A. 
Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to ensure that all development produces quality, desirable places and environments that complement the character of existing and future development, protect the use and enjoyment of neighboring properties, and are consistent with General Plan policy.
B. 
Applicability. The standards of this chapter apply to all zoning districts. These standards shall be considered in combination with the standards for each zone in Article 2 (Zoning Districts, Allowable Uses, and Development Standards) and Article 4 (Regulations for Specific Land Uses and Activities). Where there may be a conflict, the standards specific to the zone or specific land use shall override these general standards. All structures, additions to structures, and uses shall conform to the standards of this chapter, as determined applicable by the Director.
(Ord. 2000, 2021; Ord. 2046, 3/2/2026)
A. 
Purpose. Regulations applicable to accessory structures are established to ensure that the development and use of accessory structures do not adversely impact abutting properties with respect to drainage and life safety.
B. 
Applicability.
1. 
Application. This section shall apply to:
a. 
New Structures. All new structures, as defined in the Building Code, located on the same site as the primary structure or use to which it is accessory, including, but not limited to, garages, carports, porte-cocheres, sheds, workshops, gazebos, greenhouses, cabanas, pool houses, trellises, play structures, aviaries, covered patios, etc.
b. 
Decks and Patios. Detached decks and patios that are more than 30 inches above the existing ground elevation, excluding above ground pools and hot tubs.
C. 
Development Standards for the R-1 and R-2 Zoning Districts. The following standards shall apply to accessory structures in the R-1 and R-2 zoning districts. Any proposed accessory structure that does not meet these requirements may be eligible for a minor modification permit pursuant to Chapter 25.74 (Minor Modifications) or a variance pursuant to Chapter 25.84 (Variances).
1. 
Number. No more than two covered accessory structures, each measuring more than 120 square feet, shall be permitted per lot. If one of the accessory structures is a permitted accessory dwelling unit, it shall be counted as one of the structures.
2. 
Size. The maximum size for each accessory structure other than an accessory dwelling unit is 600 square feet, in addition to a permitted accessory dwelling unit. If there is no permitted accessory dwelling unit, the maximum square footage of all accessory structures shall not exceed 800 square feet. If an accessory dwelling unit is proposed subsequent to the establishment of two accessory structures on a parcel, one of the accessory structures shall be removed prior to construction of the accessory dwelling unit.
3. 
Small Structures Under 120 Square Feet. Small structures under 120 square feet not considered a structure pursuant to the Uniform Building Code are excluded from subsections C.1 and C.2. No more than two small structures shall be permitted per lot. Small structures shall not exceed 11 feet in height and may only be located in the side and rear yards.
4. 
Location. Accessory structures shall not be located in front of the main building, except that a garage may be erected in front of the main building if the dwelling is located in the rear 60% of the lot and was built prior to January 15, 1954. In no case shall the accessory structure be constructed between the front of the main building and the front property line.
5. 
Setbacks. If located within the rear 30% of the lot, detached accessory structures shall have a minimum side and rear setback of 18 inches. If located forward of the rear 30% of the lot, detached accessory structures shall comply with the side setback requirement of the applicable zoning district in which it is located.
6. 
Location From Other Structures. Accessory structures shall be located at least four feet from another structure on the lot, as measured between the exterior walls of the structures, and at a minimum shall meet Fire Code separation requirements.
7. 
Coverage. Accessory structures shall not cover more than 50% of the rear 30% of a lot. A permitted accessory dwelling unit shall not be included in this calculation.
8. 
Height.
a. 
Plate Line Height. The plate line of the accessory structure shall not exceed nine feet six inches (9'-6") above grade at the closest point between the plate line and adjacent grade. An accessory structure shall not exceed one story in height.
b. 
Roof Height. The roof height of the accessory structure shall not exceed 10 feet above grade, as measured to the highest roof ridge or top of parapet. The height may be increased one foot for each foot of separation from an adjacent property line, up to a maximum height of 15 feet, provided that the roof is pitched from ridge to plate on at least two sides, and the ridge is no closer than five feet to a side property line.
9. 
Mechanical Equipment. See Section 25.31.080 (Mechanical and Other Equipment).
D. 
Development Standards for All Other Zoning Districts. Accessory structures are permitted in other zones provided they meet the development standards for that zoning district.
(Ord. 2000, 2021; Ord. 2046, 3/2/2026)
Every business or every building containing one or more businesses shall have its primary entrance upon a City street. Access to such a City street shall not be across or through an alley, lane, or a public parking lot unless approved through a minor modification.
(Ord. 2000, 2021; Ord. 2046, 3/2/2026)
That portion of a lot located within 15 feet of the external corner of the lot adjacent to a public or private street shall be kept free of any tree, hedge, brush or shrub, or fence, wall, or like structure over three feet in height.
Figure 25.31-1: Clear Sight Triangle
(Ord. 2000, 2021; Ord. 2046, 3/2/2026)
A. 
Purpose and Applicability. The purpose of these regulations is to achieve a balance between concerns for privacy and public concerns for enhancement of the community appearance, visual image of the streetscape, and overall character of neighborhoods, and to ensure the provision of adequate light, air, and public safety. These regulations apply to any type of visible or tangible obstruction that has the effect of forming a physical or visual barrier between properties or between property lines and the public right-of-way, including, but not limited to, any type of artificially constructed barriers of wood, metal, or concrete posts connected by boards, rails, panels, wire, or mesh, and any type of natural growth such as hedges and screen plantings.
B. 
Height of Fences in R Districts.
1. 
Front Setback. In any front setback, fences and hedges shall be limited to a maximum height of three feet if it is of a solid design or four feet if it is of an open design freely allowing light and air to pass through. These regulations shall apply to fences and hedges located on the same frontage as the front entry door, for 15 feet on either side of the front entry door, regardless of whether the front entry door is located in the front or side yard. No such fence shall extend into any required clear sight triangle, as described in Section 25.31.040 (Clear Sight Triangle).
2. 
Arbor. One arbor with a maximum height of nine feet, width of eight feet, and depth of four feet is allowed within the front setback.
3. 
Side and Rear Setbacks. In any side or rear setback, fences shall be limited to a maximum height of six feet, except that one additional foot up to seven feet is allowed if the last foot in height is of an open design freely allowing light and air to pass through. No such fence shall extend into any required clear sight triangle, as described in Section 25.31.040 (Clear Sight Triangle).
C. 
Fence Height in All Other Districts. In all other districts, fences shall be limited to a maximum height of seven feet, provided the last foot in height is of an open design freely allowing light and air to pass through. In the Innovation/Industrial district, a maximum fence height of eight feet is allowed.
D. 
Building Permit Required. Any fence exceeding six feet in height, whether alone or atop a wall exceeding six feet in total height, shall require a building permit. In addition, a building permit shall be required for any fence that exceeds three feet in height located on any corner lot.
E. 
Fences and Hedges on El Camino Real. No fence or hedge which exceeds three feet in height is permitted within 20 feet of any property line on El Camino Real when such property line is crossed by a driveway for regular vehicle ingress and egress.
F. 
Fences in Right-of-Way. Fences shall not be allowed to extend beyond the property line into any right-of-way.
G. 
Nonconforming Fences and Hedges. Any existing fence or hedge existing whose height exceeds that specified is nonconforming. The Council may order a nonconforming fence or hedge to be caused to conform upon the Council's conclusion that a public hazard or public inconvenience results from such nonconformance.
H. 
Exception for Schools, Playgrounds, and Government Facilities. The regulations of this chapter shall not apply to the construction of fences for the protection of schools, playgrounds, and government facilities.
I. 
Driveway Gates. Gates across driveways in all zoning districts shall be set back a minimum of 20 feet behind the property line to allow for adequate space to queue vehicles entering the property.
J. 
Pilasters. Decorative pilasters, statuary, flowerpots, and similar ornamental elements attached to or incorporated into the design of conforming fences or walls may exceed the required height limit up to 18 inches, provided that the decorative element is not wider than 18 inches and that such elements are used to define a gateway or other entryway or are otherwise at least four feet apart.
K. 
Exceptions. Exceptions to the regulations of this section shall be applied for and granted pursuant to the minor modification provisions of Chapter 25.74 (Minor Modifications) of this title.
(Ord. 2000, 2021; Ord. 2046, 3/2/2026)
A. 
For the purposes of this chapter, mechanical equipment shall include machines and devices, including HVAC units, fans, vents, generators, and elevator motors integral to the regular operation of climate control, electrical, and similar building systems. Mechanical equipment shall not include water heaters (both tank and tankless styles) and enclosures for such units.
B. 
The following regulations apply to newly installed mechanical equipment for new and existing residential dwellings and mixed-use developments:
1. 
Mechanical equipment may only be located in the rear 75% of the lot.
2. 
Mechanical equipment shall not be located within the front yard between the building and the property line.
3. 
Mechanical equipment shall be fully screened from view from any portion of adjacent streets by fences, hedges, or other screening material approved by the Director.
4. 
Mechanical equipment shall not be mounted on sloping roofs. Mechanical equipment may be mounted on flat roofs with prior approval by the Director, provided the equipment is concealed with solid screening that is integrated into the overall architectural design.
5. 
Equipment shall not exceed a maximum outdoor noise level (measured in A-weighted decibels, or dBA) of 60 dBA between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. or 50 dBA between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., as measured from the property line of the property on which the equipment is located.
(Ord. 2000, 2021; Ord. 2046, 3/2/2026)
As a condition of approval of any structure over 35 feet in height, the Director shall require a location to be agreed upon by the City and the property owner to locate public safety communications equipment and a wireless access point for City communications on the structure proposed. The property owner shall permit this equipment to be installed if the City determines that the structure interferes with critical City public safety communications. The applicant shall provide an electrical supply source for use by the equipment. The applicant shall permit authorized representatives of the City to gain access to the equipment location for purposes of installation, maintenance, adjustment, and repair upon reasonable notice to the property owner or owner's successor in interest. This access and location agreement shall be recorded in terms that convey the intent and meaning of this condition.
(Ord. 2000, 2021; Ord. 2046, 3/2/2026)
A. 
Glare. Exterior lighting on all properties shall be designed and located so that the cone of light and/or glare from the lighting element is kept entirely on the property or below the top of any fence, edge, or wall.
B. 
Shielded Light Fixtures. On all residential properties, exterior lighting outlets and fixtures shall not be located more than nine feet above adjacent grade or required landing. Only shielded light fixtures which focus light downward shall be allowed, except for illuminated street numbers required by the Fire Department.
(Ord. 2000, 2021; Ord. 2046, 3/2/2026)
A. 
Purpose and Applicability. This section establishes standards for the location, development, and operations of trash enclosures to ensure that the storage of trash, green waste, and recyclable materials does not have significant adverse health consequences and does minimize adverse impacts on surrounding properties.
B. 
When Required. All new and expanded commercial and industrial projects with a floor area exceeding 500 square feet, all intensifications of commercial and industrial uses, all new multi-unit residential projects located in any zoning district, and all new mixed-use projects shall be required to provide and maintain at least one trash enclosure. Trash enclosures may be located indoors or outdoors to meet the requirements of this section.
C. 
Location.
1. 
Residential. Outdoor trash enclosures required under this section for residential projects shall not be located within any required front or street side yard.
2. 
General. No outdoor trash enclosures shall be located within any public right-of-way or in any location where it would obstruct pedestrian walkways, obstruct vehicular ingress and egress, reduce motor vehicle sightline, or in any way create a hazard to health and safety, as determined by the Director.
D. 
Maintenance. Outdoor trash enclosures required shall be maintained in the following manner:
1. 
Prompt removal shall be required of visible signs of overflow of garbage, smells emanating from enclosure, graffiti, pests, and vermin.
2. 
Trash enclosure covers shall be closed when not in use.
3. 
Trash enclosures shall be easily accessible for garbage and recyclables collection.
4. 
Trash enclosures shall be regularly emptied of garbage.
E. 
Design of Enclosure Area.
1. 
Each trash enclosure shall be of a material and colors that complement the architecture of the buildings they serve or shall have exterior landscape planting that screens the walls.
2. 
The interior dimensions of the trash and recyclables enclosure shall provide convenient and secure access to the containers to prevent access by unauthorized persons and to minimize scavenging, while allowing authorized persons access for disposal and collection of materials.
3. 
All outdoor trash enclosures shall have full roofs to reduce stormwater pollution and to screen unsightly views. The design of the roof and the materials used shall be compatible with the on-site architecture, with adequate height clearance to enable ready access to any containers.
4. 
Designs, materials, or methods of installation not specifically prescribed by this section may be approved by Director, and subject to Director's action. In approving such a request, the Director shall find that the proposed design, material, or method provides approximate equivalence to the specific requirements of this section or is otherwise satisfactory and complies with the intent of these provisions.
(Ord. 2000, 2021; Ord. 2046, 3/2/2026)