The principal objective to be served by the classification R-2 and its application is to permit a limited increase in population density in those areas to which this classification applies by permitting multiple dwelling units on a lot while, at the same time, by means of the standards and requirements set forth in this chapter, maintaining a desirable family living environment by establishing minimum lot area and open space requirements proportionate to the size of the lot. A related consideration is to make it possible for the City to more efficiently and economically design and install all physical public service facilities in terms of size and capacity to adequately and permanently meet the needs resulting from a defined intensity of land use.
(Prior code § 44-29)
In the R-2 zone the following uses only are permitted:
A. 
One-family dwellings.
B. 
Multiple-family dwellings.
C. 
Accessory buildings and structures, subject to the following conditions:
1. 
Accessory buildings and structures, as defined by the City of Paramount Building Code, shall not exceed 40% of the required rear yard area;
2. 
Accessory buildings and detached garages are only permitted with a permissible main building;
3. 
No eave, projection or overhang shall extend over the property line and precautionary measures shall be taken to ensure the deflection of water runoff away from such property line; and
4. 
Accessory dwelling units shall comply with all requirements of Chapter 17.104 of the Paramount Municipal Code.
D. 
Greenhouse and/or hoophouse (private and noncommercial) as an accessory use for propagation and culture only, subject to the following conditions:
1. 
Location. A greenhouse and/or hoophouse shall be located to the rear of the dwelling and five feet from property lines and any structure.
2. 
Height. The maximum greenhouse/hoophouse height is nine feet.
3. 
Sales. No sales associated with a greenhouse/hoophouse are permitted.
4. 
Construction and maintenance. A greenhouse/hoophouse shall be of sturdy construction and maintained in quality condition. The criteria utilized in evaluating the condition of a greenhouse/hoophouse shall include, but not be limited to, torn, stained, dirty, and/or faded material.
E. 
Home garden, subject to the following conditions and restrictions:
1. 
On-Site Sales Prohibited. The retail sales of edible landscaping shall not be conducted on the premises.
2. 
Edible Landscaping—Front Yard. With the exception of fruit trees, edible landscaping in the front yard shall be restricted to raised garden beds limited to a maximum area of 50 square feet.
3. 
Raised Garden Beds. Raised garden beds shall not exceed a height of three feet measured from the surface of the natural ground to the top of the frame of the raised garden beds. In a front yard or corner side yard, raised garden beds shall not be closer than five feet to a front or corner side property line. Raised garden beds shall be constructed of wood, brick, masonry, landscape timbers, metal, ceramic, or synthetic lumber. Raised garden beds constructed of wood shall be structurally sound and free of rot. Prefabricated raised garden beds shall be permitted. Raised garden beds shall not be constructed of wire, chicken wire, rope, cable, utility poles, tires, plumbing fixtures, or any other similar materials.
4. 
Front Yard Plant Height. With the exception of fruit trees, edible landscaping in the front yard shall not exceed a maximum height of three feet measured from the highest point of the frame of a raised garden bed to the highest point of an edible plant.
5. 
Edible Landscaping Harvest. Edible plant materials shall be promptly harvested and removed when mature or ripe. Plants not harvested for consumption shall be promptly removed or tilled into the soil.
6. 
Maintenance. Planting areas fallowed between growing seasons shall be covered with mulch or similar material or otherwise maintained in clean condition until the next planting period. Weeds shall be promptly removed. Actions shall be taken to prevent and eliminate pests.
7. 
Composting.
a. 
Purpose. The purpose and intent of residential composting is to promote the recycling of landscape waste through composting and with minimum standards for composting.
b. 
Location. Compost areas shall be located a minimum of five feet from property lines, a minimum of 15 feet from a residential structure (including accessory dwelling unit and junior accessory dwelling unit), and to the rear of the front dwelling on a property. Compost areas shall not be located within any drainage or utility easement.
c. 
Compost Bins. All compostable material shall be enclosed in one or more compost bins. Compost bins shall be properly maintained to prevent attracting and harboring rodents and pests and to prevent unpleasant odors.
d. 
Compostable Material. Compostable material includes leaves, grass clippings, garden debris, brush, tree clippings, and other plant material generated solely within the residential lot where the material will be composted.
e. 
Compost Contents. Compost shall only contain compostable material, soil, and commercial compost additives. Prohibited compost contents include processed food products, including, without limitation, salad dressings and cooking or other vegetable oils; animal or dairy products, including, without limitation, fats, bones, meat, fish, fowl and cheese; and manure of any kind or other pet or human waste.
f. 
Nuisance. Any compost which gives off foul or putrid odors, attracts vermin, or encroaches on neighboring property is hereby declared to be a nuisance that will result in penalties in accordance with the relevant enforcement provisions of the Paramount Municipal Code. period. Weeds shall be promptly removed. Actions shall be taken to prevent and eliminate pests.
F. 
Home Occupation. "Home occupation" is defined as any use customarily conducted within a dwelling and carried on by the inhabitants thereof, which use is clearly incidental and secondary to the use of the structure for dwelling purposes and which does not change the character thereof or does not adversely affect the uses permitted in the zone of which it is a part.
1. 
Application. Any person proposing to manage, conduct or carry on any business within the home at any location shall file a written application for a home occupation permit and business license with the City Clerk, on forms prepared and provided to the applicant.
2. 
Conditions and Reservations. Any license granted hereunder shall be subject to the following conditions and reservations:
a. 
The carrying on of any business within the home shall be as a secondary use.
b. 
The business shall not occupy more than one room or 25% of the total floor area, or a maximum of 100 square feet, whichever is less nor shall it occupy any part of the garage.
c. 
No employees or assistants shall be engaged for services on the premises other than members of the resident family.
d. 
No stock in trade shall be kept for public display purposes on the premises.
e. 
The use shall not generate pedestrian or vehicular traffic in excess of that customarily associated with the zone or district in which the use is located.
f. 
The home occupation shall not involve the use of commercial vehicles for transportation of materials to or from the premises, except when such vehicle is a commercially licensed van, pick-up truck or vacation vehicle registered to and used by a resident family member of the household exclusively for transportation.
g. 
No use will be permitted which by reason of color, design, materials, construction, lighting, signs, sounds, noises or vibrations alters the residential character of the premises, or which unreasonably disturbs the peace and quiet of the surrounding residents.
h. 
The use shall not be such as to create excessive demand for municipal or utility services or community facilities beyond those actually and customarily provided for residential uses.
i. 
Stored materials used in connection with the home occupation shall not exceed 100 cubic feet. Total business usage will not increase the fire load of the dwelling by more than five percent.
j. 
There shall be no storage of materials or supplies in the garage or outdoors.
k. 
The building and fire prevention inspectors shall have the right of reasonable inspection as with any other business within the City for the purpose of protecting the general health and welfare.
l. 
There shall be no use on the premises of material or mechanical equipment not recognized as being part of normal household or hobby use.
m. 
The home occupation shall not involve the use of signs or structures other than those permitted in the district of which it is a part.
n. 
No building or space outside of the main building shall be used for home occupation purposes.
o. 
A home occupation permittee must possess a valid City business license at all times.
p. 
The permission of the property owner or authorized representative must be obtained prior to issuance of a home occupation permit if the home occupation is located in other than an owner occupied dwelling unit.
3. 
City Clerk to Issue. Upon applicant's compliance with paragraphs 1 and 2 of this subsection, the City Clerk shall, upon payment of the business license fee, issue to the applicant a home occupation permit and business license.
4. 
Appeal of Denial by City Clerk of the Issuance of Home Occupation Permit.
a. 
Denial of the application by the City Clerk for a home occupation permit shall be subject to appeal by the applicant to the Planning Commission without fee. The City Clerk is required to notify the applicant in writing of the reasons for such denial, giving reference to pertinent paragraphs of this section.
b. 
Appeals shall be submitted in writing by the applicant and must clearly state the reasons why such appeal should be granted. Appeal procedure shall be governed by Sections 17.44.050 and 17.48.050 of this title.
5. 
Revocation. Should the home occupation fail at any time to comply with criteria established in paragraph 2 of this subsection, such home occupation permit may be revoked by the Planning Commission.
G. 
Household pets of a type readily classifiable as being customarily incidental and accessory to a permitted principal residential use when no commercial activity is involved, subject to the following conditions and restrictions:
1. 
No more than three adult animals of any species shall be permitted per dwelling unit except birds as specified in Section 6.44.020 of this Code and fish contained within an aquarium. An animal shall be considered an adult when it is either over four months of age or capable of reproducing.
2. 
Livestock including cattle, sheep and goats, horses, rabbits, rodents, poultry and fowl are prohibited.
3. 
Those animals commonly classified as a wild species and potentially dangerous animals are prohibited.
4. 
Adherence to all applicable conditions and regulations of Title 6 of this Code is required.
5. 
In the event a question arises as to whether a species of animal is readily classifiable as being a household pet, the Director of Planning may require that a permit be obtained for said animal in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 6.40 of this Code.
H. 
Libraries (publicly operated).
I. 
Public schools—K through 12.
J. 
Licensed residential care facilities, small.
K. 
Family daycare homes.
L. 
Permanent supportive housing that meets the criteria set forth in California Government Code Section 65651 et seq.
M. 
Rental Housing. No dwellings units in whole or in part shall be rented for a term shorter than 30 consecutive calendar days.
(Prior code § 44-30; Ord. 1150 §§ 6, 7, 2021; Ord. 1198, 4/22/2025; Ord. 1211, 1/13/2026)
The following uses may be permitted; provided, that in each instance a conditional use permit is first obtained and continued in full force and effect as provided in Section 17.48.020.
A. 
Private schools.
B. 
Supportive housing projects not meeting the criteria specified in California Government Code Article 11, Section 65650.
(Prior code § 44-31; Ord. 1198, 4/22/2025)
A. 
Minimum Lot Size. The minimum required area of a lot in the R-2 zone shall be 7,500 square feet.
B. 
Minimum Lot Width. In the R-2 zone, every lot created after the effective date of the ordinance from which this chapter derives shall maintain a width not less than 50 feet.
C. 
Density. Lots shall be permitted one dwelling unit for every 3,750 square feet of lot area.
(Prior code § 44-33)
A. 
Front Yards. In the R-2 zone, every lot shall have a front yard depth of not less than 20 feet.
B. 
Side Yards. In the R-2 zone, every lot shall have a side yard of not less than five feet, except that corner lots shall maintain a minimum side yard of 10 feet on the street side.
C. 
Rear Yards. In the R-2 zone, every lot shall have a rear yard of not less than 10 feet.
D. 
Yards and Open Space Generally.
1. 
Except as provided in this chapter, every required yard and open space shall be open and unobstructed from the ground to the sky. No yard or open space provided around any building for the purpose of complying with the provisions of this title shall be considered as providing a yard or open space for any other building, and no yard or open space on any adjoining property shall be considered as providing a yard or open space on a building site whereon a building is to be erected.
2. 
Every unit shall be provided with a minimum of 360 square feet of contiguous private yard area with a minimum dimension of eight feet.
E. 
Vision Clearance Requirement for Corner Lots and Reverse Corner Lots.
1. 
All corner lots and reverse corner lots subject to yard requirements shall maintain for safety vision purposes a triangular area one angle of which shall be formed by the assumed intersection of the lot front line and the side lot line separating the lot from the street, and the sides of such triangle forming the corner angle shall each be 15 feet in length measured from the aforementioned angle. The third side of such triangle shall be a straight line connecting the last two mentioned points which are distant 50 feet from the intersection of the lot front and side lines, and within the area comprising such triangle, no tree shall be allowed nor any fence, shrub or other physical obstruction higher than 42 inches above the established grade shall be permitted.
2. 
On corner lots and reverse corner lots, if a vehicular entrance is provided from the side street side, an area for safety vision clearance shall be maintained on each side of the driveway. Such area for vision clearance shall be defined by a diagonal line beginning at the intersection of the edges of the driveway and the inside line of the required side yard and extending away from the driveway at an angle of 30° to the edge of the driveway toward the side street property line of the lot. Within this area, no tree shall be allowed nor any fence, shrub or other physical obstruction higher than 42 inches above the established grade shall be permitted.
F. 
Permitted Intrusions into Required Yards. The following intrusions may project into any required yards:
1. 
Fireplace structures, not wider than eight feet measured in the general direction of the wall of which it is a part, may project 18 inches into rear and side yards.
2. 
Unenclosed porch slabs which do not extend above the floor level of the first floor may extend three feet into the front yard setback. Covered porches which do not extend above the floor level of the first floor may extend three feet into the front yard setback.
3. 
Raised planters not exceeding 36 inches in height measured from the ground level may extend into any required yard. Such height limitation does not apply to ornamental plants contained in planter boxes. Edible landscaping height shall comply with Section 17.12.020(E)(4) of the Paramount Municipal Code.
4. 
Eaves may intrude 18 inches into required yards.
5. 
Hedges not more than 42 inches in height, and shrubs, flowers, plants, trees, mailboxes, and ornamental lighting standards are permitted in any required yard except as set forth in Section 17.12.060(E).
(Prior code § 44-34; Ord. 1150 § 8, 2021; Ord. 1191, 1/14/2025)
A. 
Maximum Height. In the R-2 zone, no building shall exceed a height of 25 feet.
B. 
Minimum Dwelling Unit Size. In the R-2 zone, all new dwelling units shall be at least the following minimum size:
1. 
Units with one bedroom shall have a minimum floor area of 800 square feet.
2. 
Units with two bedrooms shall have a minimum floor area of 1,000 square feet.
3. 
Units with three bedrooms shall have a minimum floor area of 1,250 square feet, which area shall include two bathrooms.
4. 
Units with four bedrooms shall have a minimum floor area of 1,500 square feet, which area shall include two bathrooms.
C. 
Placement of Buildings. Placement of buildings on any lot in the R-2 zone shall conform to the following:
1. 
Interior Lots. On the rear third of a lot accessory buildings not containing accessory living quarters may be built to the lot side lines and the lot rear line; provided, that not less than 10 feet of the lot rear line shall be free and clear of buildings; and, provided further, that if the lot rears upon an alley a garage with a vehicular entrance from the alley shall maintain a distance of not less than 15 feet from the center line of the alley.
2. 
Corner Lots and Reverse Corner Lots.
a. 
On the rear third of a corner lot accessory buildings not containing accessory living quarters may be built to the interior lot side line and the lot rear line; provided that if the lot rears upon an alley a garage with a vehicular entrance from the alley shall maintain a distance not less than 15 feet from the center line of such alley.
b. 
On the rear third of a reverse corner lot, accessory buildings not containing accessory living quarters may be built to the interior lot side line, but no building shall be erected closer than five feet to the property line of any abutting lot to the rear unless an alley intervenes, in which case the accessory buildings may be built to the lot rear line unless such a building be a garage with a vehicular entrance from the alley, in which case such accessory building shall maintain a distance of not less than 15 feet from the center line of the alley.
3. 
The distance between primary buildings shall not be less than 10 feet. The distance between a primary building and an accessory building shall not be less than six feet.
D. 
Window Security Bars. The installation of window security bars is prohibited.
(Prior code § 44-35)
A. 
The provisions of Sections 17.12.085 through 17.12.120, inclusive, shall apply to all new qualifying residential projects, where state law limits the City of Paramount's enforcement of design standards to objective standards or where state law or the Municipal Code require a ministerial approval process. Qualifying projects include those referenced in California Government Code Section 65913.4, as it may be amended from time to time.
B. 
The objective standards in the Sections 17.12.085 through 17.12.120, inclusive, do not apply to non-qualifying single-family homes, nonqualifying multifamily properties, historic properties, and any nonresidential developments.
(Prior code § 44-35.1; Ord. 1191, 1/14/2025)
A. 
Layout.
1. 
Buildings located adjacent to a public street shall have the primary entry oriented towards the public street and shall provide direct pedestrian access between the closest public sidewalk and the building entrance (shared or private).
2. 
All internal streets, alleys, and driveways shall connect directly with the City's existing and planned street network.
3. 
Swimming Pools. A swimming pool may not be located in any front yard, nor closer than five feet to any exterior property line or to any building on the same premises. Swimming pool or spa filtration equipment and pumps shall not be located in the front setback. All equipment shall be mounted and enclosed so that its sound is not audible from any other parcel.
B. 
Parking, Driveways, and Pedestrian Paths.
1. 
Number of Resident Spaces. In an R-2 zone, each dwelling unit shall be provided with two off-street garage (20-foot by 20-foot minimum interior dimension) parking spaces.
2. 
Number of Off-Street Guest Parking Spaces Required. One guest parking space shall be provided for each housing unit. Guest parking spaces may be covered or uncovered.
3. 
Size, Location, and Design of Parking Spaces and Areas.
a. 
Each off-street parking space shall have an area not less than 180 square feet exclusive of drives or aisles, and a width of not less than nine feet.
b. 
If either of the lengthwise sides of any space immediately abuts a fence, wall, building or other structure, then the space shall be 10 feet wide; if both lengthwise sides of any space immediately abut a fence, wall, building or other structure, then the space shall be 11 feet wide.
4. 
Driveways. Driveways in the R-2 zone shall have a width between 12 and 16 feet.
5. 
Location. No motor vehicle, recreational vehicle, boat, or trailer of any kind shall be parked or stored in any required yard or open space other than on a paved driveway on one side of the lot. Any recreational vehicle, boat, or trailer of any kind shall only be parked behind the required front setback line.
6. 
Required Improvement and Maintenance of Parking Areas. Off-street parking areas shall be surfaced and maintained pursuant to the requirements of Section 17.44.490 (Required improvement and maintenance of parking areas, etc., sales areas).
7. 
Screening. For any surface parking area visible from an adjacent public street, screening materials of 42 inches tall shall be provided using one of the following approaches:
a. 
Landscaped Berms.
b. 
Solid Wall.
c. 
Solid Fencing.
d. 
Shrub Material.
e. 
Trellis with Landscape Material.
8. 
Pedestrian Paths.
a. 
In all parking lots, the color and texture of paving materials for pedestrian pathways shall be different from the color and texture of paved vehicular areas. The color and texture of such pedestrian pathways paving materials are set out in subsection (B)(8)(b) below.
b. 
All pedestrian paths on private property shall be clearly delineated using at least one of the following:
i. 
Colored and/or textured concrete.
ii. 
Paving blocks or stones.
iii. 
Tile.
iv. 
Brick.
v. 
Masonry.
C. 
Walls and Fences.
1. 
Any decorative wall, fence, or hedge located or maintained in any required front yard shall not exceed 42 inches in height.
2. 
A decorative wall not exceeding six feet in height shall be located around the perimeter of the project, except in the front setback. All perimeter walls shall have decorative treatment on all sides of the wall consisting of either rough-textured stone or concrete surfaces (precision block is not a rough-texture stone or concrete surface), landscaping, or other materials designed to prevent graffiti.
3. 
The following materials are prohibited as part of a fence, wall, or hedge along any property line or within any required side, rear, or front yards:
a. 
Barbed wire.
b. 
Concertina wire.
c. 
Razor wire.
d. 
Cut glass.
4. 
Retaining Walls.
a. 
Where a retaining wall protecting a cut below the natural grade is located on the line separating lots or parcels, such retaining wall may be topped by a wall, fence or hedge of the same height that would otherwise be permitted at the location if no retaining wall existed, as measured from the ground on the high side of the property line.
b. 
Where a retaining wall contains a fill, the height of the retaining wall built to retain the fill shall be considered as contributing to the permissible height of a fence, solid wall, or hedge, provided that in any event a protective fence or wall not more than 42 inches in height may be erected at the top of the retaining wall, and any portion of such fence above the six-foot maximum height shall be an open work fence. An "open work fence" means a fence in which the component solid portions are evenly distributed and constitute not more than 50% of the total surface area of the face of the fence.
(Ord. 1191, 1/14/2025; Ord. 1198, 4/22/2025)
A. 
Building Design. All proposed developments shall incorporate the following architectural and design elements.
1. 
Architecture/Massing.
a. 
The maximum length of any single building shall not exceed 200 feet.
b. 
Any facade which faces a street, internal open space, or public open space shall not run in a continuous plane of more than 20 feet without two or more of the following treatments present on each floor:
i. 
Balcony (at least four feet wide).
ii. 
Porch (at least four feet wide and three feet deep).
iii. 
Entry door.
iv. 
Windows.
v. 
Stepback of a portion of the building plane at least three feet from the required setback line.
vi. 
Exterior trim of at least two inches in depth along the length of the facade.
2. 
Windows.
a. 
All windows of the same shape shall be of the same proportion (ratio of height to width) and shall use non-reflective glazing.
b. 
All windows shall provide a lintel and sill. Lintel is the horizontal structural member above a window that supports the weight of the wall over the opening and sill is the lower horizontal member of a window frame which prevents water from dripping down the wall below.
c. 
Permanent or retractable security gates, grills, or bars are prohibited on windows. (Note: Images are intended to show sample surface areas for presentation purposes only. These images are not intended to support an allowance for window bars.)
d. 
Windows shall have a recessed depth of at least two inches.
e. 
Bay windows and projecting building elements shall project at least 24 inches but no more than 36 inches.
3. 
Entries.
a. 
Primary entry doors shall include a covered porch or weather-protected stoop measuring at least 25 square feet.
b. 
Doors shall be recessed at least two inches from the door jamb.
c. 
Front doors shall be solid and shall include metal door jambs. The primary door shall include peepholes or vision glass for a clear view of the exterior entry area.
d. 
No portion of a door shall be allowed within 18 inches of an outside corner of a building.
4. 
Roofs.
a. 
For flat roofs, a cornice of at least six inches in depth is required at the top of the parapet.
b. 
For sloped roofs, rakes and eaves with a minimum depth of 12 inches are required.
c. 
The only acceptable roofing material for new construction is clay tile, concrete tile, synthetic shake or synthetic tile, cement composition tile, or asphalt composition shingle when the manufacturer warranty is a lifetime duration. A 30-year dimensional high-profile thick butt asphalt composition shingle with built-up ridgeline is the minimum for reroofing.
d. 
Only one roof pitch (i.e., only 4:12; combination of 4:12 and 3:12 slopes is not permissible) shall be used.
e. 
Gutters, downspouts, and other features used to collect precipitation runoff from the roof, such as rain barrels, cisterns, or pipes, shall be integrated into the wall so that they are not visible.
B. 
Materials and Colors.
1. 
The following exterior building, siding/cladding, and accent materials are prohibited:
a. 
Plywood, vinyl, or aluminum as siding materials.
b. 
Glass, except for windows.
2. 
A combination of at least two but no more than four colors and materials shall be used for a building exterior, including trim materials such as window surrounds or shutters and eaves.
(Ord. 1191, 1/14/2025)
A. 
For property lines adjacent to any property with residential zoning designation, any portion of a building over 30 feet in height shall be set back at least 10 additional feet from the required minimum setback line.
B. 
Where buildings over 30 feet in height require an additional 10-foot setback, tree planting shall be at a minimum density of one tree at least every 30 feet to provide a second layer of screening and shrub planting.
C. 
Fencing shall be used to enclose and/or screen private outdoor gathering spaces and utility and service use areas adjacent to buildings.
(Ord. 1191, 1/14/2025)
A. 
Landscape.
1. 
Planting Areas.
a. 
Landscaping plans specifying the size, type, quantity and location of all plant materials shall be submitted to the Planning Director with conceptual development plans for review to ensure consistency with landscaping standards. All required landscaping areas shall be subject to, but not limited to, the following minimum standards:
i. 
Planters. All landscaping, except turf, shall be planted in permanent planters surrounded by six-inch-by-six-inch concrete curbing except where a planter abuts a building or masonry block wall. Minimum planter width shall be three feet; minimum planter area shall be 50 square feet except at unit entries.
ii. 
Trees. At least one minimum-sized 24-inch box shade/canopy tree that reaches 20 feet in diameter at maturity shall be planted for every 1,250 square feet of lot area. Palm trees do not satisfy this requirement.
iii. 
Landscape Groundcover. All setback areas shall be fully landscaped utilizing water-efficient materials with drought resistant plants. Additional plant material, such as shrubs and groundcover may be used to supplement landscaped areas. All setback areas fronting a street must be planted with drought resistant landscaping. Per California Government Code Section 53087.7, drought-resistant landscaping may include synthetic grass or artificial turf.
B. 
Landscape Materials. All required landscaping shall be covered with materials such as drought tolerant plants, compost, mulch, artificial turf and permeable hardscape.
C. 
Plant Density. Plant density shall cover at least 65% of the front yard area. Acceptable materials are drought tolerant plants, artificial turf, and permeable materials or a combination thereof.
D. 
Non-Plant Density. A maximum of 35% of the required front yard area shall include accent plant alternatives, including pavers and brick set on a bed of sand where no mortar or grout has been used, a three-inch layer of mulch, decomposed granite, or artificial turf.
E. 
Turf Replacement. Turf is not a required landscape material. Drought-tolerant landscape materials that retain water on site are preferred when replacing existing turf.
F. 
Artificial Turf. Artificial turf as a possible landscape alternative is allowable and is subject to the following conditions:
1. 
Site Preparation. Artificial turf must be properly installed by a licensed contractor, including site preparation and installation of base materials. Site preparation must consist of:
a. 
Removal of all existing plant material and top three inches of soil in the installation area.
b. 
Recommended use of weed spray to assist in site preparation.
c. 
Placement of a weed barrier over the compacted and porous crushed rock or other comparable material below the turf surface to provide adequate drainage.
d. 
The site must be sloped and graded to prevent excessive pooling, runoff, or flooding onto adjacent property.
2. 
Installation.
a. 
Artificial turf must be permanently anchored with nails and glue, and all seams must be nailed, or sewn, and glued, with the grain pointing in a single direction.
b. 
Artificial turf cannot encroach upon living plants/trees and must end at least three inches from the base of any newly planted plant/tree.
c. 
Artificial turf must be separated from live planting areas by a barrier such as a mow strip or bender board to prevent mixing of natural plant materials and artificial turf.
3. 
Materials. Infill materials can consist of ground rubber or silicon sand. Nylon-based or plastic grass blades (i.e., patio carpet or astro-turf) are not permitted. Artificial turf product must:
a. 
Have an eight-year, "no-fade" manufacturer's warranty.
b. 
Be permeable to water and air and non-flammable.
c. 
Be cut-pile infill and made from polyethylene or a blend of polyethylene and polypropylene.
d. 
Have a hole punched permeable backing with spacing not to exceed four inches by six inches on center.
e. 
Have a minimum blade length (pile height) of one and one-quarter inches.
f. 
Have a minimum face weight of 65 ounces.
4. 
Maintenance.
a. 
Artificial turf must be maintained in a green, fadeless condition free of weeds, stains, tears, or looseness at edges and seams.
b. 
Proper weed control must be maintained at all times.
c. 
Damaged areas must be repaired or replaced.
G. 
Hardscape. Hardscape (non-permeable) is limited to existing driveways, walkways, patios and courtyards.
H. 
Concrete areas shall incorporate a stamped or stained pattern throughout the parking and circulation areas, as well as at the vehicular entrance.
I. 
Applicability. These provisions shall be applicable for all new development and for existing development where turf is to be replaced within the existing landscape.
J. 
Water-Efficient Landscape Provisions. Landscaping shall comply with the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) of the State of California and Chapter 17.96 of this title.
1. 
Approval Criteria. Landscaping plans shall include, but not be limited to, the following items:
a. 
The adequacy of plant material in achieving a buffer along public streets.
b. 
The use of landscaping to enhance the aesthetic quality of property and buildings.
c. 
The general suitability relative to the placement and type of plant material selected for screening purposes.
K. 
Landscaped Areas. May incorporate private outdoor living space, and should incorporate additional elements such as trellises, outdoor furniture, water elements (fountains, ponds, streams) meandering walkways, and other creative uses of landscape.
L. 
All proposed landscape revisions within the City parkway shall be subject to provisions as specified in Chapter 12.32.
M. 
Irrigation and Water Conservation.
1. 
All landscaped areas shall be provided with a water-efficient irrigation system consisting of:
a. 
Drip irrigation.
b. 
Bubblers for shrubs and trees.
c. 
Rotating sprinklers rated at emitting less than one gallon of water per minute.
d. 
Pressure regulators, allowing no more pressure than recommended by the manufacturer of the drip system (usually about 10 to 15 psi) or the rotating sprinklers (usually about 35 psi).
e. 
Separate valves for each portion of the landscape (known as "hydrozones") that requires a unique watering schedule.
(Ord. 1191, 1/14/2025)
A. 
Garages and Enclosures.
1. 
Garages.
a. 
Garage doors shall include at least one of the following detail treatments and shall match the architectural style and/or colors of the residence served:
i. 
Windows.
ii. 
Paneled surface.
iii. 
Use of a minimum of two colors.
b. 
All garage doors shall be recessed a minimum of six inches from the surrounding building wall.
c. 
Garage doors shall be automatically controlled.
B. 
Receptacles (including, but not limited to, barrels, bins, carts, containers, or dumpsters), facilities, and storage for garbage, waste, refuse, trash, organic waste, and nonorganic recyclables shall comply with Chapter 17.118.
C. 
Rooftop Equipment.
1. 
Roof-mounted mechanical equipment, with the exception of solar panels, shall be screened so it is not visible from the adjacent public right-of-way using either rooftop parapet walls or rooftop enclosures.
2. 
All screening devices shall be as tall as the highest point of the equipment being screened.
D. 
Utilities.
1. 
Mechanical Equipment. All mechanical equipment be screened from view from any adjacent public right-of-way, including ground-mounted air conditioning units, duct work, utility meters, back-flow preventers, transformers, etc.
2. 
Utility and mechanical equipment shall not be located within any required active open space.
3. 
Ground-mounted mechanical, electrical, and utility equipment shall be placed a minimum of 10 feet away from any pedestrian path and/or driveway.
E. 
Lighting.
1. 
Any light fixture located along a pathway shall not obstruct any pedestrian path of travel.
2. 
The maximum height of pole-mounted fixtures shall not exceed 16 feet.
3. 
All lighting shall be directed downward or shielded to prevent light trespass onto adjacent properties.
4. 
All pedestrian pathways shall be lit by lighted bollards or similar low, ground-mounted lighting fixtures at intervals of a maximum of 50 feet.
F. 
Tarps.
1. 
The following materials are prohibited from use as carports, patio covers, and shade covers in required front, rear, and side setback areas, and over driveways:
a. 
Canvas.
b. 
Fabric.
c. 
Plastic.
d. 
Rubber.
e. 
Nylon.
f. 
Acetate.
2. 
Tarps are prohibited from use as covers for outside storage in front setbacks and side setbacks that abut a street or alley, and over driveways.
3. 
Tarps used to drape common household items (e.g., bicycles, lawn maintenance equipment, firewood) in a required rear yard area or side yard area that does not abut a street or alley, shall not exceed the height of the rear or side yard fence, or exceed a height of six feet and not visible from the public right-of-way.
4. 
Tarps shall be maintained in good condition. The criteria utilized in evaluating the condition of a tarp shall include, but not be limited to, torn, stained, dirty, and/or faded material.
5. 
The provisions of this section do not apply to freestanding fabric shade structures that are professionally manufactured, mechanically folding, "pop up" style shade structures located on residentially zoned properties. These structures may be placed within the required rear yard area, but are prohibited in front and side yards, and over driveways. Permitted fabric shade structures shall be maintained in good condition. The criteria utilized in evaluating the condition of a fabric shade structure shall include, but not be limited to, torn, stained, dirty, and/or faded material, and damaged support structures.
G. 
Exterior Winter Holiday Lights.
1. 
Exterior winter holiday lights shall be permitted for display beginning on Thanksgiving Day until January 15th of the following year. Exterior winter holiday lights shall be removed within 48 hours after January 15th of each year. For purposes of this section, exterior winter holiday lights are defined as string lights, commonly and customarily associated with the holiday season during those times stated herein, that contain multiple or single colored light bulbs or clear light bulbs and that are attached to a building, structure or dwelling permitted under this title.
2. 
In interpreting and applying the provisions of this section, the Planning Director shall use reasonable judgment to determine if a specific string of lights is considered winter holiday lights.
3. 
The decision of the Planning Director may be appealed to the Development Review Board within 10 days after the decision of the Planning Director, which said appeal shall be heard at the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Development Review Board. Any decision of the Development Review Board may be appealed to the City Council within 10 days after the decision of the Development Review Board. The decision of the City Council shall be final.
H. 
Exterior Holiday Decorations, Excluding Winter Holiday Lights.
1. 
Holiday and seasonal decorations, including, but not limited to, yard ornaments or decorations, and the like, shall not be installed or placed more than 45 days before the date of the holiday for which said decorations are intended and shall be removed within 25 days, following the date of the holiday for which said decorations were intended.
2. 
In interpreting and applying the provisions of this subsection, the Planning Director and/or designee shall use reasonable judgment to determine the applicability.
3. 
The decision of the Planning Director may be appealed to the Development Review Board within 10 days after the decision of the Planning Director, which said appeal shall be heard at the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Development Review Board. Any decision of the Development Review Board may be appealed to the City Council within 10 days after the decision of the Development Review Board. The decision of the City Council shall be final.
(Ord. 1191, 1/14/2025; Ord. 1198, 4/22/2025; Ord. 1207, 10/28/2025)