A. 
Applicability. All development shall comply with the provisions of this Section, unless otherwise specified in this Section.
B. 
Pedestrian Access and Circulation. Pedestrian walkways shall connect in a development all primary building entries to on-site parking areas, to on-site publicly accessible open spaces, to other on-site amenities, and to the public sidewalk along each abutting public right-of way. Pedestrian walkways shall be continuous. Where an interruption occurs, such as at a driveway, drive aisle, or street, the pedestrian walkway shall maintain a direct connection via a marked crosswalk or similar crossing feature.
C. 
Pedestrian Walkways. Required pedestrian walkways shall comply with the following:
1. 
Walkways shall be a minimum of four feet in width, with the exception of single-family residential developments, where the maximum walkway width shall be four feet.
2. 
Walkways shall be clearly differentiated from driveways, parking aisles, and parking and loading areas through grade separation and/or the use of a different paving material, including, but not limited to, brick or concrete pavers, scored or tinted concrete, exposed aggregate concrete, or similar material in compliance with the Building Code. Loose or moveable materials, including, but not limited to, stepping stones, cobblestones, pebbles, river rocks, and gravel, shall be prohibited.
D. 
Vehicular Access and Circulation. For vehicular access and circulation, the provisions of Chapter 18.19 (Off-Street Parking and Loading Standards) shall apply.
(Ord. 1201, 12/9/2025)
A. 
Applicability. Fences, walls, and hedges in all developments shall comply with the provisions for this Section and Chapter 17.28 (Design Standards) of Title 17 (Subdivisions) of the Pico Rivera Municipal Code. If the provisions of Chapter 17.28 (Design Standards) are in conflict with applicable provisions of this Section, this Section shall govern.
B. 
Height and Setbacks. Table 18.18.020.A (Fences, Walls, and Hedges) shall establish the standards regarding height and setbacks for fences, walls, and hedges for all zones.
Table 18.18.020.A Fences, Walls, and Hedges
Fence, Wall, or Hedge
Height
Setback
Reference
Within the Front Setback
Non-view-obscuring fence, wall, or hedge
Max. 4.5 feet
N/A
See Section 18.25.220 (Definitions, "V" [View-Obscuring])
View-obscuring fence, wall, or hedge
Max. 3.5 feet
N/A
Columns or pilasters as part of a fence, wall, or hedge system
Max. 4.5 feet
Min. 10 feet from edge of driveway
Fence or wall enclosing swimming pools
Min. 5 feet in compliance with the Building Code
N/A
See Section 18.18.090 (Swimming Pools)
Beyond the Front Setback
Any fence, wall, or hedge
Max. 7 feet
Max. 10 feet industrial zones only
Min. 10 feet from edge of driveway
At Driveways and Intersections
Any fence, wall, or hedge
See Section 18.18.110 (Visibility at Driveways and Intersections)
C. 
Materials.
1. 
Fences and walls shall be constructed to match and/or complement the architectural style, color, material, or finish of the primary building.
2. 
Permitted fence and wall materials and finishes shall include concrete, concrete block, brick, stone, wood, metal (such as wrought iron or tube steel), vinyl, or similar material that resembles wood or masonry.
3. 
Fences or walls constructed of chain-link shall be prohibited within the front and side street setback. Corrugated metal or plastic shall be prohibited throughout.
4. 
Fences or walls constructed of materials that create a hazard to life, health, or safety, such as razor wire, barbed wire, electrification, or similar hazardous material shall be prohibited, except that such materials may be used for security purposes in industrial zones as approved by the Zoning Administrator.
5. 
Where fences and walls of varying materials or finishes intersect, an architectural transition or break (such as a gap, trim, column, post, or pilaster) shall be provided. Fences and walls constructed whether of a singular material or multiple materials shall comply with the maximum height requirements for fences, walls, and hedges.
6. 
Fences and walls shall be finished (such as painted, sealed, or stained) on all surfaces.
7. 
For all developments, with the exception of single-family residential developments, fences and walls within the front and side street setback shall be treated with anti-graffiti coating. Additional methods to deter graffiti, such as landscaping, espalier, green or living walls, or other façade landscaping techniques, shall be used in conjunction with anti-graffiti coating.
D. 
Screening. For required screening utilizing fences, walls, and hedges, the provisions of Section 18.18.070 (Screening) shall apply.
E. 
Animal Keeping. For walls, fences, and hedges utilized for animal keeping, the provisions of Section 18.22.060 (Animal Keeping) shall apply.
(Ord. 1201, 12/9/2025)
All property shall be graded to drain to such drainage facilities subject to the approval of the City Engineer. A grading and/or drainage plan shall be prepared and shall be submitted to and approved by the Building and Safety Division, and such grading and/or drainage shall take place in accordance with such approved plan. Any change in grading and/or drainage shall first be approved by the City Engineer prior to the commencement of such grading and/or drainage development.
(Ord. 1201, 12/9/2025)
A. 
Applicability. Landscaping for all development shall comply with the provisions of this Section and the applicable provisions of Chapter 13.90 (Water Efficient Landscaping) of Title 13 (Water and Sewers) of the Pico Rivera Municipal Code, with the exceptions listed in Chapter 13.90 (Water Efficient Landscaping). If the provisions of Chapter 13.90 (Water Efficient Landscaping) are in conflict with applicable provisions of this Section, this Section shall govern.
B. 
Landscaping.
1. 
Landscaping shall be installed within all setbacks, excluding required walkways, parking and loading areas, and driveways at the discretion of the Zoning Administrator. In the S-F, R-E, R-I, and PUD zones, a minimum of 50% of the front setback shall be landscaped with natural planting elements.
2. 
Landscaping shall be maintained as necessary, including, but not limited to, watering, pruning, trimming, mowing, aerating, fertilizing, weed and brush abatement, trash removal, and replacement of landscape materials.
3. 
Landscaping shall consist of Mediterranean or California native, non-invasive, and/or low-water use species.
4. 
The use of artificial plants and/or synthetic turf shall be prohibited.
5. 
Landscaping consisting of varying materials, colors, and textures shall be used to distinguish and demarcate all driveway entries, primary building entries, and common open space areas.
(Ord. 1201, 12/9/2025)
A. 
Applicability. Outdoor lighting for all development shall comply with the provisions of this Section, unless otherwise specified in this Section.
1. 
Special Uses and Activities. Unless otherwise noted in Chapter 18.22 (Standards for Special Uses and Activities), outdoor lighting for special uses and activities shall be in accordance with the provisions of this Section.
2. 
Off-Street Parking and Loading. Outdoor lighting for off-street parking and loading areas shall be in accordance with Chapter 18.19 (Off-Street Parking and Loading Standards).
B. 
Lighting.
1. 
Outdoor lighting fixtures shall be installed and maintained to match and/or complement the architectural style, color, material, or finish of the primary building.
2. 
For all development, with the exception of single-family residential development, outdoor lighting shall be provided and maintained for all building entries, pedestrian pathways, off-street parking and loading areas, trash and storage areas, and other common areas for safety and security purposes.
3. 
Outdoor lighting shall be directed downward (i.e., not above the horizontal plane), recessed, and/or shielded to prevent light or glare beyond the required area and onto an abutting property, except within the public right-of-way at the discretion of the Public Works Director.
4. 
Freestanding outdoor lighting shall not exceed 20 feet in height.
5. 
Pedestrian scaled outdoor lighting, such as light poles and bollards, shall be provided along required pedestrian pathways and shall not exceed 15 feet in height.
(Ord. 1201, 12/9/2025)
All setbacks shall be unobstructed by structures from the ground to the sky, except for those elements as established in Table 18.18.060.A (Projections into Setbacks) where such projection shall not occupy more than 50% of any required setback area.
Table 18.18.060.A Projections into Setbacks
Projections
R-I, PUD
R-E, S-F
R-M, M-U
All Other Zones
Accessory dwelling units
See Section 18.22.030 (Accessory Dwelling Units)
N/A
Accessory structures in residential zones
See Section 18.11.040 (Design Standards for Residential Buildings, Accessory Structures)
N/A
Architectural details such as cornices, roof eaves, belt courses, sills, trims, or similar details
2 feet into front or side street setback only
2 feet into any setback
Fireplace structures, such as chimneys, not exceeding 12 feet in width
Façade projections, attached, such as porticos, buttresses, bay windows, porches, or similar attached projections
6 feet into front setback, and 3 feet into side street setback only
6 feet into front setback
6 feet into side street setback
2 feet into side interior setback
Permitted in rear setback provided that a 4-foot setback is maintained from the rear property line
Structures over driveways, attached, such as porte cocheres
Stairs or stoops
Entrance arbors over walkways (limited to one per property with a maximum height of 8 feet, and one post on either side of walkway)
None. Shall be limited to front property line
N/A
Swimming pools or spas
See Section 18.18.090 (Swimming Pools)
N/A
(Ord. 1201, 12/9/2025)
A. 
Applicability. All development shall comply with the provisions of this Section, unless otherwise specified in this Section.
B. 
Mechanical, Plumbing, and Electrical Equipment. All ground-, wall-, and roof-mounted equipment shall be located or incorporated within a building or structure whenever possible or screened so as not to be visible from any street and adjacent property according to the following standards. For purposes of this Section, equipment shall include all mechanical, plumbing, and electrical equipment, such as, but not limited to, air conditioning units, heaters, utility meters, cable equipment, telephone entry boxes, backflow preventions, irrigation control valves, irrigation controllers, electrical transformers, pull boxes, exhaust fans and ventilators, vents, and ducting for air conditioning, heating, blower systems, and similar equipment.
1. 
Roof-Mounted Equipment. All exterior roof-mounted equipment shall be screened from view according to the following standards. Elevation and section drawings shall be provided indicating the height of the parapet and height of the equipment. Storage shall be prohibited on the roof.
a. 
For Flat or Partially Flat Roofs. Equipment located on a flat or partially flat roof shall be screened from view behind a parapet wall on all sides of the roof. Parapets shall have a minimum height of six inches greater than the roof-mounted equipment and shall match and/or complement the architectural style, color, material, or finish of the subject building and roof. Parapets shall be capped with metal or masonry coping, continuous banding, or projecting cornices, dentils, or similar edge treatment. Interior side of parapet walls shall not be visible from a common open space or street. For legally nonconforming buildings without parapets, other screening treatments, such as metal or fabric panels, may be used subject to Zoning Administrator approval.
b. 
For Pitched and Domed Roofs in Commercial and Industrial Zones. Screening requirements for equipment on pitched and domed roofs in commercial and industrial zones shall be subject to Zoning Administrator approval.
c. 
Exceptions.
i. 
Roof-mounted solar energy systems without screening shall be permitted.
ii. 
For single-family residential buildings, roof-mounted air-conditioning units shall be prohibited, unless the unit is physically unable to be installed in a ground-mounted location as determined by the Zoning Administrator. For single-family residential buildings that have legally nonconforming, roof-mounted air-conditioning units without screening shall be permitted. Legally nonconforming roof mounted air conditioning unit change outs shall be of similar dimensions.
iii. 
Where it can be clearly demonstrated that the exterior roof-mounted mechanical equipment is not visible from any public right-of-way, public property, or neighboring property in a commercial or industrial zoning district, the Zoning Administrator may waive the screening requirements of this Section.
2. 
Ground- or Wall-Mounted Equipment. All exterior ground- or wall-mounted equipment shall be prohibited within the front setback and shall be screened from view using view-obscuring walls, fences, or hedges unless otherwise specified in this Subsection. Walls and fences shall match and/or complement the architectural style, color, material, or finish of the adjacent building or structure. Walls and fences shall be view-obscuring to screen views of equipment from a street and/or adjacent uses.
a. 
Exception. For single-family residential buildings, window-mounted air-conditioning units without screening shall be permitted but shall be prohibited on the front and street side facing façades.
b. 
Exception. Electric vehicle charging equipment without screening in residential zones shall be permitted.
C. 
Antennas. Satellite dish receiving antennas and amateur radio/citizen band radio antennas shall be screened from view.
D. 
Drainage Equipment. Drainage systems, including gutters, scuppers, and downspouts, shall be concealed within wall and roof systems when facing a street, unless otherwise specified in this Subsection. Downspouts shall extend to grade level.
1. 
Exception. For residential buildings, non-concealed gutters and downspouts shall be permitted but shall match and/or complement the architectural style, color, material, or finish of the building or structure.
E. 
Parking and Loading Areas. Parking and loading areas, including parking lots and garages, with the exception of required driveways and drive aisles, shall be screened from view in compliance with the provisions of Chapter 18.19 (Off-Street Parking and Loading Standards).
F. 
Trash and Recycling Areas. Trash and recycling areas, including interior and exterior areas, shall be screened from view in compliance with the provisions of Section 18.18.100 (Trash and Recycling Areas).
G. 
Properties Abutting Residential. Where a multifamily residential, commercial, or industrial development shares a rear or interior side property line with any residential use, the following shall be provided for privacy purposes along the abutting property lines, except within required driveways, drive aisles, and walkways:
1. 
A view-obscuring masonry wall consisting of split-face concrete block, brick, or plaster/stucco of a minimum of six feet in height. All walls shall provide a wall cap and shall be in compliance with Section 18.18.020 (Fences, Walls, and Hedges); and
2. 
A minimum five-foot-wide landscaping edge, strip, or planter consisting of hedges and/or evergreen trees, where trees shall be spaced to screen views at maturity a minimum 75% of the overall length of the landscaping edge, strip, or planter.
(Ord. 1201, 12/9/2025)
A. 
Applicability. Any owner, lessee, or agent proposing to develop any lot, or arranging for the construction of a building, dwelling, or other structure, or portion thereof, on such lot shall also construct and install or cause to be constructed or installed all off-site street improvements, as set forth in Chapter 12.44 (Street Improvements) of Title 12 (Streets, Sidewalks, and Public Places) of the Pico Rivera Municipal Code.
B. 
Private Streets. Private streets shall be designed and constructed to the same structural, geometric, lighting, landscaping, and drainage standards as dedicated public streets subject to the approval of the City Engineer.
(Ord. 1201, 12/9/2025)
A. 
Applicability. All swimming pools, both in-ground and aboveground structures, including, but not limited to, hot tubs, spas, portable spas, and nonportable wading pools, shall comply with the provisions of this Section.
B. 
Setbacks. Swimming pools shall maintain the following setbacks, as measured from the water line:
1. 
Swimming pools shall be prohibited within the front and street side setback.
2. 
Minimum four-foot setback from interior side and rear property lines; and
3. 
Minimum five-foot setback from any other building or structure on the same lot.
C. 
Required enclosure. Swimming pools shall be enclosed by a fence, portion of building, wall, or other enclosure of a minimum height of five feet in compliance with the Building Code.
D. 
Bathrooms. Bathrooms may be located within accessory structures in conjunction with a swimming pool.
(Ord. 1201, 12/9/2025)
A. 
Applicability. All new construction and existing development that adds 30% or more to its existing total floor area shall comply with this Section and applicable provisions of Chapter 8.12 (Garbage and Rubbish) and Chapter 8.13 (Mandatory Organic Waste Disposal Reduction) of Title 8 (Health and Safety) of the Pico Rivera Municipal Code to provide adequate, accessible, and convenient areas for depositing, storing, and hauling trash, recycling, and organic materials. Trash, recycling, and organics shall be collectively referred to as "trash and recycling." All applicable development shall provide either individual and/or shared trash and recycling areas consistent with this Section.
B. 
Access. Trash and recycling areas shall not obstruct building entries, walkways, sidewalks, driveways, streets, alleys, and other required means of access and shall be prohibited within required front and street side setbacks, required parking areas, and required landscaped areas.
C. 
Individual Trash and Recycling Areas.
1. 
Required Minimum Area. Individual trash and recycling areas shall allow for the individual storage of receptacles for each unit or tenant of a development as listed in this Subsection.
a. 
Single-family residential and townhouse developments shall provide a minimum of 20 square feet of individual area for each dwelling unit.
b. 
Where the Zoning Administrator finds that a non-residential development can be adequately served with an individual trash and recycling area, the non-residential development shall provide an individual area as determined by the Zoning Administrator.
D. 
Location.
1. 
Single-Family Residential Developments. When trash and recycling areas are provided exterior to the building, receptacles shall be screened from view so as not to be visible from any street utilizing view-obscuring walls, fences, and/or landscaping.
2. 
Townhouse Developments. Trash and recycling areas may be provided as individual or shared areas. If individual, they shall be provided interior to the building within garages, exclusive of required parking areas.
E. 
Shared Trash and Recycling Areas.
1. 
Required Minimum Area. Shared trash and recycling areas shall allow for the shared depositing, storing, and hauling of trash and recycling for multiple units or tenants within a development as listed in this Subsection.
a. 
Multifamily residential developments shall provide a minimum of 100 square feet of shared area for every 30 dwelling units.
b. 
Non-residential development shall provide a minimum of 36 square feet of shared area for every 5,000 square feet of gross building floor area.
2. 
Enclosure of Shared Area. Shared trash and recycling areas shall be located either interior to a building, such as in a garage or basement, or exterior to the building on site. All shared trash and recycling areas shall be enclosed and screened from view consistent with this Subsection.
a. 
Enclosures shall be located within 150 feet of the building's access point they serve, while maintaining required vehicular access for hauling.
b. 
Enclosures shall be constructed to match and/or complement the architectural style, color, material, or finish of the primary building on a lot of the development.
c. 
Enclosures shall be constructed on all sides by view-obscuring walls of a minimum height of six feet and view-obscuring and latching gates or doors to prevent theft of materials. When located exterior to the building, enclosures shall include a roof structure to protect against adverse environmental conditions, such as rain and wind.
F. 
Signage.
1. 
Trash and recycling receptacles shall be clearly marked to identify acceptable trash, recycling, and organic materials. General instructions on what and how to recycle shall be posted in a visible location within the enclosure.
2. 
A minimum of one sign of a maximum area of one square foot shall be placed on the exterior of each enclosure adjacent to its access point, such as the door or gate.
3. 
A minimum of one international recycling logo of a maximum area of one square foot shall be placed on the exterior of each enclosure.
(Ord. 1201, 12/9/2025)
A. 
Undergrounding Utilities. For new subdivisions, multifamily residential, commercial, and industrial developments, utility services and appurtenances, including electrical and communication services, shall be installed and located underground within the boundaries of the subject property and shall be completely concealed from view. In no case shall there be any new or additional overhead electrical or communication facilities or utility poles placed, installed, or erected in order to provide underground utility service facilities.
B. 
Sewerage. All developments shall be served by and connected to a public sanitary sewer approved by and to the satisfaction of the City Engineer.
(Ord. 1201, 12/9/2025)