 of this title, Supplemental Development Standards.
Riding and hiking trails
S
S
S
Schools, public and private
C
C
C
Through grade 12, accredited, including appurtenant facilities, which offer instruction required to be taught in the public schools by the Education Code of the state of California, in which no pupil is physically restrained.
Seasonal sales
T
Refer to BGMC § 9.42.010.
Storage of public works materials/equipment
T
T
T
Storage of materials and construction equipment used in construction or maintenance of streets and highways, sewers, storm drains, underground conduits, flood control works, pipelines and similar uses.
Supportive housing
P
P
P
Refer to BGMC § 9.04.190 for definition.
Telephone repeater stations
C
C
C
Transitional housing
P
P
P
Refer to BGMC § 9.04.200 for definition.
*Additional standards not found in this chapter may apply to certain land uses. Refer to Division 3 of this title, Special Uses and Prohibited Uses, for a list of these uses and standards. Division 3 of this title also states whether the special use is permitted by right, conditionally permitted, or permitted through a site plan review by the planning commission.
(Ord. 806 § 1, 2007; Ord. 840 § 6, 2011; Ord. 852 § 3, 2013; Ord. 851 § 3, 2013; Ord. 858 § 3, 2014; Ord. 882 § 2, 2017; Ord. 917 § 3, 2021)
The following matrix, Table 9.10B, establishes the general development standards of the residential zones as they apply to each individual zone. For additional standards not found in this section, refer to Division 4 of this title, Supplemental Development Standards. Division 4 of this title establishes development standards such as parking, landscaping, and other standards not prescribed within this chapter.
Table 9.10B: Residential Development Standards Matrix
Development Standards
R-1
R-2
R-3
Lot Standards
Area (square feet)
5,000 sf
5,000 sf (6,000 for corner lots)
5,000 sf (6,000 for corner lots)
Width
50 feet
(+10 corner lot)
50 feet
(+10 corner lot)
50 feet
(+10 corner lot)
Depth
80 feet
100 feet
100 feet
Yard Setbacks
Front1
20 feet
20 feet
15 feet
Side2
5 feet
5 feet
5 feet
Street Side
10 feet
10 feet
10 feet
Rear
10 feet
10 feet
10 feet
Allowable Yard Projections
Refer to BGMC § 9.46.050
Additional Second-Story Setbacks
(Applies to the entire second-story front elevation when the structure is greater than 25 feet in width and to the entire second-story side elevation when the structure is greater than 50 feet in length; 40 percent of the second story may remain on the same plane as the first story on the front and side.)
Front
5 feet
5 feet
5 feet
Side
3 feet
3 feet
3 feet
Rear
N/A
N/A
N/A
Density (Maximum)
Units per Lot
1 max.
3 units max.
Under 5,000 sf: 1 unit max.
Over 5,000 sf: 1 unit per 2,500 sf
Apartments
Under 5,000 sf:
1 unit max.
5,000 – 14,999:
1 unit per 2,500 sf
15,000 – 43,560:
1 unit per 2,000 sf
43,560 and over:
1 unit per 1,750 sf
Condominiums
Under 5,000:
1 unit max.
5,000 – 14,999:
1 unit per 2,000 sf
15,000 – 43,560:
1 unit per 1,625 sf
43,560 and over:
1 unit per 1,400 sf
Lot Coverage (%)
45
45
45
Minimum Dwelling Unit Size
(Excluding garage or other nonhabitable structures)
1,000 sf for primary and 600 sf for second unit, but no more than 50% of primary unit living area and max. of 1,000 sf
1,000 sf for first and 800 sf for additional units
550 sf studio
750 sf 1-bedroom
850 sf 2-bedroom
1,000 sf 3-bedroom
(+150 sf per additional bedroom)
Distance Between Buildings on Same Lot3
Primary to Primary Structure
10 feet
10 feet
10 feet
Primary to Accessory Structure
6 feet
6 feet
6 feet
Accessory to Accessory Structure
6 feet
6 feet
6 feet
Height (Maximum)
Primary Structure
35 feet
35 feet
35 feet
Accessory Structure
12 feet 9 feet to top plate or highest beam if flat roof
12 feet 9 feet to top plate or highest beam if flat roof
12 feet 9 feet to top plate or highest beam if flat roof
Allowable Height Projections
Refer to BGMC § 9.30.030
Accessory Structures Location and Size
Location
Refer to BGMC § 9.46.040, Location of accessory buildings in residential yards
Maximum Size4
30% of primary structure floor area but no more than 1,200 sq. ft.
30% of primary structure floor area but no more than 1,200 sq. ft.
N/A
Trash Enclosures
Refer to Chapter 9.44 BGMC, Trash Enclosures.
Screening of Mechanical and Utility Equipment
All mechanical equipment shall be prohibited in the front yard and shall be located on the ground no less than three feet from the side and rear property lines. When a building permit for additional square footage is requested, existing equipment located on the roof or exterior walls of a structure shall be provided with a decorative screen to shield such equipment from view and shall be placed at least six inches below the top of the lowest building parapet or decorative screen. Rooftop screening material and color shall be architecturally compatible with the primary building and adjacent structures. No plumbing line shall be placed upon the exterior wall of a structure unless such line is enclosed or otherwise screened from view. Outside utility equipment such as utility meters, HVAC equipment, etc., shall be screened from public view and shall not be visible from the public right-of-way. If the utility equipment is enclosed, the enclosure shall be painted the same color as the exterior walls of the building.
Wall-Mounted Equipment
Water heater enclosures, vents, flashings, pipes, and conduit for solar or other equipment shall be painted the same color as the surface to which they are attached.
Landscaping
Refer to Chapter 9.34 BGMC, Landscaping.
Parking
Refer to Chapter 9.38 BGMC, Parking and Loading (Off-Street).
Fences and Walls
Refer to Chapter 9.32 BGMC, Fences, Walls and Hedges.
Design Standards for All Residential Development
The purpose and intent of the design standards below are to ensure that new and existing buildings on a lot where new buildings are proposed for construction are compatible with one another and with buildings surrounding the lot on which new construction is proposed. Any exterior building features on the same lot that are in disrepair shall be repaired. Any existing fences and walls on a property in disrepair shall be repaired or replaced.
Exterior Building Features
a. All exterior building walls on a lot shall be painted the same or complementary colors.
b. Windows and doors on new construction shall be of consistent style, material, and color.
c. All window and door trims, fascia boards, and similar trim features shall be of the same or complementary material, style, and color.
d. Roofs of new buildings shall be the same material, color, and style as roofs on existing buildings on the lot. If a roof of an existing building to remain on the lot is in disrepair, it shall be repaired or replaced with the same material, color, and style as the roof on the proposed new building.
Exterior Site Features
a. New fences and walls shall be of a consistent design, material, and color.
b. All driveways, walkways, etc., shall be free of gouges, ruts, and/or gaps in the paved surface area and shall be maintained in good working order to not constitute a safety hazard to the public.
Additional Standards for Condominium Residential Units
Refer to BGMC § 9.20.140, Residential condominiums – Conditional use.
Additional Standards for Five or More Multifamily Residential Rental Units
All multifamily residential rental projects of five units or more shall conform to the following development standards in addition to the standards of the zone in which they are located:
A. Open Space
Common Open Space: A minimum of 20 percent of the gross project area shall be set aside, developed and maintained as open landscaped or recreational space for the benefit and use of all residents of the project.
Private Open Space: Each residential unit shall have a minimum of 75 square feet of private open space directly adjacent to, and accessible from, the respective unit. Such open space may include courtyards, walled patios or balconies.
B. Private Storage
Each unit shall have at least 200 hundred cubic feet of enclosed, weatherproofed and lockable private storage space in addition to guest, linen, pantry and clothes closets customarily provided. Such space shall be for the sole use of the unit tenant.
C. Laundry Facilities
A laundry area shall be provided in each unit; or if common laundry areas are provided, such facilities shall consist of not less than one automatic washer and dryer for each four units or fraction thereof.
D. Walls/Fences
A six-foot-high solid masonry wall designed and constructed of materials and colors compatible with the overall design of the project shall be required along the side and rear lot lines of the project site.
E. Utility Metering
Each unit shall be separately metered so that the unit tenant can be separately billed for each utility. A water shut-off valve shall be provided for each unit or for each plumbing fixture. Each unit shall have access to its own meter(s) and heater(s) which shall not require entry through another unit in accordance with the California Plumbing Code. Each unit shall have its own panel, or access thereto, for all electrical circuits which serve the unit in accordance with the California Electrical Code.
F. Fire Prevention
Smoke Detectors. Each living unit shall be provided with UL-approved detectors conforming to the current building code standards.
Maintenance of Fire Protection Systems. All on-site fire hydrants, fire alarm systems, portable fire extinguishers, and other fire-protective appliances shall be retained in an operable condition at all times, as required by the fire code.
G. Sound Transmission
Wall and floor/ceiling assemblies shall conform to Title 25, California Administrative Code, Section 1092, or its successor. Permanent mechanical equipment, including domestic appliances, which is determined by the city building official to be a potential source of vibration or noise, shall be shock-mounted, isolated from the floor and ceiling, or otherwise installed in a manner approved by the city building official to lessen the transmission of vibration and noise. Soundproofing between units shall be in accordance with the building code.
H. Public Easements
In accordance with the city zoning and division of land ordinances, the applicant shall make provisions for the dedication of land or easements for street widening, public access or other public purposes in connection with the project where necessary and in accordance with established and planned improvements.
I. Underground Utilities
All utility service laterals to new developments shall be constructed underground.
1Front porches with a maximum width of 20 feet may encroach into the required front yard setback up to 20 percent of the setback area. In no instance shall a front setback be less than 10 feet.
2Residential additions may continue a nonconforming side yard setback provided the addition does not encroach any more than three feet into the required setback, the addition does not expand the existing nonconforming setback by more than 50 percent, and all building division requirements are complied with.
3A trellis or other roof connection shall not deem two detached structures as one; to avoid distance requirements, structures must share common walls; hallway connections shall not be considered common walls.
4With the exception of required garage or carport spaces, which are regulated by the number of required spaces.
Note: All standards are given in feet and address minimum requirements unless otherwise stated.
Figure 9.10
Site Development Standards – R-1 Residential Zone
(Ord. 806 § 1, 2007; Ord. 813 § 1, 2009; Ord. 893 § 3, 2020)