Chapter 17.21
Residential Zoning Districts

Sections:

17.21.010    Purpose

17.21.020    Purposes of the Residential Zoning Districts

17.21.030    Residential District Allowable Land Uses and Permit Requirements

17.21.040    Residential District Subdivision Standards

17.21.050    Residential District Site Planning and Building Standards

17.21.060    Commercial Uses in Residential Zoning Districts

17.21.010 - Purpose

This Chapter lists the land uses that may be allowed within the Residential zoning districts established by Section 17.14.020 (Zoning Map and Zoning Districts), determines the type of planning permit/approval required for each use, and provides basic standards for site layout and building size.

17.21.020 - Purposes of the Residential Zoning Districts

The purposes of the individual residential zoning districts and the manner in which they are applied are as follows.

A.    RR (Rural Residential) zoning district. The RR zoning district is applied to areas on the northern fringes of the City that are appropriate for single-family dwellings in a semi rural environment that can also accommodate lower intensity agricultural land uses. The maximum allowable residential density within the RR district ranges from one dwelling unit per five acres to one dwelling unit per acre, with the maximum density allowed on specific property being identified on the Zoning Map by means of a numerical suffix to the RR zoning district symbol (see Section 17.21.040 - Residential District Subdivision Standards). The RR zoning district implements and is consistent with the RR5, RR2, RR1, and RR land use designations of the Coastal General Plan.

B.    RS (Suburban Residential) zoning district. The RS zoning district is applied to areas of the City that are appropriate for single-family dwellings, but where infrastructure limitations and/or environmental constraints limit the ability for development to achieve urban densities. The maximum allowable residential density within the RS district ranges from one to three dwelling units per acre, with the maximum density allowed on specific property being identified on the Zoning Map by means of a numerical suffix to the RS zoning district symbol (see Section 17.21.040 - Residential District Subdivision Standards). The RS zoning district implements and is consistent with the RS land use designation of the Coastal General Plan.

C.    RL (Low Density Residential) zoning district. The RL zoning district is applied to areas of the City that are appropriate for neighborhoods of single-family dwellings on standard urban lots, surrounding the more densely developed core of the City. This zone also allows limited, neighborhood serving commercial uses on small, appropriately located individual parcels, or as small, pedestrian-oriented neighborhood centers. The maximum allowable residential density within the RL district ranges from three to six dwelling units per acre; the maximum floor area ratio (FAR) for non-residential uses is 0.40. The RL zoning district implements and is consistent with the RL land use designation of the Coastal General Plan.

D.    RM (Medium Density Residential) zoning district. The RM zoning district is applied to areas of the City that are appropriate for neighborhoods with a variety of housing types located in proximity to parks, schools, and public services. This zone also allows limited, neighborhood serving commercial uses on small, appropriately located individual parcels, or as small, pedestrian-oriented neighborhood centers. The maximum allowable residential density within the RM district ranges from six to 12 dwelling units per acre; the maximum floor area ratio (FAR) for non-residential uses is 0.40. The RM zoning district implements and is consistent with the RM land use designation of the Coastal General Plan.

E.    RH (High Density Residential) zoning district. The RH zoning district is applied to areas of the City that are appropriate for a variety of higher density housing types, primarily on larger parcels where innovative site design can provide the desired mixture of housing types, aesthetic and functional open space areas, and other features that enhance the development and neighborhood. This zone also allows limited, neighborhood serving commercial uses on small, appropriately located individual parcels, or clusters of retail establishments. The maximum allowable residential density within the RH district ranges from 10 to 15 dwelling units per acre; the maximum floor area ratio (FAR) for non-residential uses is 0.40. The RH zoning district implements and is consistent with the RH land use designation of the Coastal General Plan.

F.    RVH (Very High Density Residential) zoning district. The RVH zoning district is applied to areas of the City that are appropriate for high density multi-family housing near commercial areas and public services. This zone also allows limited, neighborhood serving commercial uses on small, appropriately located individual parcels or clusters of retail establishments. The maximum allowable residential density within the RVH district ranges from 12 to 24 dwelling units per acre; the maximum floor area ratio (FAR) for non-residential uses is 0.40. The RVH zoning district implements and is consistent with the RVH land use designation of the Coastal General Plan.

17.21.030 - Residential District Allowable Land Uses and Permit Requirements

A.    General permit requirements. Table 2-1 identifies the uses of land allowed by this Development Code in each residential zoning district, and the planning permit required to establish each use, in compliance with Section 17.20.030 (Allowable Land Uses and Planning Permit Requirements). A Coastal Development Permit shall be required for all development, including a change in land use in compliance with Section 17.71.045, and such CDP shall be fully consistent with all applicable provisions of the certified LCP. A land use may also require a Design Review approval (Section 17.71.050), a Building Permit, and/or other permit required by the Municipal Code.

B.    Requirements for certain specific land uses. Where the last column in Table 2-1 (Specific Use Regulations”) includes a section number, the referenced section may affect whether the use requires a Zoning Clearance, Minor Use Permit, or Use Permit, and/or may establish other requirements and standards applicable to the use.

TABLE 2-1

Allowed Land Uses and Permit Requirements

for Residential Zoning Districts

P

Permitted Use, Zoning Clearance required

MUP

Minor Use Permit required (see Section 17.71.060)

UP

Use Permit required (see Section 17.71.060)

S

Permit requirement set by Specific Use Regulations

Use not allowed

LAND USE (1)

 

PERMIT REQUIRED BY DISTRICT

Specific Use

Regulations

RR

RS

RL

RM

RH

RVH

AGRICULTURAL, RESOURCE & OPEN SPACE USES

Agricultural accessory structure

P

P

17.42.030

Animal keeping

S

S

S

S

S

S

17.42.040

Crop production, horticulture, orchard, vineyard

P

P

P

P

P

P

 

RECREATION, EDUCATION & PUBLIC ASSEMBLY USES

Equestrian facility

UP

 

Golf course

UP

 

Meeting facility, public or private

UP

UP

UP

UP

UP

UP

 

Park, playground

P

P

P

P

P

P

 

Private residential recreation facility

MUP

MUP

MUP

MUP

 

School - Private

UP

UP

UP

UP

UP

UP

 

School - Public

P

P

P

P

P

P

 

Key to Zoning District Symbols

RR

Rural Residential

RM

Medium Density Residential

RS

Suburban Residential

RH

High Density Residential

RL

Low Density Residential

RVH

Very High Density Residential

Notes:

(1)    See Article 10 for land use definitions.

TABLE 2-1

Allowed Land Uses and Permit Requirements for Residential Zoning Districts

P

Permitted Use, Zoning Clearance required

MUP

Minor Use Permit required (see Section 17.71.060)

UP

Use Permit required (see Section 17.71.060)

S

Permit requirement set by Specific Use Regulations

Use not allowed

LAND USE (1)

 

PERMIT REQUIRED BY DISTRICT

Specific Use

Regulations

RR

RS

RL

RM

RH

RVH

RESIDENTIAL USES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Condominium conversion - 3 units maximum per parcel

P

 

Home occupation

P

P

P

P

P

P

17.42.080

Mobile home park

UP

UP

UP

UP

UP

UP

17.42.110

Mobile/manufactured home

P

P

P

P

P

P

17.42.110

Multi-family housing, 2 or 3 units

P

P

P

17.42.120

Multi-family housing, 4 or more units

UP

UP

P

17.42.120

Organizational house (sorority, monastery, etc.)

UP

UP

UP

 

Residential accessory use or structure

P

P

P

P

P

P

17.42.160

Residential care facility for the elderly (RCFE)

UP

UP

UP

 

Residential care, 6 or fewer clients, in a single-family dwelling

P

P

P

P

P

P

 

Residential care, 7 or more clients

UP

UP

UP

 

Rooming or boarding, 3 or more persons

MUP

MUP

MUP

 

Second units

P

P

P

P

P

P

17.42.170

Single-family dwelling

P

P

P

P

P

P

 

RETAIL TRADE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accessory retail and services

P

P

P

17.42.020

Artisan shop

UP

 

Neighborhood market

UP

UP

UP

UP

17.21.060

Restaurant, café, coffee shop

UP

UP

UP

UP

17.21.060

Notes:

(1)    See Article 10 for land use definitions.

Key to Zoning District Symbols

RR

Rural Residential

RM

Medium Density Residential

RS

Suburban Residential

RH

High Density Residential

RL

Low Density Residential

RVH

Very High Density Residential

TABLE 2-1

Allowed Land Uses and Permit Requirements

for Residential Zoning Districts

P

Permitted Use, Zoning Clearance required

MUP

Minor Use Permit required (see Section 17.71.060)

UP

Use Permit required (see Section 17.71.060)

S

Permit requirement set by Specific Use Regulations

Use not allowed

LAND USE (1)

PERMIT REQUIRED BY DISTRICT

Specific Use

Regulations

RR

RS

RL

RM

RH

RVH

SERVICES - BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL

Medical services - Clinic, lab, urgent care

UP

UP

UP

 

Medical services - Doctor office

P

17.21.060

Medical services - Extended care

UP

UP

UP

 

Medical services - Hospital

UP

UP

UP

 

Office - Accessory

P

P

P

P

P

P

 

Office - Professional or administrative

UP

17.21.060

SERVICES

Adult day care - 6 or fewer clients

 

Adult day care - 7 or more clients

 

Child day care - Small family day care home

P

P

P

P

P

P

 

Child day care - Large family day care home

MUP

MUP

MUP

MUP

MUP

MUP

17.42.060

Child day care - Day care center

MUP

MUP

MUP

17.42.060

Lodging - Bed and breakfast inn (B&B)

UP(2)

17.42.050

Mortuary, funeral home (not including cremation)

UP

 

Personal services

UP

UP

UP

UP

17.21.060

Public safety facilities

UP

UP

UP

UP

UP

UP

 

TRANSPORTATION, COMMUNICATIONS & INFRASTRUCTURE

Pipelines, transmission lines

S

S

S

S

S

S

17.42.144

Utility facility

UP

UP

UP

UP

UP

UP

 

Utility infrastructure

P

P

P

P

P

P

 

Key to Zoning District Symbols

RR

Rural Residential

RM

Medium Density Residential

RS

Suburban Residential

RH

High Density Residential

RL

Low Density Residential

RVH

Very High Density Residential

Notes:

(1)    See Article 10 for land use definitions.

(2)    In the RL zone, these are limited to those legally existing on the effective date of this Development Code. See Chapter 17.90 (Nonconforming Uses, Structures, and Parcels).

17.21.040 - Residential District Subdivision Standards

A.    Each subdivision shall comply with the minimum parcel size requirements shown in Table 2-2 for the applicable zoning district.

B.    The minimum parcel size requirements for a specific subdivision are determined by the review authority as part of subdivision approval. The review authority may require one or more parcels within a specific subdivision to be larger than the minimums required by this table based on potential environmental impacts, the physical characteristics of the site or surrounding parcels, and/or other factors.

C.    A condominium or other common interest project may be subdivided with smaller parcels for ownership purposes, with the minimum lot area determined through subdivision review, provided that the overall development site complies with the minimum parcel size, and the total number of any dwellings complies with the maximum density for the applicable zone.

 

TABLE 2-2 - MINIMUM PARCEL SIZE STANDARDS

Zoning District

Minimum Parcel Size

Minimum Area

Minimum Width

Minimum Depth

Maximum Depth

 

RR-1 through RR-5

As shown by the numerical suffix to the RR symbol on the Zoning Map, with the number in the suffix indicating the minimum lot area in acres.

200 ft, or more as determined by the review authority for a parcel larger than 3 acres;

100 ft for a parcel smaller than 3 acres.

200 ft

N.A.

RS

40,000 sf

100 ft

200 ft

N.A.

RS-15

15,000 sf

100 ft

100 ft

N.A.

RL

6,000 sf, but no more than 6 parcels per net acre

50 ft

100 ft

3 times width

RM

6,000 sf, but no more than 12 parcels per net acre

50 ft

75 ft

3 times width

RH

Determined by the review authority during the subdivision process, consistent with the Coastal General Plan

RVH

Determined by the review authority during the subdivision process, consistent with the Coastal General Plan

17.21.050 - Residential District Site Planning and Building Standards

Subdivisions, new land uses and structures, and alterations to existing land uses and structures, shall be designed, constructed, and established in compliance with the requirements in Tables 2-4 and 2-5, in addition to the applicable standards (e.g., landscaping, parking and loading, etc.) in Article 3 and all other applicable policies and standards of the Local Coastal Program.

 

TABLE 2-4 - RR, RS, AND RL DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS

Development Feature

Requirement by Zoning District

RR

Rural Residential

RS

Suburban Residential

RL

Low Density Residential

 

Density

Maximum number of dwelling units allowed on a single parcel.

1 dwelling unit per parcel, plus one second unit where allowed by 17.42.170.

Setbacks

Minimum setbacks required. See Section 17.30.100 for exceptions, reductions, and encroachments. See Chapter 17.42 for setback requirements applicable to a specific land use.

Front

25 ft

20 ft, but no closer than 25 ft to the street right-of-way or the edge of pavement, whichever is closer

Side - Interior (each)

20 ft

10 ft

5 ft

Side - Street side

Same as front setback

10 ft

Rear

20 ft

 

10 ft

Garage

5 ft back from street-facing facade of primary structure

Accessory structures

See 17.42.030 (Agricultural Accessory Structures) and 17.42.160 (Residential Accessory Structures)

Site coverage

Maximum percentage of the total lot area that may be covered by structures and pavement.

Maximum coverage

10,000 sf

25%

40%

Additional coverage

The maximum coverage above may be increased by 10% with Minor Use Permit approval, with the review and approval of a drainage plan by the City Engineer.

Floor area ratio (FAR)

Maximum floor area ratio for non-residential structures.

Maximum FAR

N.A.

0.40

Height limit

Maximum allowable height of structures. See Section 17.30.060 for height measurement requirements, and height limit exceptions.

Maximum height

28 ft

 

 

Fencing

See Section 17.30.050 (Fences, Walls, and Screening)

Landscaping

See Chapter 17.34 (Landscaping Standards)

Parking

See Chapter 17.36 (Parking and Loading)

Signs

See Chapter 17.38 (Signs)

 

TABLE 2-5 - RM, RH, AND RVH DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS

Development Feature

Requirement by Zoning District

RM

Medium Density Residential

RH

High Density Residential

RVH

Very High Density Residential

 

Density

Minimum and maximum number of dwelling units allowed on a single parcel.

Minimum and max.

6 to 12 units per acre

10 to 15 units per acre (1)

12 to 24 units per acre (1)

Setbacks

Minimum setbacks required. See Section 17.30.100 for exceptions, reductions, and encroachments. See Chapter 17.42 for setback requirements applicable to a specific land use.

Front

20 ft, but no closer than 25 ft to a City street

Side - Interior (each)

5 ft

5-ft; except 10 ft for single-story and 20 ft for multi-story buildings of 3 or more units on a site abutting an RS or RL zone.

Side - Street side

10 ft

Rear

10 ft

10 ft

20 ft abutting an RS or RL zone, 10 ft elsewhere.

Garage

5 ft back from street-facing facade of primary structure

Accessory structures

See 17.42.030 (Agricultural Accessory Structures) and 17.42.160 (Residential Accessory Structures)

Site coverage

Maximum percentage of the total lot area that may be covered by structures and pavement.

Maximum coverage

50%

75%

N.A.

Additional coverage

An additional 10% of lot area may be covered with Minor Use Permit approval, with the review and approval of a drainage plan by the City Engineer.

An additional 10% of lot area may be covered with Minor Use Permit approval, with the review and approval of a drainage plan by the City Engineer.

Floor area ratio (FAR)

Maximum floor area ratio for non-residential structures.

Maximum FAR

0.40

Height limit

Maximum allowable height of structures. See Section 17.30.060 for height measurement requirements, and height limit exceptions.

Maximum height

35 ft

35 ft

45 ft

Fencing

See Section 17.30.050 (Fences, Walls, and Screening)

Landscaping

See Chapter 17.34 (Landscaping Standards)

Parking

See Chapter 17.36 (Parking and Loading)

Signs

See Chapter 17.38 (Signs)

Notes:

(1)    A proposed residential project shall not be proposed at less than the minimum density provided for the applicable zoning district.

17.21.060 - Commercial Uses in Residential Zoning Districts

A.    Applicability. The standards in this Section apply to, retail trade, and business and professional service uses identified by Section 17.21.020, Table 2-1, as allowable within a residential zoning district and subject to the requirements of this Section.

B.    Retail uses. A neighborhood market, restaurant, cafe, or coffee shop shall comply with the following standards:

1.    Site planning. Each proposed site shall be planned to provide pedestrian orientation and the buffering of on-site non-residential activities from adjacent residential development. No parking shall be located between buildings and a public street.

2.    Limitation on floor area. No individual use shall exceed a total floor area of 10,000 square feet.

3.    Hours of operation. A commercial use that is subject to this Section shall be open for business only during the hours from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., unless other hours are specifically authorized by the Use Permit approval for the project.

C.    Business and professional services. A doctor’s office, or professional or administrative office may be approved in a residential zoning district only on a site that is adjacent to, or separated only by a street or alley from, a commercial or industrial zoning district.