It is the purpose of this chapter to provide development standards to all properties and structures permitted within residential zones. The following property development standards apply to all residential property and structures. The dimensions shown are the minimum required, unless otherwise stated.
(Ord. 13-8 § 4 (Exh. A), 6/11/2013; Ord. 20-10 § 6, 12/8/2020)
A. 
Architecture. All new single-family homes shall be designed with architectural treatments and articulation on all sides (three hundred sixty (360) degree architecture). Building materials shall be high quality, durable, and natural-appearing. Homes on corner lots or view corridors that are more visible to the public shall require a higher level of design on the more prominent elevations.
B. 
Rear Yard Coverage. Not more than fifty percent (50%) of the required rear yard shall be covered by buildings or other roofed structures.
C. 
Buildings and structures exceeding two (2) stories or thirty-five (35) feet in height, whichever is more restrictive, shall require approval of a conditional use permit.
D. 
Covered patios which are enclosed on more than two (2) sides with any material including detachable screens, glass or plexiglass panels shall be considered an enclosed patio and, at the discretion of the Director, shall meet all code requirements for new construction. Proposals may be subject to conditions of approval. Consideration shall be given to whether the proposed structure will be visible from the street or from adjacent and neighboring lots. At the discretion of the Director, compatibility with existing structures shall be maintained including roof style, finishes, colors, trims and architectural themes.
E. 
Air conditioners, antennas, heating, cooling and ventilating equipment and all other mechanical, lighting or electrical devices shall be operated so that they do not disturb the peace, quiet and comfort of adjacent and neighboring occupants, and shall be screened, shielded and/or sound buffered from surrounding properties and streets. All equipment shall be installed and operated in accordance with all other applicable ordinances. Heights of said equipment, excluding antennas, shall not exceed the required height of the underlying zone.
F. 
Metal Siding. Siding for new single-family homes shall reflect the character of surrounding homes and residential uses and shall not be composed primarily of metal.
G. 
Sloped Roof. The primary roof of new single-family dwellings shall be sloped with a minimum incline of two to twelve (2:12) feet. New additions which change the roofline of existing single-family residences shall have sloped roofs where consistent with the existing design of the house and surrounding neighborhood. This sloped roof requirement does not apply to open patio covers. An adjustment shall be obtained in accordance with Section 17.24.100 (Adjustments) for residential roof slopes of less than two to twelve (2:12). Alternate roof designs associated with rooftop solar installations may be approved in accordance with Section 17.23.100 (Administrative Permit).
H. 
Modifications of Garages. Conversions of existing required garages into habitable space are permitted only following the issuance of a certificate of occupancy for a new garage consistent with the residential parking requirements, except as otherwise provided by California law, including, without limitation, Government Code 66323. Modifications are not permitted which reduce the interior dimensions to less than 20 feet by 20 feet for two car garages, or two 10 foot by 20 foot garages in the case of single car garages. Clear entry must be provided for all garages at a minimum of 16 feet for two car garages and eight feet for single car garages. Wall-mounted equipment within the minimum required garage space identified above must clear a minimum of three and one-half feet above the ground and may not impede vehicle parking.
I. 
Any new residential development, tract map, and/or parcel map that is located within five hundred (500) feet from the edge of right-of-way from Interstate 5 and/or State Route 14 shall require a health risk assessment to determine air quality impacts on sensitive uses.
J. 
Flag Lots. The flag portion of a flag lot, if permitted, shall not be counted toward the minimum lot area requirement. Flag strips shall have a minimum width of twenty (20) feet except where they form a common driveway with other such access strips. Maximum singular or shared driveways do not need to exceed the roadway width for fire truck access as established by the Fire Department.
K. 
Roof-mounted or installed air conditioners shall be prohibited on residential development. This however shall not preclude the replacement of existing legal roof-mounted air conditioners with new units which are the same general dimensions of the original unit.
L. 
All development adjacent to rail lines throughout the City shall be designed to be sensitive to the rail lines, with consideration given to the safety of the rail corridor.
M. 
All light sources shall be directed downward and shielded from streets or adjoining properties. Illuminators should be integrated within the architecture of the building.
N. 
Residential Lots Shall Be Kept Free of Vehicles. With the exception of the driveway, a person shall not keep, store, park, maintain or otherwise allow any vehicle or any vehicle part in the following:
1. 
Required front yard; and
2. 
Any additional area of a residential lot that is not predominantly screened from a public or private street by solid fencing, walls or vegetation. This shall not apply to residential lots that are over a gross quarter (1/4) acre (ten thousand eight hundred ninety (10,890) square feet) or in the special standard districts of Placerita Canyon, Happy Valley and Sand Canyon, as shown in Figure 17.57-1 (Residential Parking Areas).
Figure 17.57-1
Residential Parking Areas
O. 
Front Yard Landscaping. The following shall serve as a guideline for exemptions to the front yard landscape requirement, as shown in Figure 17.57-2 (Driveway Paving), subject to the approval of the Director:
1. 
Paving or other similar types of hardscape intended for vehicular use shall be permitted to extend a maximum of ten (10) feet into the adjacent side yard from the driveway past the width of the garage into that portion of the required front yard that is on the opposite side of the garage as the front door of the residence.
2. 
All proposals for paving or hardscape intended for vehicular use to extend beyond the ten (10) feet as permitted above shall be subject to review by the Director. The proposal shall be reviewed on the basis of compatibility with the surrounding neighborhood and with the intent of the code.
3. 
The approval of the City shall not supersede the approval of any other affected agency including, but not limited to, homeowners' associations (HOAs) or similar entity. Covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs) may apply to the property in question.
4. 
In cases of side-loaded/side-entry garages, paving for vehicular use shall be permitted in the required yard that is on the same side as the front door, subject to review by the Director. Landscaping shall be provided in the required front yard that is not approved for driveway paving.
5. 
No vehicles shall be permitted to traverse any area designated as landscaping in the required front yard.
6. 
Only in cases of unique lot shapes, and where no other alternative is available, shall paving or other similar types of hardscape intended for vehicular use extend from the driveway past the width of the garage into that portion of the required front yard that is on the same side of the garage as the front door of the residence. Any such request shall be subject to approval of an adjustment, pursuant to Section 17.24.100 (Adjustments).
7. 
In instances where a side yard has width to accommodate an additional driveway, a secondary driveway measuring ten (10) feet in width may be permitted in that portion of the required yard subject to the approval of an adjustment, pursuant to Section 17.24.100 (Adjustments). An additional driveway shall not affect front yard landscaping requirements: at least fifty percent (50%) of the required front yard shall be landscaped.
Figure 17.57-2
Driveway Paving
P. 
Width, Paving and Slope of Driveways. Access to parking spaces required by this code shall be developed in accordance with the following:
1. 
Driveways shall be not less than ten (10) feet wide.
2. 
Where this section requires that such access be paved, the pavement shall be not less than ten (10) feet in width throughout, except that a center strip over which the wheels of a vehicle will not pass in normal use need not be paved.
3. 
Unless modified by the City Engineer and approved by the Fire Department because of impacts to oak trees or topographical or other conditions:
a. 
No portion of a driveway providing access to parking areas shall exceed a slope of twenty percent (20%). Where there is a change in the slope of driveway providing such access, it must be demonstrated that vehicles will be able to pass over such change in slope without interference with their undercarriages.
b. 
Changes in slope along the run of a driveway must be at a maximum algebraic grade difference of ten percent (10%) per grade break for a minimum of ten (10) feet per grade break. This profile shall be measured along the maximum slope of the driveway. All grade breaks shall be rounded with a five (5) foot long vertical curve. (An exception is driveway approaches per APWA standards.)
4. 
All parcels less than one (1) acre in size shall have a solid/secure surface driveway (concrete, asphalt or other surface) that complies with the driveway standards to the satisfaction of the Director.
5. 
Where driveways are not perpendicular to the street, sufficient back-up room shall be provided to the satisfaction of the Director.
6. 
Circular driveways are not permitted for lots having less than ten thousand nine hundred eighty (10,980) square feet.
Q. 
Mobilehomes/Manufactured Homes on Residential Lots. Mobilehomes and manufactured homes as provided for in Chapter 17.42 (Residential Use Types) shall meet the following requirements:
1. 
The mobilehome or manufactured home shall be certified under the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. Section 5401 et seq.).
2. 
The mobilehome or manufactured home shall have been constructed less than ten (10) years prior to the date of the application for the issuance of permits to install such mobilehomes or manufactured homes.
3. 
The mobilehome or manufactured home shall be installed on permanent foundations on individual lots.
4. 
The mobilehome or manufactured home shall be installed in places which are not exempted pursuant to Government Code Section 65852.1(b) as having a special character or special historic interest.
5. 
All mobilehomes or manufactured homes shall possess roof eaves with overhangs that are consistent with the City's Community Character and Design Guidelines and that comply with the Building Code and fire regulations.
6. 
All mobilehomes or manufactured homes shall possess a sloped roof with a minimum incline of two to twelve (2:12) feet.
7. 
The exterior walls or siding shall reflect the character of surrounding residential uses and shall not be composed primarily of metal.
R. 
Mobilehomes as Temporary Residences. A mobilehome may be used as a temporary residence during the construction of a permanent single-family residence as follows:
1. 
It shall be occupied only by the owner of such residence and their family.
2. 
It shall be occupied only while a building permit for the construction of such residence is in full force and effect.
3. 
It shall be in conformance with Section 17.23.200 (Temporary Use Permit).
4. 
Unless otherwise stated in Section 17.23.200 (Temporary Use Permit), the occupancy of vehicles, including recreational vehicles, trailers, or vessels, as a residence, temporary or permanent, is prohibited in all zones.
S. 
Residential units shall be limited to one electric service meter per residential unit.
T. 
The cultivation and storage of cannabis at private residences shall comply with standards set forth in Section 17.51.005.
(Ord. 13-8 § 4 (Exhs. A, D), 6/11/2013; Ord. 18-3 § 2, 4/10/2018; Ord. 20-10 § 6, 12/8/2020; Ord. 21-1 § 6 (Exh. A), 1/26/2021; Ord. 25-1 § 5 (Exhs. A, B), 5/27/2025; Ord. 26-2, 4/28/2026)
A. 
The purpose of this section is to implement California law mandating approval of not more than two residential units within a single-family residential zone and urban lot splits, including, without limitation Government Code Sections 65852.21 and 66411.7, respectively, as may be amended from time to time. This section controls in the event of any conflict with other sections of this code. California law controls and supersedes any conflicting part of this code.
B. 
Development. The Director must consider proposed developments containing not more than two residential units within a single-family residential zone ministerially, so long as the proposed development meets all requirements of applicable law including this code.
1. 
Standards. All developments proposed under this section must satisfy the objective development standards required in the underlying zoning designation, unless otherwise exempt pursuant to California law.
C. 
Urban Lot Splits. An application to review and approve a parcel map for an urban lot split must be ministerially reviewed and approved if the application satisfies all requirements of California law and this section.
1. 
All lot splits proposed under this section must satisfy the objective parcel map standards in Title 16 of this Code, unless otherwise exempt pursuant to California law.
2. 
All uses allowed on a lot created by this section are limited to residential uses.
3. 
An applicant for an urban lot split must prepare and execute an affidavit on a form approved by the City Attorney before the Building Official issues any final certificate of occupancy, requiring owner-occupancy of one of the two units as their principal residence for a minimum of three years from the date of the approval of the urban lot split, unless otherwise exempt pursuant to California law.
D. 
Certificate of Occupancy. Before the Building Official issues any final certificate of occupancy for any two-unit development proposed pursuant to this section, the property owner must record with the County Recorder a covenant running with the land stating that all units developed pursuant to this section must be for a term of 30 days or longer. The covenant required by this section must be approved as to form by the City Attorney.
(Ord. 22-2 § 5 (Exh. A), 1/25/2022; Ord. 26-2, 4/28/2026)
A. 
Required front and street side yards shall be landscaped. All plant material shall be irrigated by automatic sprinklers or drip irrigation systems. Patios, seating areas, parking and circulation spaces can be included in the setback areas to help buffer adjoining parcels from one another. However, parking areas shall not be permitted within the required front setback.
B. 
Multifamily residential buildings and communities shall be designed in a manner to reduce the potential for criminal activity. Elements such as a clear delineation between private and public spaces, ample visibility of both indoor and outdoor common areas, and proper lighting shall be incorporated into multifamily projects. Dead-end drive aisles, alleyways, or pedestrian paths shall be avoided. Paths, alleyways, and drive aisles shall be designed for through traffic/pedestrian movements and shall be highly visible and well lit. Other practices and methods related to crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) are also encouraged.
C. 
Masonry walls six (6) feet in height, from the highest finished grade, shall be required on the rear and side property lines. No walls are required on street side yards unless needed for noise attenuation and/or privacy, as determined by the Director of Community Development.
D. 
Where a lot fronts on more than one (1) street it shall be considered to have multiple frontages and be required to meet the front yard setback requirement on all street frontages.
E. 
Private Outdoor Space. Unless otherwise approved through the development review process, private outdoor space, including balconies, patios, and/or yards, shall be provided for each residential unit as follows:
1. 
Studio units—fifty (50) square feet;
2. 
One bedroom units—seventy-five (75) square feet;
3. 
Two (or more) bedroom units—one hundred (100) square feet;
4. 
Single-family detached/townhome units—six hundred fifty (650) square feet.
Land required for setbacks or occupied by buildings, streets, driveways or parking spaces may not be counted in satisfying this outdoor space requirement.
F. 
Storage Space. If a fully enclosed garage is not provided, a minimum of two hundred fifty (250) cubic feet of lockable, enclosed storage per unit shall be provided in the garage or carport area; alternate locations may be approved by the Director.
G. 
Recreation Facilities. Unless otherwise approved through the development review process, required recreational facility area shall be provided for each unit as follows:
1. 
Studio units—one hundred (100) square feet;
2. 
One bedroom units—one hundred fifty (150) square feet;
3. 
Two (or more) bedroom units—two hundred (200) square feet;
4. 
Single-family detached/townhome units—two hundred (200) square feet.
Required recreational facilities shall be provided in one (1) or more of the following manners to the satisfaction of the Director: a landscaped park-like quiet area, children's play area, fitness facility, family picnic area, swimming pool with cabana or patio cover, etc.
H. 
Recreation vehicle parking areas shall be provided, fully screened from public view, or the development shall prohibit all parking of recreation vehicles.
I. 
Trash Collection Areas. The following requirements shall be met for all trash collection areas for multifamily residential development:
1. 
Trash areas shall be provided for each multifamily residential building. All trash areas not located inside a building shall be paved and located in the rear yard. Such area shall have minimum inside dimensions of eight (8) feet by five (5) feet, shall accommodate source separation of recyclable materials in accordance with State requirements, and shall be screened from view by a five (5) foot high masonry wall, solid gates, and a solid roof. One (1) trash area shall be provided for the first ten (10) residential units, and one (1) trash area for each additional ten (10) units, or major fraction thereof.
2. 
Multifamily residential developments, including single-family detached condominium units, that require individual waste collection for each unit shall provide space for all required waste bins to be screened from public view.
3. 
Multifamily residential developments, including single-family detached condominium units, shall demonstrate sufficient space is provided on the street or alley for the temporary placement of individual waste bins on waste collection days to the satisfaction of the Director.
J. 
The conversion of any project to condominium ownership shall meet all requirements of this code to the maximum extent possible within the constraints of the existing development. In no case shall the requirements of the fire code, sign ordinance, outdoor storage/sales, or screening standards be waived. A specific Commission waiver shall be required where the multifamily residential requirements cannot be reasonably met.
K. 
Metal Siding. New multifamily dwellings and required parking structures shall not possess on the surface of the exposed exterior walls siding composed primarily of metal.
L. 
Single-Family Detached Condominiums. In instances where the development is designed with a private street, a driveway measuring twenty (20) feet by twenty (20) feet shall be required in front of the garage. Other configurations may be approved by the Director, provided two vehicles can fit on the driveway(s).
M. 
Height. In the Urban Residential 4 and Urban Residential 5 zones exceeding thirty-five (35) feet in height shall require approval of a conditional use permit. At the discretion of the Director, architectural treatments may exceed thirty-five (35) feet in height without a conditional use permit; provided, that (1) the addition does not exceed ten (10) feet in height (for a maximum height of forty-five (45) feet); (2) that the allowance would be compatible with the architectural design; and (3) that the allowance would provide additional articulation that could otherwise not be achieved within thirty-five (35) feet. This shall not apply to small-scale, attached multifamily dwellings such as duplexes, triplexes and quadplexes.
(Ord. 13-8 § 4 (Exhs. A, D), 6/11/2013; Ord. 20-10 § 6, 12/8/2020; Ord. 22-9 § 5 (Exh. A), 7/12/2022)
A. 
Such buildings and structures shall not exceed twenty (20) feet in height or exceed the height of the primary residence, whichever is less, in the UR2, UR3, UR4, and UR5 zones.
B. 
Such buildings and structures, including freestanding shade awnings, sheds, pergolas, garages and other attached, semi-attached and outbuildings, shall be consistent and compatible with the primary dwelling unit in terms of architecture, finish materials, and color. The roof slope of new accessory structures should be consistent with the primary structure. Accessory structures with roof pitches of less than two to twelve (2:12) may be approved through the issuance of an administrative permit.
C. 
The use of metal storage containers is prohibited in residential zones, unless they meet the design standards of this code.
D. 
Modular Building for Nonresidential Uses. Modular buildings for nonresidential uses in residential zones shall be subject to the following additional requirements:
1. 
Must be set back twenty-five (25) feet from property lines of properties developed with residential uses;
2. 
Shall be subject to the approval of a minor use permit in accordance with Section 17.24.120 (Minor Use Permit);
3. 
Shall be subject to the approval of a landscape plan review, in accordance with Section 17.23.150 (Landscape Plan Review), to ensure that the buildings are adequately screened from public views and from adjacent residences;
4. 
The applicant shall submit plans identifying changes to parking and lighting to ensure that there are no adverse impacts to adjacent residences.
E. 
Mobile or portable canopies are not permitted in the front yard or side yard setback areas, whether proposed to be located on a driveway or otherwise.
F. 
Above-ground utility boxes, telephone boxes, water lines, backflow preventers, cable boxes or similar structures within public view shall be screened to the satisfaction of the Director of Community Development.
G. 
All legal residential parcels shall be permitted to have one (1) driveway point, unless otherwise specified by the City Engineer.
H. 
All ground-mounted mechanical equipment shall be completely screened from surrounding properties by use of a parapet, wall or fence, or shall be enclosed within a building. Exposed gutters, downspouts, vents, louvers and other similar elements shall be painted to match the surface to which they are attached unless they are used as part of the design theme.
I. 
All utility connections shall be designed to coordinate with the architectural elements of the building(s) and/or site so as not to be exposed except where necessary. Pad-mounted transformers and/or meter box locations shall be included in the site plan with any appropriate screening treatment. Power lines and overhead cables less than thirty-four (34) KV shall be installed underground.
J. 
Residential Sport Courts. Residential sport courts shall be subject to the following standards:
1. 
Existing single-family residences within a residential zone may have up to one (1) sport court (including applicable walls and/or fences) consisting of a single sport area. Additional residential sport courts or sport areas may be permitted subject to the approval of a minor use permit.
2. 
A residential sport court, requiring an enclosure, wall, structure or fence that surrounds or is an integral part of such court, shall be designed so as to reasonably reduce or eliminate light, noise, and other impacts on surrounding homes and properties. Where appropriate and feasible, landscaping shall be used to screen the sports court from neighboring properties. Additional noise attenuation may also be required by the Director. The required setback for all sport courts with an enclosure, wall, or fence shall be fifteen (15) feet from all side and rear property lines. No enclosures shall be within any front or reverse-corner yard setbacks.
3. 
All lighting associated with a residential sport court shall be completely screened. Spillover prevention may require substantial shielding of both the fixture and pole. In no event shall light fixtures extend more than fifteen (15) feet above the grade of the sport court. Light fixtures shall be of full cut-off design with the bulb fully enclosed within the fixture. Lights shall be focused downward and shall not wash or spill onto adjacent properties. Lighting fixtures are prohibited within fifteen (15) feet from any rear or side property line. They are also prohibited within any front or reverse-corner yard setbacks.
4. 
Lighting for exterior sport courts and/or areas shall not be used between the hours of nine p.m. and eight a.m.
K. 
Accessory Structure/Outbuilding. An accessory structure/outbuilding is an accessory structure on a residential lot that provides enclosed or conditioned space in addition to the primary dwelling unit and/or accessory dwelling unit. Such structures may include barns, pool houses, studios, greenhouses, offices, storage buildings, garages, etc. For the purposes of this section, accessory structures/outbuildings do not include patio covers, open-air cabanas, trellises, or other unenclosed structures. Accessory structures/outbuildings are intended for use by occupants of the main residence and/or accessory dwelling unit, providing accessory uses or functionality in support of the primary residential uses on site. Accessory structures/outbuildings may contain one (1) toilet and one (1) sink (a "half bathroom" or "water closet"). Additional interior fixtures and hookups related to human comfort and habitation including, but not limited to, bathing or shower facilities, laundry facilities, food warming or preparation facilities, etc., may be approved subject to the issuance of an administrative permit. Accessory structures/outbuildings are not dwelling units and may not have full kitchens for residential living purposes. However, kitchens which are accessory to the main single-family home, such as warming kitchens, canning kitchens, or kitchens for specialty/accessory uses, may be permitted subject to the issuance of an administrative permit. With the exception of legally permitted cottage food uses and other uses permitted by right or conditionally permitted in the underlying zone, commercial use of accessory structures/outbuildings is prohibited. Accessory structures/outbuildings may have faucets and other utility hookups, whether interior or exterior, that are related to landscaping, agricultural, and/or animal-keeping uses, provided the utilities are used for those purposes, not human habitation or lodging.
1. 
Locations. An accessory structure/outbuilding may be permitted only on parcels that meet the following criteria:
a. 
The parcel shall be zoned any of the following categories: NU1, NU2, NU3, NU4, NU5, UR1, UR2, UR3, UR4, UR5, MXC, MXN, MXUV, PI, OS, OS-A, OS-NF, or OS-BLM.
b. 
The parcel shall contain a legal single-family dwelling as the primary use (primary dwelling unit).
c. 
The number of accessory structures/outbuildings permitted per parcel is as follows:
i. 
For parcels less than twenty thousand (20,000) square feet in size, a maximum of one (1) accessory structure/outbuilding is permitted.
ii. 
For parcels that are at least twenty thousand (20,000) square feet, but less than one (1) acre in size, a maximum of two (2) accessory structure/outbuildings are permitted.
iii. 
For parcels that are one (1) acre or greater in size, a maximum of three (3) accessory structure/outbuildings are permitted.
iv. 
Additional accessory structures/outbuildings beyond the number described above may be permitted if a minor use permit is obtained.
v. 
Additional accessory structures/outbuildings which do not require a building permit (e.g., storage sheds) may be permitted at the discretion of the Director.
2. 
Development Standards. An accessory structure/outbuilding shall be subject to all the development requirements of the underlying zone, with the exception of the following:
a. 
Accessory structures/outbuildings shall meet the setbacks applicable to accessory structures.
b. 
Accessory structures/outbuildings are intended for residential uses only. Unless otherwise allowed in the underlying zone, commercial uses in accessory structures/outbuildings shall be prohibited.
c. 
In the UR2, UR3, UR4, UR5, MXC, MXN, MXUV, and PI zones, accessory structures/outbuildings shall not exceed the height (floor to peak) of the primary dwelling unit and are subject to the height standards listed in subsection (A) of this section. In the NU1, NU2, NU3, NU4, NU5, UR1, OS, OS-A, OS-NF, or OS-BLM zone, accessory structures/outbuildings shall comply with the maximum height of accessory structures in the underlying zone.
d. 
The architecture, construction materials and color of the accessory structure/outbuilding shall be consistent with its surroundings and use. In urban residential and mixed-use zones, an accessory structure/outbuilding should be consistent with the existing primary dwelling unit in terms of colors and materials. In non-urban residential and open space zones, the accessory structure/outbuilding shall be consistent with the primary dwelling unit and/or utilize an architectural style compatible with its intended use.
3. 
Services. All services, including water, electric, and sewer, shall be provided from the primary dwelling. Separate, independent services for the accessory structure/outbuilding shall not be allowed unless an administrative permit is obtained.
4. 
Other. Accessory structures/outbuildings are for temporary human occupancy and may not be rented for any purpose or any length of time or otherwise used as a separate dwelling unit. These structures are not permitted as accessory dwelling units.
L. 
Accessory Dwelling Units. This subsection implements California law governing accessory dwelling unit ("ADU") and junior accessory dwelling unit ("JADU") mandates, including, without limitation, Government Code Section 66323, as may be amended from time to time, pursuant to California law. Should any conflict arise between this subsection and California law, California law controls with respect to the conflicting portions of this subsection and all other portions of this subsection will be deemed to be in full effect. An accessory dwelling unit is a residential use that is consistent with the City's General Plan, residential zone designations, and density.
1. 
Definitions. Unless the contrary is stated or clearly appears from the context, the following definitions govern the construction of the words and phrases used in this chapter. Undefined words and phrases have the same meaning as set forth in this Code or in applicable law.
"Applicable law"
means Title 7, Division, 1, Chapter 13 of the California Government Code, beginning at Government Code Section 66310, et seq., and the SCMC.
"Primary dwelling"
means a residential structure on a single parcel with provisions for living, sleeping, eating, a single kitchen for cooking, and sanitation facilities. Where more than one residential structure exists on a lot, the "primary dwelling" will either be the residential structure that was first issued a valid certificate of occupancy, or, when applicable, the largest residential structure on the lot.
2. 
Certificate of occupancy.
a. 
Except as allowed by applicable law, the Building Official will not issue a final certificate of occupancy for an ADU or JADU before the Building Official issues a final certificate of occupancy for the primary dwelling(s).
3. 
Limitations.
a. 
ADUs may not be used in violation of this code, and any rental of the ADU must be for a term of 30 days or longer.
b. 
JADU may not be sold separately; has size and attribute restrictions required by this code; and the property owner must occupy either the single-family residence in which the JADU is permitted, or the newly created JADU, unless exempt pursuant to applicable law, including without limitation Government Code Section 66333(b). The JADU cannot be rented for any period less than 30 days.
4. 
Application for address number. ADUs and JADUs that do not include an internal connection to the primary dwelling must submit an application for an address number. A JADU with an internal connection to the primary dwelling will not receive an address number unless determined necessary for safety purposes by the Building Official. Address numbers will be determined by the Building Official pursuant to the procedures outlined in this code. Address numbers must be placed over the entrance to the ADU or JADU or on some other place where the number can be visible from the street. When required by the Fire Chief, or designee, address identification must be provided in additional approved locations to facilitate emergency response.
5. 
Fees.
a. 
Except as provided in applicable law, all ADUs and JADUs are subject to development impact fees. ADU development impact fees will be charged proportionally related to the square footage of the primary dwelling unit in accordance with this code.
b. 
Except as provided by applicable law, each ADU and JADU must install a separate utility connection directly between the ADU and the utility, which is subject to a connection fee or capacity charge, that is proportionate to the burden of the proposed ADU on the water or sewer system based on its square footage or drainage fixture units. A JADU with internal connection to the primary dwelling must install a separate utility connection if required by the Building Official. The fee or charge may not exceed the reasonable cost of providing the services.
c. 
The City may charge reasonable inspection and construction fees for inspections and for all required permits. The fees will be established by City Council resolution, as may be amended or superseded from time to time, and be assessed on the property owner.
M. 
Primary Residential Use Requirement. Any residential lot with an accessory building, structure, or use must include a primary residential use on the same property.
(Ord. 13-8 § 4 (Exhs. A, D), 6/11/2013; Ord. 15-11 § 5 (Exh. A), 12/8/2015; Ord. 20-10 § 6, 12/8/2020; Ord. 21-1 § 6 (Exh. A), 1/26/2021; Ord. 25-1 § 5 (Exhs. A, B), 5/27/2025; Ord. 26-2, 4/28/2026)
A. 
Distance Between Main Buildings. A minimum distance of ten (10) feet shall be required between all main residential buildings.
B. 
Distance Between Main and Accessory Buildings. With the exception of patio covers, and except where a greater distance is required by this code, a minimum distance of six (6) feet shall be required between any main residential building and an accessory building.
C. 
Projections Permitted Between Buildings. The following projections are permitted within the required distance between buildings, provided they are developed subject to the same standards as and not closer to a line midway between such buildings than is permitted in relation to a side lot line within a required interior side yard:
1. 
Eaves and cantilevered roofs;
2. 
Fireplace structures, buttresses and wing walls;
3. 
Rain conductors and spouts, water tables, sills, capitals, cornices and belt courses;
4. 
Awnings and canopies;
5. 
Water heaters, water softeners, wall-mounted air conditioning units, electric vehicle chargers, solar batteries and other energy storage equipment, gas or electric meters, including service conductors and pipes, or other similar utilities as determined by the Director;
6. 
Stairways and balconies above the level of the first floor.
D. 
Uncovered porches, platforms, landings and decks, including access stairs thereto, which do not extend above the first floor are permitted within the required distance between buildings without distance restriction.
E. 
Distance Between Accessory Buildings. A minimum distance of six (6) feet shall be required between accessory buildings.
(Ord. 25-1 § 5 (Exhs. A, B), 5/27/2025; Ord. 13-8 § 4 (Exh. A), 6/11/2013; Ord. 15-11 § 5 (Exh. A), 12/8/2015; Ord. 20-10 § 6, 12/8/2020; Ord. 22-9 § 5 (Exh. A), 7/12/2022)
All setbacks shall meet the requirements of the underlying zone and as shown below in Figure 17.57-3 (Residential Setbacks), unless specifically allowed in this section.
Figure 17.57-3
Residential Setbacks
A. 
Flag lots shall maintain either a ten (10) foot front, side and rear yard setback, or shall conform to the setbacks of the underlying zone, not including the flag portion of the lot.
B. 
Zero lot line parcels shall have a side yard setback of zero (0) feet on the side of the zero lot line, and ten (10) feet on the opposite side. Required front and rear yard setbacks shall be maintained in accordance with the underlying zone or as otherwise permitted in this section. Swimming pools shall maintain a side yard setback of five (5) feet from either the zero lot line or the opposite provided the foundation and other physical improvements or infrastructure associated with the swimming pool do not encroach onto an adjacent property.
C. 
Single-Family Detached Condominiums. For purposes of determining setbacks in accordance with this section, the fence line of single-family detached condominiums shall serve as the property line.
D. 
Garages shall be set back twenty (20) feet from all public and private rights-of-way, excluding alleys. Garages can be set back five (5) feet away from the property line if no access is taken from that elevation and does not front a street.
E. 
Street setbacks shall be measured from the ultimate street right-of-way or from the maximum required street width if said street or proposed street is to be private. In residential zones where the sidewalk is located adjacent to the curb, the building setback shall be measured from six (6) feet from the back of curb, as shown on Figure 17.57-4 (Street Setback Cross Sections). This allowance does not permit any encroachment within any portion of such street by the underlying fee owner.
Figure 17.57-4
Street Setback Cross Sections
F. 
Patio covers that are permanently unenclosed and are attached to the main dwelling unit may project into the rear yard as long as they are no closer than five (5) feet from the rear property line.
G. 
Platforms, landings, decks, pools and access stairs exceeding an average height of one (1) foot which do not extend above the level of the first floor may extend into a required side and rear yard provided:
1. 
That such structures shall not be located closer than five (5) feet to any lot line; and
2. 
That such structures shall remain unenclosed on at least two (2) sides. This provision, however, shall not preclude the placement of detachable screens.
H. 
Other structures shall be permitted in required yards as follows:
1. 
Fireplace structures (attached to dwellings), buttresses, wingwalls, eaves, cantilevered roofs, awnings, canopies, water heaters, wall-mounted air conditioners, electric vehicle chargers, water softeners and gas or electric meters may be located in required interior side and rear yards; provided, that they are located no closer than two and one-half (2 1/2) feet to any lot line and are screened to the fullest extent possible. Eaves, cantilevered roofs, awnings, canopies, upper floor balconies, and other architectural features, roof structures, or window treatments may extend into the required front setback up to two and one-half (2 1/2) feet, provided such extensions are not closer than fifteen (15) feet to the front property line.
2. 
Ground-mounted air conditioners, swimming pool pumps, waterfalls (not exceeding six (6) feet in height), heaters, filters and fans may be located in required rear yards; provided, that they are located not closer than two and one-half (2 1/2) feet to any lot line. These items, as well as other similar appurtenances, are not permitted in the required side yard. Backup generators for incidental, emergency use and any associated equipment or fuel tanks must be located at least five (5) feet from the side and rear property lines; must be screened from view; and otherwise comply with this code.
3. 
Unenclosed stairways and balconies above the level of the finished elevation of the first floor attached to the primary structure may project a maximum of five (5) feet into a required rear yard; provided, however, that an open work railing not to exceed three and one-half (3 1/2) feet in height may be installed.
4. 
Swimming pools and spas are permitted in required rear yards; provided, that they are located not closer than five (5) feet from any property line. The setback shall be measured from the water line of a sunken pool or spa or from the structure of an above-ground pool or spa.
5. 
Structures not exceeding one (1) foot above ground level may be used in any required yard.
6. 
Built-in barbecues, fire pits, detached fireplaces and built-in entertainment centers shall be five (5) feet away from property lines and less than ten (10) feet in height, including smoke stacks and chimneys.
7. 
Except as described elsewhere in this code, accessory buildings and structures, including detached patio covers, may be located within a required rear yard; provided, that they are not closer than five (5) feet to any lot line.
8. 
In the case of a zero (0) lot line parcel, accessory buildings and structures may be located up to the side yard property line on the same side yard or property line where the main structure has a zero (0) setback. A ten (10) foot side yard setback shall be required for that property line opposite the main structure. Required front and rear yard setbacks shall be maintained in accordance with the underlying zone or as otherwise permitted in this section.
(Ord. 25-1 § 5 (Exhs. A, B), 5/27/2025; Ord. 13-8 § 4 (Exh. A), 6/11/2013; Ord. 15-11 § 5 (Exh. A), 12/8/2015; Ord. 20-10 § 6, 12/8/2020; Ord. 22-9 § 5 (Exh. A), 7/12/2022)
Setbacks shown are the minimum required. Fence and wall heights, as shown in Figure 17.57-5 (Fence and Wall Heights), are the maximum permitted, unless modified by an adjustment or variance.
Figure 17.57-5
Fence and Wall Heights
A. 
Walls in Interior Side and Rear Yards. A garden wall or fence not more than six (6) feet in height may be maintained along the interior side or rear lot lines; provided, that such wall or fence does not extend into a required front yard or side yard adjacent to a street except as herein provided. Fences or garden walls in excess of six (6) feet in height, but not more than fifteen (15) feet in height, may be permitted in a required rear yard subject to the issuance of an adjustment per Section 17.24.100 (Adjustments); provided, that such a fence or garden wall is not located any closer than five (5) feet to an interior side yard or rear yard line.
B. 
In any required yard adjacent to a street or a driveway providing vehicular access to an abutting lot, a wall, fence, or view-obscuring vegetation shall not exceed forty-two (42) inches in height, except as herein provided. The height may be increased to forty-eight (48) inches for non-view-obscuring pipe or rail fencing.
C. 
All walls and fences outside of any required yard in excess of six (6) feet, but less than fifteen (15) feet in height, shall be subject to the approval of the Director. Walls and fences in excess of fifteen (15) feet located outside of any required yard and not exceeding the maximum height for an accessory use in the underlying zone shall be subject to the issuance of an adjustment per Section 17.24.100 (Adjustments).
D. 
Access. A wall or fence shall not be constructed in such a manner so as to block or restrict vehicular access to a dedicated or implied dedicated alley, access, or way.
E. 
Prohibited Materials. Fiberglass sheeting, bamboo sheeting, barbed wire, razor ribbon or other similar temporary material shall not be permitted as a fencing material. Chain link fencing shall not be permitted in a required front yard and shall not be visible from any public right-of-way unless otherwise approved by the Director.
F. 
Vacant property and property under construction may be fenced with a maximum six (6) foot high, non-view-obscuring fence for a period not to exceed one (1) year. Permanent fencing for vacant and undeveloped parcels may be approved subject to Section 17.23.100 (Administrative Permit).
G. 
Retaining walls proposed on land with an average slope of less than ten percent (10%) shall be subject to the following provisions, as shown in Figure 17.57-6 (Retaining Walls). Retaining walls proposed on land with an average slope of ten percent (10%) or greater shall be subject to Section 17.51.020 (Hillside Development).
1. 
Where a retaining wall protects a cut below the natural grade and is located within a required yard, such retaining wall may be topped by a fence or garden wall. The fence or garden wall may be the same height that would otherwise be permitted at that location if no retaining wall existed; provided, that the subject property is on the lower side. In all other locations, the maximum height of the retaining wall and fence or screening wall combined shall not exceed the maximum heights established in this code or at the discretion of the Director.
Figure 17.57-6
Retaining Wall Height Within the Front Yard Setback
2. 
Where a retaining wall contains a fill above the natural grade and is located within a required fence or wall at that location. A non-view-obscuring fence up to three and one-half (3 1/2) feet in height may be erected at the top of the retaining wall for safety.
3. 
Where a wall or fence is located in a required yard adjacent to a retaining wall containing a fill, such garden wall or fence shall be set back from the retaining wall a distance of one (1) foot for each one (1) foot in height of such wall or fence. The area between the wall or fence and the retaining wall shall be landscaped and continuously maintained.
4. 
Where a retaining wall is constructed to exceed six (6) feet in height measured from a neighboring parcel, an adjustment shall be obtained in accordance with Section 17.24.100 (Adjustments).
Figure 17.57-7
Retaining Walls
H. 
Measurement of Fence and Wall Height. The height of a fence or wall shall be measured at the highest average ground level within three (3) feet of either side of said wall or fence. In order to allow for variation in topography, the height of a required fence or wall may vary an amount not to exceed six (6) inches; provided, however, that in no event shall the average height of such wall or fence exceed the maximum height permitted for that location.
(Ord. 13-8 § 4 (Exh. A), 6/11/2013; Ord. 20-10 § 6, 12/8/2020; Ord. 22-9 § 5 (Exh. A), 7/12/2022)