Buena Park City Zoning Code

Division 4

Multi-Family Residential Zones 1

§ 19.404.010 Purpose and General Plan Consistency.

The General Plan outlines goals and objectives regarding multi-family residential uses and development. The purpose of this Division is to implement those General Plan goals and objectives that relate to multi-family residential land uses.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.404.020 Description of Zones.

The following multi-family residential zones, with their general purpose as indicated, have been created to implement the goals, objectives, and multi-family residential land use designations of the General Plan.

RMH, Mobile Home Park Zone. For the development and preservation of mobile home park communities which are attractive for permanent residence and include the facilities and services for such residence.

RM-10, Low-Density Multi-Family Residential Zone. For the development and preservation of relatively low-density garden apartments, town houses, condominiums, and other forms of attached dwellings in an attractive environment, with outdoor areas for both private and common use.

RM-20, Medium-Density Multi-Family Residential Zone. For the development and preservation of medium-density apartments, condominiums, and group quarters in locations convenient to community commercial, recreational, and cultural activities.

PD, Planned Development Zones. To provide for land uses and development standards to be tailored to individual sites. This land use designation requires that a master plan be prepared for each area so designated. The master plan must discuss development phasing, development intensities, amenities, design, and how the development is to conform with the guiding principles included in the Land Use Element of the General Plan for each area designated as Planned Development. It is intended to preclude incremental development which may be detrimental to the whole.

Housing Incentive Overlay (HIO) Zones. — The HIO Zones includes six (6) Overlays that serve to implement the Housing Element's goal of providing new housing that addresses affordable housing needs by establishing objective design criteria for designated housing opportunity sites. The Housing Incentive Overlays include Mixed-Use Overlay-45, Mixed-Use Overlay-60, Mixed-Use Overlay-100, Housing Opportunities Overlay, Religious Congregational and Fraternal Overlay, and Hotel/Motel Conversion Overlay. The HIO Zones have been applied to properties shown on the Zoning Map.

The Mixed-Use Housing Incentive Overlays focus on mixed-use, walkable and vibrant environments and range in function and intensity from primarily residential areas with a mix of lower intensity building types (MUO45, Mixed-Use Overlay-45), to moderate intensity neighborhoods (MUO60, Mixed-Use Overlay-60), to higher intensity heighborhoods (MUO100, Mixed-Use Overlay-100). The "45", "60", and "100" in the name of the Overlay refers to the allowable density within the Overlay Zone.

The Housing Opportunities Overlay (HOO) provides for higher-density affordable multi-family housing.

The Religious Congregational and Fraternal Overlay (RCFO) allows faith-based and fraternal organizations to build affordable housing on their sites.

The Hotel/Motel Conversion Overlay (HMCO) allows for the conversion of existing transient residential structures, such as hotels/motels into permanent multifamily housing for lower income individuals.

Mixed-Use Zones. The following mixed-use zones with their general purpose as indicated have been created to implement the goals, objectives, and land use designations of the General Plan.

GMU, General Mixed-Use. To provide for a horizontal or vertical mix of higher-density residential and neighborhood commercial uses along major arterials.

CBPMU, Central Buena Park Mixed-Use. To provide for a vertical mix of higher-density residential and/or office uses above existing commercial, and office uses in a pedestrian-friendly environment.

EMU, Entertainment Mixed-Use. To provide for a horizontal and vertical mix of higher-density residential, entertainment and commercial uses that support entertainment and tourism uses within the City.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.404.030 Housing Incentive Overlay (HIO) Classification.

Properties located in areas shown on the Zoning Map with the symbol "HOO", "MUO45", "MUO60", "MUO100", "RCFO", and "HMCO" may be used for higher-density housing as a primary use in lieu of, but not in combination with, other uses authorized for the underlying zone. Objective Design Standards apply to such properties. Refer to the adopted Housing Incentive Overlay (HIO) Objective Design and Development Standards for applicable standards.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.404.040 Planned Unit Developments.

A planned unit development, wherein the owners of individual lots also hold undivided interests in common areas within the same development, all as defined in Section 19.104.080 may be approved in any RM zone. Such approval shall be accomplished under both the Subdivision Ordinance (Division I of Title 18) and site plan review (Section 19.128.040) procedures, except a conditional use permit also is required for the planned unit development of a mobile home park in the RMH Zone and for any development in the PD Overlay Zone.

For planned unit developments, the minimum lot size and dimension requirements of Section 19.408.050, as well as other regulations of this Division based on dimensions from lot lines, shall not apply to the individual unit lots, but shall apply to the total net site area of each such development.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.404.050 Interpretation of Uses Permitted.

Further definition and enumeration of uses permitted in the various zones may be determined by interpretation in accordance with Section 19.128.010.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.408.010 Residential Densities.

The base density table below refers to the maximum number of units per net acre permitted under the corresponding zoning district. Additional density may be achievable in the form of a density bonus (Lot Consolidation Bonus, Affordable Housing Bonus, and Senior Housing Bonus). Before any density bonuses are applied, the number of dwelling units permitted in a multi-family residential development shall not exceed the base density specified below.

Zone	Base Density (dwelling units per net acre)⁽³⁾
RMH	12.0
RM-10	10.0⁽¹⁾
RM-20	20.0⁽²⁾

Notes:
⁽¹⁾ In the RM-10 zone, a minimum 100 ft. lot width and a minimum 12,500 sq. ft. lot area is required for more than 1 dwelling unit on a lot.
⁽²⁾ In the RM-20 zone, special density requirements apply for lots with less than 100 feet in width and/or less than 12,500 sq. ft. in lot area. See Section 19.448.020.
⁽³⁾ For standards on density bonus, see Section 19.408.020 for Lot Consolidation Bonus and Section 19.408.030 for Affordable Housing Bonus.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.408.020 Lot Consolidation Bonus - Multi-Family Zones.

Before any other density bonus is applied, for the RM-10 Zone, a site area bonus shall be granted for up to 16 dwelling units per net acre when multiple parcels are combined into a single development with a minimum lot size of 12,500 square feet.

Before any other density bonus is applied, for the RM-20 Zone, a site area bonus shall be granted for up to 24 dwelling units per acre when multiple parcels are combined into a single development with a minimum lot size of 12,500 square feet.

The Housing Opportunity Overlay (HOO) encourages parcel aggregation by permitting increased density and flexible development standards for consolidated properties in multi-family zones. This promotes the creation of higher density affordable multi-family housing, facilitating efficient land use and enabling more impactful affordable housing projects to address housing needs effectively within the designated overlay area.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.408.030 Affordable Housing Bonus.

State Density Bonus Law (Government Code Sections 65915 — 65918) provides that local governments shall grant density bonuses and regulatory concessions and incentives to developers of housing, childcare facilities, or for donation of land for housing, where the developer agrees to construct a specified percentage of housing for lower-income households, very low-income households, moderate-income households or qualifying residents. This section adopts the State Density Bonus Law by reference. Where a provision contained in the Municipal Code does not discuss a specific condition or situation that arises, the provisions set forth in State Density Bonus Law shall apply. In the event of a conflict between these provisions and the provisions of State Density Bonus Law, whichever is stricter shall prevail.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.408.040 Fractional Results.

Regardless of the maximum density calculated pursuant to this chapter, at least one (1) dwelling unit shall be permitted on any lawfully established lot in a residential zone if such lot has a net area of at least 2,500 square feet.

In other cases, in determining the maximum number of dwelling units permitted on a site, any fraction of dwelling unit in the calculated result, after applying all density factors, shall not be construed as allowing an additional dwelling unit if such fraction is less than 0.5.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.408.050 Site Dimensions.

The minimum size and dimensions of lots created in the various zones shall be as shown in Table 19.408.050.

Notes.

Certain specific uses of property require site areas and dimensions greater than the minimum site requirements for the zone. See Chapter 19.448, Special Requirements for Certain Uses.

Site Non-Conformity.

RM-10 Zone. Pursuant to Section 19.204.090 for site non-conformities, any property located in the RM-10 zone shall be fully conforming as to lot area and lot width for the development of any multi-family dwellings.

RM-20 Zone. For any multi-family development on a lot in the RM-20 zone with non-conformity as to lot width and/or lot area set forth in Table 19.408.050, the special requirements of Section 19.448.020 shall apply.

Where property is also located in the PD Overlay Zone, the minimum site area for development shall be 5 acres (217,800 square feet).

Table 19.408.050 MINIMUM SITE DIMENSIONS
Zone	Minimum Lot Area (square feet)	Minimum Street Frontage (feet)	Minimum Lot Width (feet)	Minimum Lot Depth (feet)
RMH	200,000	—	—	—
RM-10⁽²⁾	12,500	50	100	—
RM-20⁽¹⁾⁽²⁾	12,500	50	100	—

Notes:
⁽¹⁾ In the RM-20 zone, lots with less than 100 feet in width and/or less than 12,500 sq. ft. in lot area shall refer to Section 19.448.020.
⁽²⁾ For housing developments that consist of three (3), but not more than ten (10) units are permitted in the RM-10 and RM-20 zones are permitted without meeting the minimum lot size requirements. Refer to California Government Code Section 65913.11.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.412.010 Uses Permitted.

Land, buildings and other facilities shall be designed, developed, and used only for those activities indicated for the various zones by Table 19.412.010, entitled Uses Permitted. The symbols shown in this table have the following meanings:

Symbol	Meaning
P	Automatically permitted use.
I	Incidental use—use permitted only if incidental to another primary use on the same site. If incidental to a use authorized by conditional use permit, such incidental use is permitted only if included within the terms of the conditional use permit.
C	Conditional use—use eligible for consideration under the conditional use procedure (Section 19.128.020) and permitted only if a conditional use permit is approved, subject to the specific conditions of such permit.
Ci	Incidental conditional use—use eligible for consideration under the conditional use procedure only if incidental to another primary use of the site, whether such primary use is automatically permitted or permitted by conditional use permit.
T	Temporary use—permitted if approved in accordance with Title 19, Division 10.

Those uses listed as accessory uses in the uses permitted table are subject to the definition of accessory use in Section 19.104.080 as well as the meanings of the indicated symbols in the table.

Table 19.412.010 USES PERMITTED - MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL ZONES
Uses	RMH	RM-10	RM-20	PD⁽⁸⁾	Additional Requirements
Residential Uses
Single-Family Dwellings:					See Note (1).
Site-Built.		P	P	C
Manufactured Homes.		P	P
Single-Family Cluster.		C	C	C	See Section 19.448.040
Multi-Family Dwellings:
Multi-Family Apartments.		P	P	C
Transitional/Supportive Housing.		P	P	P	See Chapter 5.70 and Government Code Section 65651 for supportive housing projects
Condominium, Stock Cooperative, Community Apartments.		C	C	C	See Section 19.448.030.
Cottage Cluster.		P	P		Cottage Clusters are permitted only if 100% of the development is affordable and meets the requirements set forth in the Objective Design Standards in Section 19.448.050.
Employee/Farmworker Housing.		P	P
Mobilehome Park:					See Section 19.448.010
Undivided ownership.	P
Condominium or planned unit development ownership.	C			C
Group Quarters:
Convent, rectory, rooming house, dormitory, fraternity or sorority house, etc.		C	C
Transient Quarters: (See Division 5, Commercial Uses—Tourist Services.)
Community Residential Care:					See Note (2).
Small group care home.		P	P	P
Other community residential care facility.		C	C		See California Government Code Section 65583, subdivision (c)(10)(A) for Affirmatively Further Fair Housing (AFFH) provisions.
Residential Accessory Uses:
Non-habitable accessory structure.	I	I	I	I	See Section 19.416.080.
Accessory dwelling unit.		I	I	I	See Section 19.348.010.
Guesthouse.
Home occupation.	I	I	I	I	See Section 19.448.060.
Short-term rental.	I	I	I	I	As incidental to a single-family dwelling only. See Section 19.348.080.
Animal keeping.	I	I	I	I	See Section 19.448.080.
Swimming pool, therapeutic pool, recreational structure (play equipment, tennis courts, etc.).	I	I	I	I
Clubhouse, meeting room, game room, gymnasium, sauna, health center (private use only).	I	I	I	C
Rental management office, storage room.	I	I	I	I
Parking, within garage.	I	I	I	I
Parking, under carport.	I	I	I	I
Parking, uncovered.	I	I	I	I
Yard sale.	I	I	I	I	See Section 19.448.070.
Public Service Uses
Community Day Care:
Small group child day care home (1-14 children).		P	P	P	See Note (3).
Small group adult day care home (1-6 adults).		P	P	P
Child day care center (more than 14 children).		Ci	Ci	Ci	See Note (4).
Adult day care center (more than 6 adults).		Ci	Ci	Ci	See Note (4).
Health Facilities:
Long-term care (intermediate care or skilled nursing).		C	C
Public Assembly: (See also Recreation.)
Church.		C	C		In all residential zones in which churches are permitted, such churches shall be located on and oriented to major, primary, or secondary highway as defined and as designated in the Buena Park General Plan. Additionally, see Note (5).
Café/Coffee Shop		I	I		Permitted only as an incidental use to an existing permitted religious facility and subject to all building and fire safety standards applicable to commercial/assembly use. Must be less than 3,000 square feet facility and subject to all building and fire safety standards applicable to commercial/assembly use. Must be less than 3,000 square feet.
Emergency shelter.		I	I		See Section 19.448.090.
Education:
Educational institution.		C	C		See Note (5).
Recreation:
Public park, public playground, public recreational area, public landscaped open space, public-owned historical site or feature.		P	P	P
Community recreation center.		P	P	C
Utilities and Communications:					See Division 12 of Zoning Ordinance.
Aviation navigational aids.	C	C	C	C
Public utility facilities or structures, including electrical substations and cellular telephone facilities.	C	C	C
Transportation:
Parking lot.		C	C	C
Parking structure.		C	C	C
Temporary Uses
Temporary uses, as provided in Title 19, Division 10.	T	T	T	T
On-site construction facilities.	T	T	T	T	See Note (6).
On-site real estate sales office.	T	T	T	T	See Note (7).

Notes:
⁽¹⁾ Previously approved existing single-family uses within RM Zones are considered legal non-conforming. However, in the event that 20 percent or more of an existing single-family use within an RM zone is destroyed or significantly damaged, such use will no longer be permitted, and the property must be developed in accordance with the zoning regulations applicable to the respective zone.
⁽²⁾ A Community Residential Care facility is a "community care facility" serving seven (7) or more persons, licensed for any type of 24-hour care pursuant to the California Community Care Facilities Act and California Health and Safety Code Section 1500 et seq. Community Residential Care facility are conditionally permitted in the RM-10 and RM-20 zones. A minimum distance of 300 feet shall be maintained from any other community care facility.
⁽³⁾ All applicants shall comply with the State Health and Safety Code with regard to the maximum number of children that may be supervised at any 1 time based on applicable standards and criteria. In no case, shall the total number of children supervised at any 1 time at any residence exceed 14.
⁽⁴⁾ Permitted with a conditional use permit as an incidental use provided that sufficient parking and circulation can be provided on the property and the hours of operation for the incidental use will not conflict with the primary use.
⁽⁵⁾ Bingo games shall be permitted as an accessory use only when authorized under Chapter 5.16 et seq., and only when fire and safety regulations are met and parking facilities are fully conforming to the requirements for public assembly use.
⁽⁶⁾ Offices, storage, activities, and facilities directly pertaining to construction on the same site provided construction is not suspended for a permitted use for more than 30 consecutive days.
⁽⁷⁾ Temporary real estate sales office, only for sales or leasing of new subdivision and for not more than 1 year.
⁽⁸⁾ Permitted uses and intensity of use in the PD zone shall be determined in a public hearing, subject to the provisions of the General Plan for the individual area designated as Planned Development.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.412.020 Multi-Family Residential Zone-Commercial Parties Prohibited.

Purpose and Intent. It is the purpose and intent of the City Council by the adoption of this section to prohibit parties conducted in a commercial manner within all multifamily residential zones in order to preserve the rights of residents to the quiet enjoyment of their property.

Definitions. For purposes of this section, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings set forth herein:

"Admission charge" means a tangible benefit, monetary or otherwise, which is expressly or implicitly required as a condition of admittance to a party. Customary courtesies and clearly noncommercial activity such as gifts by guests and voluntary sharing of expenses for meals shall not be considered to be an "admission charge." "Admission charge" shall not include donations for political, community service, charitable, or religious purposes.

"Party" means 3 or more persons meeting together for social, recreational, or amusement purposes.

Admission Charge Prohibited. No person or group of persons shall require, implicitly or expressly, any admission charge to any party conducted in any multifamily residential zone.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.416.010 Buildings Required.

All activities and facilities, where permitted by other provisions of this Division, shall be enclosed within permanently constructed buildings.

Outdoor activities, storage, and display may be permitted in accordance with Sections 19.412.010 and 19.424.020, and the regulations and limitations of Division 10, Title 19.

Where a use is permitted by conditional use permit, temporary use permit, or special permit (see Division 10, Title 19), outdoor activities and temporary facilities may be authorized by the terms of such permit notwithstanding the provisions of this section.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.416.020 Building Type.

Every building shall be designed or remodeled to accommodate its use in accordance with applicable building codes and other laws. A residential building pursuant to this Division shall not be occupied by a nonresidential primary use.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.416.030 Height of Structures.

The maximum height of any building or structure shall be as shown in Table 19.416.030.

Table 19.416.030 HEIGHT LIMITS — MULTI-FAMILY ZONES
Zone	Maximum Height
Zone	Within 50 Feet of Any RS Zone	More than 50 Feet from RS Zone
RMH⁽¹⁾	2 stories or 30 feet, whichever is less.	2 stories or 30 feet, whichever is less.
RM-10 & RM-20	2 stories or 35 feet, whichever is less.	3 stories or 40 feet, whichever is less, except a greater height may be authorized by a conditional use permit.
RM-10 and RM-20 With tuck-under parking	The maximum building height may be 3 stories or 35 feet. The minimum height of the ground floor for tuck-under parking shall be 12 feet with residential units located on the second and third floors.	The maximum building height may be 4 stories or 45 feet. The minimum height of the ground floor for tuck-under parking shall be 12 feet with residential units located on the second, third, and fourth floors.

Note:
⁽¹⁾ See Section 19.448.010 for height limits and additional development standards for RMH zones.

For multi-family units on a lot in the RM-20 zone with non-conforming lot width and/or lot area, special height requirements of Section 19.448.020 shall apply.

For a single-family dwelling (one dwelling unit on a lot) in the RM zones, the height limits of Section 19.316.030 of Division 3 shall apply.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.416.040 Building Form.

Building entries shall face the primary public street with pedestrian access provided from sidewalks to all building entries, parking areas, and publicly accessible open spaces. For larger sites with multiple buildings, buildings not sited adjacent to a public street may also be oriented to face internal streets, open spaces, paseos, and recreation amenities.

Each entry to a dwelling unit shall be emphasized and differentiated through architectural elements such as porches, stoops, dooryards, roof canopies, and detailing that provides ground level space. The space next to the porch shall be used for landscaping.

Parking areas, covered and uncovered, shall be screened from public street frontages. Screening may be accomplished through building placement, landscaping, fencing, or some combination thereof.

For multi-family projects located across the street from a single-family residential zone, parking lot areas and carports shall not be located along the single-family neighborhood street frontages, unless screened by landscaping or a block wall.

Buildings shall be arranged to provide functional common outdoors spaces (such as courtyards, paseos, or parks) for the use of residents.

Massing Breaks. Large building massing shall be articulated to reduce apparent bulk and size. All street-facing facades must include at least one (1) change in wall-plane (projection or recess) at least four (4) feet in depth, or two (2) changes in wall-plane at least two (2) feet in depth, for every 50 linear feet of wall. Such features shall extend the full height of the respective façade of single-story buildings, at least half of the height of two-story buildings, and at least two-thirds of the height of buildings that are three (3) or more stories in height.

Horizontal Building Stepback. Buildings exceeding three (3) stories in height shall provide a minimum horizontal stepback of six (6) feet for all stories above the 3rd level on all street-facing elevations (including front and side yard façades and alley) and any elevation adjacent to a residential zone or use.

Privacy Considerations for Adjacent Single-Family Residential Zones. When a building is adjacent to a single-family residential zone, windows, balconies, or similar openings shall be designed to prevent direct line-of-sight into adjacent residential units, private patios, or backyards. This can be achieved through one (1) or more of the following strategies:

Incorporating the required upper-story stepbacks.

Strategic window placement.

Utilizing clerestory windows, frosted or opaque glass.

Integrating mature landscaping within the rear or side setback areas.

Rooflines. Rooflines shall be segmented and varied within an overall horizontal context. Roofline ridges and parapets shall not run unbroken for more than 100 feet. Variation may be accomplished by changing the roof height, offsets, direction of slope, and by including elements such as dormers.

Antennae. Notwithstanding the restrictions of Section 19.416.030, radio antennae permitted under FCC regulations, and similar equipment shall be subject to the following regulations:

Ground-mounted antennae which are incidental or accessory uses are permitted to a height of sixty feet, unless permitted higher by a conditional use permit.

Roof-mounted antennae, which shall include dishes to a maximum of twenty-four inches in diameter, may be used but may not be more than 25 feet higher than the highest point of the building to which they are attached, excluding chimneys and like projections, unless permitted higher by the issuance of a conditional use permit.

Any antenna that is primary to the use shall be subject to the height limit established under a conditional use permit.

Flagpoles. Flag poles shall be permitted within front, side or rear yards provided they are set back a minimum of 5 feet from property line, and shall be limited to no more than 30 feet in height subject to issuance of a building permit.

Other Structures. Any free-standing structure, not specifically referenced in this Title shall be limited to no more than 8 feet in height from grade and may only be located outside of any front, side or rear yard setback areas.

Accessory Dwelling Units. See Section 19.348.010 for height limits for Accessory Dwelling Units.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.416.050 Space Between Buildings.

The minimum distance between buildings located on the same lot, shall be as shown in Table 19.416.050. The minimum distance is measured from the exterior faces of nearest exterior walls between buildings.

Single-Family Dwelling. For a single-family dwelling in the RM zones, the minimum building separation requirements for the single-family zones in Section 19.316.060 of Division 3 shall apply.

Table 19.416.050 MINIMUM SPACE BETWEEN BUILDINGS
Zone:	Between Main Building and an Accessory Building	Between Two Main Buildings
Zone:	Between Main Building and an Accessory Building	Window⁽¹⁾ In Only One of the Facing Walls	Window⁽¹⁾ In Both Facing Walls	Doorway⁽¹⁾ In One or Both Facing Walls
RMH	₍₂₎	₍₂₎	₍₂₎	₍₂₎
RM-10 and RM-20	6 feet	5 feet⁽³⁾	10 feet⁽³⁾	10 feet

Notes:
⁽¹⁾	Wall openings which are only for utility access or emergency exit are not considered to be windows or doorways for the purposes of these requirements.
⁽²⁾	See special requirements, Section 19.448.010.
⁽³⁾	Windows that directly face each other on adjacent properties shall be either staggered or designed so as not to have a direct line of sight between them, to ensure privacy and minimize visual intrusion between neighboring structures.

Multi-family residential developments with two (2) or more buildings shall be designed around a common open space, public open space (e.g., a linear park/paseo), or community amenities such as swimming pools or other recreational facilities with a horizontal distance of no less than fifteen (15) feet. Pedestrian walkways shall be provided and connect open space areas to a public right-of-way and/or building entrance.

Permitted Projections from Buildings. Projecting elements on all floors may project a maximum of three (3) feet from the façade into the minimum required space between buildings. Building projections may include:

Building Features.

Cantilevered eaves, awnings, and shading devices.

Architectural features such as sills, cornices, buttresses, Juliet balconies, bay windows, etc.

Chimneys not exceeding 8 feet in length.

Mechanical equipment cantilevered from building.

Uncovered, cantilevered balconies, with a minimum 10-foot separation in all horizontal directions from any balcony or wall in the opposing structure.

Uncovered stairways and walkways.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.416.060 Residential Building Floor Area.

For any multi-family residential development, the minimum floor area of each dwelling unit shall be as shown in Table 19.416.060, titled Minimum Dwelling Unit Floor Area.

In the RM zones, up to 15 percent of the minimum required gross floor area may be in private balconies, porches, and patios which meet the minimum requirements of Section 19.420.030.

Attic and basement space, where the ceiling height is less than 6.5 feet, and garages and accessory buildings shall not be included as part of the required dwelling unit floor area.

The minimum bedroom size shall be 80 square feet of clear floor space without obstructions, with a minimum of 8 feet in one (1) direction.

The square footage of the common indoor living areas of a dwelling unit, such as the living room, dining room, kitchen, family room, etc., must be equal to, or greater than, the square footage of bedrooms provided. The square footage of bathrooms, closets, hallways, garages or other defined storage spaces may not be counted towards common living area square footage to comply with this requirement.

For a single-family dwelling (one dwelling unit on a lot), the minimum floor area requirement shall be governed by Section 19.316.070 of Division 3 for the RS-6 zone.

Table 19.416.060 MINIMUM DWELLING UNIT FLOOR AREA
Zero* Bedroom Unit	Minimum Gross Floor Area (square feet per dwelling unit)
Zero* Bedroom Unit	One Bedroom Unit	Two Bedroom Unit	Three or Plus Bedroom Unit
400⁽¹⁾	550⁽¹⁾	700⁽¹⁾	850 plus 100 each additional room⁽¹⁾

Notes:
* Zero Bedroom Units shall not exceed 20 percent of the total number of units in multi-family developments.
⁽¹⁾ Dwelling unit size may be reduced below the square footage specified in Table 19.416.060 with a Conditional Use Permit.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.416.070 Building Coverage.

Maximum Building Coverage. The maximum building coverage for all multi-family residential zones shall be forty-five (45) percent.

Inclusion of Roofed Structures. Building coverage shall include all roofed structures over 6 feet in height, with dimensions measured around the outside bearing walls and/or support columns. Exceptions include trash enclosures or open-sided shading structures that are part of a recreational accessory use in the common usable open area.

Projecting Enclosed Building Floor Areas. Building coverage shall include any enclosed building floor areas above the ground that may project beyond the bearing walls and support columns.

Covered Breezeways and Private Patio Structures. Covered breezeways and private patio structures, whether open-sided or enclosed, trellised or solid-roofed, shall be considered part of the building coverage.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.416.080 Non-Habitable Accessory Structures.

Non-habitable accessory structures are covered non-habitable areas which may include storage areas, attached or detached garages, utility and pump houses, restroom facilities, vertical circulation access ways, open air structures such as cabanas, gazebos, trellis and other similar structures.

Any non-habitable accessory structure shall not exceed 400 square feet in floor area and shall not exceed 1 story or 15 feet in height, whichever is less. Non-habitable accessory structures shall be located within the side yard or rear yard setback and shall not be visible from the street.

Canopies or vinyl laminate and mesh tarps are prohibited in the Multifamily Residential zones. However, wall-mounted shade sails that meet the following criteria are permitted:

Shade sails shall be architecturally integrated and attached to the building and shade sail poles in a manner that does not compromise structural integrity or appearance.

Shade sails shall not project from the building more than 15 feet and shall not extend beyond the property line or into required setbacks.

Shade sails shall be installed pursuant to the manufacturer's requirements and shall be included as part of the site plan review process.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.416.090 Residential Garages and Carports.

For a mobilehome park in the RMH zone, separate requirements for carports apply pursuant to Sections 19.436.050 and 19.448.010.

For a single-family dwelling (one dwelling unit on a lot) in the RM zones, the requirements for minimum garage floor area and vehicular openings shall be governed by Chapter 19.336 of Division 3 for the RS-6 zone.

The maximum width of parking areas along street frontages and within the required front setback, including driveways, open parking, carports, and garages, but excluding underground parking and parking located behind buildings, shall not exceed 25 percent of the linear street frontage.

Garage doors shall be recessed into the garage wall a minimum of 4 inches to accentuate shadow patterns and relief.

Parking for residents, visitors, and/or employees shall be accommodated onsite in garages, parking areas, or along internal streets to minimize spillover to adjacent residential neighborhoods. Parking and loading/unloading areas shall not create stacking/queuing issues at ingress/egress points.

For multifamily apartments, garage and/or carport floor areas shall be provided to accommodate the number of required parking spaces as required in Chapter 19.436.

Each parking space shall have a vehicular door or access opening of a minimum 8-foot width. Two parking spaces may be combined with a vehicular door or access opening of a minimum 16-foot width.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.416.100 Building Materials.

Façade Materials. Primary, Secondary and Accent materials are allowed or prohibited as specified in Table 19.416.100, which may be updated periodically by the Community and Economic Development Director as new or amended materials become available. Community and Economic Development Director approval is required for materials not identified in Table 19.416.100 below.

Primary Building Materials. The primary building materials listed in Table 19.416.100 are permitted to make up approximately 50% to 75% of the building design. The primary building materials include the appropriate wall surface materials and visible roofing materials. The primary building materials cover the primary/front façade, secondary/corner side façade, side façade, and rear façade of the entire building.

Accent/Secondary Materials. The accent/secondary building materials listed in Table 19.416.100 are permitted to make up approximately 5% to 50% of the building design. This includes exterior windows, decorative window treatments and balconies, decorative entries, etc.

Variation Between Buildings. For projects with six (6) buildings or more, the colors and materials of exterior walls, doors, and accents such as window trim shall vary and a minimum of two (2) distinct color schemes shall be provided for every six (6) buildings in a project.

Consistency Between Elevations. The materials, colors, and styles of windows, doors, roofs, decks, balconies, exterior staircases, porches, and any façade treatment shall be used on more than one (1) elevation of a building.

Material Transition. Changes in material shall occur at inside corners of intersecting walls or at architectural features that break up the wall plane, such as columns.

Chimneys. Chimneys shall either be painted the same color as the exterior wall or constructed with the same materials present on other accents or elements of the facade.

Accessory structures including attached and detached ADUs, trash enclosures, storage rooms shall be constructed of the same materials, colors, roof type as the primary structure.

Building materials and colors shall be in compliance with the Architectural Styles provided in Section 19.416.110. If an affordable housing multi-family residential development is proposed, refer to the Architectural Styles Objective Design Standards for a list of applicable building materials and colors.

Table 19.416.100 MULTI-FAMILY MATERIALS LIST
Material	Maximum Usage % of Façade Area⁽²⁾⁽³⁾
Permitted as Primary (or Secondary) Building Materials
Brick (full dimensional)	75%
Stone/masonry	75%
Stucco/Cement Plaster	75%
Glass (transparent, spandrel)	75%
Finished wood, engineered wood	75%
Fiber reinforced cement siding and panels	75%
Vinyl siding	50%
Exterior Insulation Finishing System (EIFS)	50%
Permitted as Accent/Secondary Materials
Vegetated wall panels or trellises	50%
Concrete blocks with integral color (ground, polished, or glazed finishes)	35%
Concrete blocks with integral color (split face finish)	35%
Ceramic tile	35%
Standing seam metal	35%
Brick/Stone (veneer/thin brick)	35%
Wrought Iron	15%
Three-Dimensional Glass	5%
Roof Materials
Asphalt/metal shingles	100%
Clay/metal tiles	100%
Slate tiles	100%
Concrete tile	100%
Standing seam metal	100%
Prohibited Building and Roof Materials⁽¹⁾
Corrugated sheet metal	Not Permitted
Galvanized metal	Not Permitted
Interlocking metal	Not Permitted
T-111 Plywood	Not Permitted
Wood Shingles	Not Permitted
Rolled/Flat Roof⁽⁴⁾	Not Permitted

Notes:
⁽¹⁾ No building shall have a metallic exterior surface such as, but not limited to, galvanized, corrugated or interlocking metal sheets, unless the use of such metallic surface material is approved under the site plan review procedure (Section 19.128.040) for the purpose of enhancing the architectural quality of the building while preserving architectural harmony and compatibility with the surrounding area.
⁽²⁾ The following structures shall be exempt from the provisions of this section:
•	Storage sheds not visible from a public street as an accessory structure to a multi-family dwelling which do not require building permits.
•	Storage containers as a permitted temporary use which do not require building permits.
•	Patio structures that are not visible from a public street.
⁽³⁾ The Community and Economic Development Director is authorized to allow deviations of up to 10%.
⁽⁴⁾ Flat roof design is permitted if consistent with Spanish Colonial or Modern style architecture

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.416.110 Architectural Styles.

The Architectural Styles for new development apply to all new construction pursuant to this Division, except those areas within the boundary of an existing Specific Plan. The Architectural Styles Objective Design Standards identifies six (6) preferred architectural styles, as indicated below. Architectural design elements and materials shall be consistent throughout the project, recognizing that a building is three-dimensional and must be well-designed on all sides. Detailing, choice of materials, and window and door choices shall reinforce the overall project design. Alternative styles may be submitted to review by the Community and Economic Development Department, although discretionary approval may be required by the Planning Commission or Zoning Administrator.

Spanish Colonial Revival. The Spanish Colonial Revival architectural style draws inspiration from Spanish, Mediterranean, and early Californian influences, and it originated during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Typically, buildings with this style exhibit an asymmetrical design. They are characterized by low-pitched roofs with minimal or no overhang, adorned with serpentine roof tiles. This style often incorporates wood framing and is covered with light-colored stucco siding. The use of arches is prevalent, particularly above doors, porch entries, and main windows.

Craftsman. The Craftsman architectural style originated in the early 20th century as part of the Arts and Crafts movement. Notable design features include exposed rafters and beams beneath the eaves, decorative brackets and fasteners, full or partial-width porches, and prominent columns or piers. While the Craftsman style emphasizes a horizontal emphasis, vertical architectural elements are often incorporated to highlight corners and entrances. Traditional Craftsman homes typically showcased exterior cladding made of wood shingles or clapboard siding, along with details such as extended lintels and decorative lighting with geometric patterns.

Farmhouse. The Farmhouse architectural style is an expression of rural residential designs and materials, with the Contemporary Farmhouse style specifically reflecting the agricultural history and commercial structures found in Southern California. This style incorporates playful elements, such as shed roofs, vibrant color blocking, and contemporary interpretations of traditional farm structures like barns and silos. The roofs of Farmhouse-style buildings are typically medium to high-pitched, and the overall detailing is kept simple.

Tuscan. The Tuscan architectural style blends modern and classic elements, incorporating both Spanish Revival and Italian influences. This style draws inspiration from Mediterranean variants found in California, showcasing rustic elements. Key characteristics include the use of stone and stucco, light earthy tones, and red tiled roofs. Classical elements like columns, arches, and decorative ironwork add visual interest and complexity. Squared towers and projections reflect classic Italianate influences. Porches and porticoes are commonly featured, as well as vertically oriented recessed windows.

Modern. The Modern architectural style draws inspiration from utilitarian design principles, featuring block forms, contrasting colors, and eclectic combinations of materials in contemporary compositions. This style embodies a minimalist and clean aesthetic. It utilizes simple rectangular shapes and forms, integrating them within horizontal and vertical planes to create dynamic lines. Flat roofs are commonly used to reinforce the rectangular shapes while also providing opportunities for outdoor deck areas. Accents in the Modern style are understated and unpretentious, often taking the form of trellis elements.

American Traditional. The American Traditional architectural style is a fusion of various traditional American styles such as Cottage, Cape Cod, and Farmhouse. It is characterized by simplicity and classic design elements, including rectangular forms, spacious front porches, decorative shutters, dormers, and wood siding. This style represents a traditional interpretation of rural farmhouses. The color palette used in American Traditional homes is typically subtle, with shades of white or gray for the main body of the house, while light or dark shutters provide contrasting accents.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.420.010 Setbacks.

The following minimum setback requirements apply to residential development within the RM-10 and RM-20 zones. For the RMH zone, the special requirements of Section 19.448.010 apply. For a single-family dwelling in the RM zones, the required setbacks and the related permitted encroachments of the RS-6 zone in Division 3, Chapter 19.320 shall apply.

Yard	Minimum Setbacks
Front Yard	The minimum front yard setback shall be 10 feet. In addition, each building or structure shall be set back an additional distance equal to one-half the height of the building or structure above 30 feet.
Side Yard, abutting a street	The minimum side yard abutting a street shall be 10 feet. In addition, each building or structure shall be set back an additional distance equal to one-half the amount by which the height of the building or structure exceeds 30 feet.
Side and Rear Yard, not abutting a street	The minimum required rear yard and side yard, not abutting a street, shall be 10 feet.
Rear Yard, abutting a street or alley	The minimum rear yard, abutting a street or an alley, shall be 10 feet.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.420.020 Yard Encroachments.

The following encroachments are permitted within the minimum required setbacks within the RM-10 and RM-20 zones. For the RMH zone, the special requirements of Section 19.448.010 apply.

Cantilevered eaves, awnings, and shading devices may project from the building's facade into the setback area no more than five (5) feet within the front and side yard setbacks, but no more than three (3) feet within the rear yard setbacks. The height of all awnings or shading devices above the sidewalk shall be consistent, with a minimum clearance of 8 feet provided between the bottom of the valance and the sidewalk. Valances shall not exceed 18 inches in height.

Architectural features such as sills, cornices, buttresses, Juliet balconies, bay windows, etc., may project from the building's façade into each setback area no more than 2.5 feet.

Chimneys not exceeding eight (8) feet in length may project from the building's façade no more than 2.5 feet.

Uncovered porches, decks, stoops, steps, planters, etc., with a maximum 6-foot projection from the building's facade and a maximum 24-inch height except railings may extend 3.5 feet above deck or tread. (Where maximum fence height is 3.5 feet, railing must be open type.) Balconies located above the ground level shall provide a minimum 7-foot clearance with no obstructions.

Mechanical equipment, cantilevered may project from the building's façade, subject to screening requirements in Section 19.440.020, a minimum of 2.5 feet within the side yard and rear yard setbacks.

Mechanical equipment, freestanding with a maximum 4-foot height and subject to screening requirements in Section 19.440.020 may be located within the side and rear yard setbacks.

Signs are permitted within the front yard setback pursuant to Section 19.908.010.

Accessory Dwelling Units. Refer to Section 19.348.010.

Permitted projections within the side yard, not abutting a street and rear yard only.

Utility-Owned Facilities.

Pole lines within approved easements.

Other above ground facilities with a maximum 5-foot height within approved easements, such as transformer boxes, pedestal terminals, etc.

Access walkways and driveways.

Uncovered parking, subject to screening, landscaping, and wall requirements.

Storage of vehicles (over 24 hours), trash areas, other permitted outdoor storage screened from public view.

Pools.

Swimming pools, therapeutic pools, with a minimum 5-foot setback from the side and rear property lines.

Decorative pools, with maximum 18-inch depth.

Recreation facilities which are subject to a building permit, such as play equipment, play structure, play house, etc.

Non-Habitable Accessory Buildings. Shall not exceed 15 feet in height, and shall be located a minimum of 5 feet from a rear or side property line, not abutting a street, and at least ten (10) feet from the street side property line.

Furthermore, such accessory building, if located more than 60 feet from a street property line and not abutting a RS zone, may be located up to the rear or side property line not along a street behind a solid wall or fence, not less than 6 feet in height.

Such accessory building, if located less than 3 feet from an interior lot line, shall have no wall openings facing the adjoining property and no drainage onto the adjoining property.

Fences, walls, hedges, and berms, subject to the allowable height and design requirements in Chapter 19.428.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.420.030 Required Open Space.

All multi-family residential developments within the RM zones shall meet the minimum open space requirements as provided below. Open space areas shall not be located directly next to arterial streets, service areas, or adjacent commercial development to ensure they are sheltered from the noise and traffic of adjacent streets or other incompatible uses. Alternatively, a minimum of 10 feet of dense landscaping shall be provided as screening between the open space area and arterial street, service area, or commercial development. Open space surfaces shall include a combination of lawn, garden, flagstone, wood planking, concrete, or other serviceable, dust-free surfacing. The slope of open space areas shall not exceed 10%.

Zone	Common Open Space (per unit)⁽³⁾	Private Open Space (per unit)	Recreational Amenities
RMH	N/A - Refer to § 19.448.010	N/A - Refer to § 19.448.010	For projects with 25 or more dwelling units, provide one recreational amenity for every 30 dwelling units or fraction thereof.
RM-10⁽²⁾	200 sq. ft.⁽¹⁾
RM-20⁽²⁾	200 sq. ft.⁽¹⁾	60 sq. ft./upper floors 00 sq. ft./ground floor

Notes:
⁽¹⁾ Requirement applies to developments with 200 units or less. For developments with 200 units or more shall provide a minimum of 100 square feet of common open space per unit.
⁽²⁾ Every development that includes five (5) or more residential units shall provide at least one (1) common open space area.
⁽²⁾ A maximum of 25 percent of the total area counted as common open space may be provided on a roof and subject to the requirements of Section 19.420.080.

Note: Off-street parking and loading areas, driveways, and service areas shall not be counted as usable open space.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.420.040 Common Usable Open Space.

In projects with fewer than 10 units, the common open space area shall have a minimum length and width of 15 feet.

In projects with 10 or more units, where the required common open space area is less than 3,000 square feet, the common open space shall be concentrated in one area. The common open space area shall be at least 25 feet in width.

Where the required common open space area is 3,000 square feet or more, the space may be divided among multiple areas, provided that at least one common open space area is a minimum of 2,000 square feet with a minimum width of 25 feet. All other areas shall be at least 1,000 square feet with a minimum width of 10 feet.

Common upper-story decks shall be a minimum of 60 square feet and shall not be less than 6 feet in any direction. Roof decks shall be subject to the requirements of Section 19.420.080.

Primary common open space shall not be located at an extreme edge of the property or dispersed as smaller areas throughout the site.

All residential units shall be within a 1/4 mile (1,320 feet) walking distance of the provided common open space.

Pedestrian walkways shall connect the common open space to a public right-of-way or building entrance. At least one (1) side of the common open space shall border residential buildings with transparent windows and/or entryways.

An area of usable common open space shall not exceed an average grade of 10 percent. The area may include landscaping, walks, recreational facilities, and small decorative objects such as artwork and fountains.

All common open spaces shall include seatings and lights. Site furniture shall use graffiti-resistant materials and/or coatings and skateboard deterrents to retain the site furniture's attractiveness.

Forecourt must be enclosed on at least three sides by buildings. The minimum dimension of any side is 40 feet.

Multi-family developments exceeding 150 units shall have at least two common open space areas and shall incorporate activities for different age groups.

There shall be no obstructions above the open space except for devices to enhance the usability of the space. Buildings and roofed structures with recreational functions (e.g., pool houses, recreation centers, gazebos) may occupy up to 20% of the area counted as common open space.

Mechanical equipment may be located within the common usable open space area provided that the equipment is fully screened from view.

Developments that include 15 or more units shall include children's play areas and play structures. For senior housing developments this shall be replaced by one (1) of the following:

Outdoor seating area with shade structure.

Low-impact recreational activities such as bocce ball, horseshoes, miniature golf, bean bags, badminton, croquet, etc.

Non-Conforming Lots in the RM-20 Zone. For a multi-family use on a lot in the RM-20 zone with non-conforming lot width and/or lot area, separate requirements apply for common usable open area pursuant to Section 19.448.020.

Pedestrian walkways throughout common open space areas, recreational amenities, access to individual units, and within the minimum setbacks shall be a minimum of 3 feet in width and shall be constructed of firm, stable and slip-resistant materials such as poured-in-place concrete (including stamped and textured concrete), concrete pavers, or permeable pavers.

Where restricted open space is located adjacent to a window of an adjoining dwelling unit, balcony railings and patio walls or fencing shall be constructed with an opaque material. Screening shall be constructed with limited openings to provide a minimum of 85 percent surface area screening (measured from the finished floor of the restricted open space to the top of the railing, fencing, or walls).

Common open space shall be located and arranged to allow visibility into the space from pedestrian walkways on the interior of the site. Fencing or barriers shall be designed with transparency to allow visibility.

A minimum of three (3) of the following features shall be incorporated into common open spaces and maintained on the site:

Fixed or movable seating.

Shade trees or shaded canopy.

Flowering plants.

Native habitat.

Play area for children.

Play area for pets.

Low-impact recreational activity for seniors.

Educational or interpretive information about geographic, historic, or ecological features, such as plaques about relevant tribal history or indigenous plant information.

Outdoor kitchen equipment or fire pit.

10.

Public art or interactive art, such as a sculpture, or murals.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.420.050 Recreational Amenities.

The required front yard area shall not be counted toward the common recreation area requirement.

Projects shall include at least one children's play area with a minimum dimension of 150 square feet.

Developments that include 15 or more dwelling units shall include at least one play area for children (unless age restricted to senior citizens or within 300 feet of a public park). Such play areas shall:

Have a minimum dimension of 20 feet in any direction and a minimum area of 600 square feet.

Contain play equipment, including equipment designed for children aged five years and younger.

Be visible from multiple dwelling units within the project.

Be protected from adjacent streets or parking lots with a fence or other barrier at least 4 feet in height.

Unless otherwise approved by the Community and Economic Development Director, required play spaces for children shall be accessible from all on-site dwellings by pedestrian paths and separate from vehicular areas.

All play areas shall be located away from high automobile traffic and shall be situated for maximum visibility from the dwelling units.

A play area for children under age five shall be provided within direct visibility of common spaces.

One common recreational amenity shall be provided for every 15 units or fraction thereof. Facilities that serve more people could be counted as two (2) amenities, as indicated below. The following listed amenities satisfy the recreational requirements:

Clubhouse at a minimum of 750 square feet (counts as two).

Swimming pool at a minimum of 15x30 feet or equal surface area (counts as two).

Tennis, pickleball, basketball, or racquetball court.

Weightlifting facility/indoor fitness center.

Children's playground at a minimum of 600 square feet.

Sauna or jacuzzi.

Day care facility.

Picnic areas/stations with tables and chairs or BBQ grills with picnic stations.

Outdoor chess/checkers boards.

10.

Community garden.

11.

Plaza at a minimum 2,000 square feet.

12.

Other recreational amenities deemed adequate by the Community and Economic Development Director.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.420.060 Private Open Space.

In RM zones, each dwelling unit shall be provided with at least one (1) area of private usable open space and shall be accessible to only one (1) living unit by a doorway or doorways to a habitable room or hallway of the unit. Private open space located above ground level in the form of fenced or screened patio or balcony shall have a minimum eight-foot vertical clearance and have minimum dimensions of no less than six (6) feet in any horizontal direction. Private open space located on the ground level in the form of fenced or screened yard, deck, or patio shall have a minimum eight-foot vertical clearance and have minimum dimensions of no less than ten (10) feet in any horizontal direction.

Mechanical equipment of a dwelling unit may be located within that unit's private open space provided that the equipment is not more than 3.5 feet in height and the equipment is screened from view. Mechanical equipment located within the unit's private open space area shall provide a minimum area of at least 72 square feet.

Above ground-level space shall have at least one (1) exterior side open and unobstructed for at least 6 feet above floor level, except for incidental railings and balustrades.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.420.070 Courts.

A building or buildings that consists of up to 16 attached and/or stacked units on the same lot, accessed from a shared courtyard. The shared court could be common open space (known as garden-court) or shared driveway (known as motor-court). Courts are surrounded on 3 sides by the building(s). Access shall be provided from the primary street frontage for courts that provide common open space or access shall be provided from either the side street or alley for courts that provide a shared driveway subject to compliance with Orange County Fire Authority requirements for fire access and turnarounds. The maximum building length shall be 150 feet at any side. The court shall provide access to units and garages and there shall be at least one (1) entrance for every 50 feet.

Primary elevations (facades) shall incorporate design features such as offsets, balconies, projections, window reveals, or similar elements to preclude large expanses of uninterrupted building. Along the vertical face of a structure, such features shall occur at a minimum of every 35 feet, and each floor shall have at least two of the following features:

Recess (e.g., deck, patio, courtyard, balcony, garage, entrance, or similar feature) that has a minimum depth of 4 feet.

Extension (e.g., floor area, deck, porch, bay window, patio, entrance, or similar feature) that projects a minimum of 2 feet and runs horizontally for a minimum length of 4 feet.

Offsets of facade or roof elevation of 2 feet or greater.

Courts are permitted in the RM-10 and RM-20 Zones.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.420.080 Rooftop Decks.

Rooftop decks are designed to provide an outdoor space on top of a building and are allowed in all RM zones, except for RMH zones. Rooftop decks shall be located on the uppermost story of the primary building. Rooftop decks are included in the total building height and are not permitted on buildings that exceed 40 feet in height in RM zones unless approved with a Conditional Use Permit. However, permanent fixtures associated with the usable open space, such as trellises; shade structures; furniture; and furnishings such as planters, lighting, and heaters may exceed the height limit by up to 12 feet.

Roof decks shall have no horizontal dimension less than 15 feet, and no more than 25 percent of the total area counted as common open space may be provided on a roof.

Roof top decks are not permitted when a property line is shared with an RS zoned property.

One (1) rooftop deck is permitted per building. Materials provided for the rooftop deck shall be consistent in color and architectural style as the primary building. Exterior access is allowed subject to compliance with the Uniform Building Code (UBC).

At least 15 percent but no more than 25 percent of the rooftop shall be landscaped with raised beds for gardening, stormwater planters, or other landscaping. All required landscaped areas should be equipped with automatic irrigation systems and be properly drained.

Rooftop lighting shall be set back at least 12 feet from the edge of any building face that is oriented towards any existing single-family use.

When adjacent to a residential use, rooftop decks shall provide screening walls or landscaping which ensures privacy for adjacent residential properties.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.420.090 Pedestrian Access to Dwellings.

A pedestrian walkway shall be provided connecting parking areas to main entrances of buildings and the public sidewalk. The walkway shall be clearly marked with special paving, concrete stamping or coloring.

Clear, safe pedestrian access should be provided from parking areas to building entrances within pedestrian walkways. When all unit entries face a driveway, pedestrian walkways shall be located parallel to the driveway to minimize the need for pedestrians to cross drive aisles.

Walkways shall not be sited directly against a building façade but buffered with a minimum 5-foot-wide landscaped planting area to provide privacy of nearby residences or private open space.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.420.100 Future Rights-of-Way.

This section is applicable only where a portion of a lot is within an area planned to be part of a future street, alley, or other public right-of-way as determined from an officially adopted plan, and the acquisition of such portion would not reduce the buildable lot width to less than forty (40) feet.

In cases to which this section applies, the portions of any lot within any such future right-of-way area shall not be occupied by structures other than those encroachments allowed in future rights-of-way as provided in subsection C of this section. All other required setbacks, yards, and open areas shall be provided in addition to the future right-of-way areas, and the future right-of-way lines shall be considered to be lot lines for purposes of measuring such other setbacks, yards, and open areas.

Permitted Encroachments. The following encroachments are permitted within the future rights-of-way area:

Utility-owned pole lines within approved easements.

Access walkways and driveways.

Uncovered parking—to the same extent as permitted in adjoining front, side, or rear yard.

Storage (vehicles for over 24 hours, trash areas, other permitted outdoor storage)—to the same extent as permitted in adjoining side or rear yard.

Recreation facilities which are subject to building permit (play equipment, play structure, playhouse, etc.)—to the same extent as permitted in adjoining side or rear yard.

Real estate signs.

Fences, walls, hedges, and berms—to the same extent as permitted in adjoining front, side, or rear yard.

Landscaping, other than hedges.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.420.110 Right-of-Way Improvements.

The purpose of this section is to establish requirements for right-of-way improvements for all RM zoned parcels within the City of Buena Park on which property improvements are made. "Right-of-way improvements" shall include curbs, gutters, sidewalks, driveway approaches, handicapped (ADA) ramps, water lines and appurtenances, sewer lines and appurtenances, storm drainage facilities, property dedications of right-of-way, streetlights, pavement markings, signs, and street trees.

Required Improvements. All projects adding new units shall be required to provide the following right-of-way improvements as are deemed necessary and applicable by the Director of Public Works:

Sidewalk and Parkway. Construction or repair of a sidewalk and parkway adjoining the site. The sidewalk shall have a minimum clear width of five (5) feet with a parkway, or six (6) feet if the sidewalk adjoins the curb, or shall be the minimum width of the adjoining properties along that side of the street.

Curb and Gutter. Construction or repair of curbs and gutters adjoining the site. All unused curb cuts shall be replaced with a full-height curb and gutter.

Street Trees. As required by Section 18.24.190 of the Municipal Code.

Bicycle Trail. As required by Section 18.64.020. Construction of bicycle trail as required by the "Fourth District Bikeways Strategy" adopted by the Orange County Transportation Authority or otherwise referenced on the City of Buena Park Active Transportation Plan.

Encroachment Permit Required. Except as otherwise provided in this section, it is unlawful for any person to encroach or make or cause to be made any encroachment in the public right-of-way or on property subject to a public utility easement, or other easement available for use by public utilities, without first obtaining an encroachment permit from the Public Works Department.

Encroachment permits for right-of-way improvements shall be obtained prior to the issuance of a building permit and prior to any work being done within the right-of-way.

Street improvement plans for all work in the public right-of-way shall be prepared by a licensed civil engineer, whose signed engineer's stamp shall appear on the plans. Final construction plans and specifications shall be approved by the City Engineer, and released for construction, prior to the issuance of the encroachment permit.

Parkways. A parkway (i.e., sidewalk strip, parking strip, or tree buffer) is a portion of the street right-of-way lying between the curb and sidewalk.

Any objects placed in the parkway (e.g., rocks, benches, etc.) shall not present a hazard or public nuisance and shall not block a clear line of sight across the parkway.

Objective Design Standards. Refer to Section 19.720.100 for Right-of-Way Improvements Objective Design Standards.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.424.010 Trash Storage Facilities.

All refuse shall be stored within trash containers which meet City standards. Except when temporarily placed for pickup, all such containers shall be located or screened so as not to be in public view.

Loading areas and refuse storage facilities shall be as far as possible from residential units and shall be completely screened from view of adjacent residential portions of the project. The location and design of trash enclosures shall account for potential nuisances from odors.

Except for a temporary use, any non-residential use in the residential zones shall comply with the trash storage requirements for commercial uses under Division 5.

All mobile home parks, group quarters, and multi-family developments of 4 or more units in the residential zones shall provide a trash enclosure and shall conform to the following standards:

All required trash enclosures shall meet the minimum requirements as specified by the City's waste hauler based on the size and type of development.

Design. Provide a minimum 6-inch reinforced decorative block wall construction. Enclosure wall and roof design shall be compatible with design of the primary structures located on the property. The enclosure opening, including gates and hinges, must provide a minimum opening of 9 feet to allow containers to be moved in and out of the enclosure. The floor of the enclosure shall be a Portland Cement Concrete (PCC) pad, flush with adjacent driveway. Provide a minimum 10-foot by 10-foot PCC pad outside the entrance to the enclosure that is capable of withstanding the impact of bins being set down, and a 20-ton stationary load, as needed.

Curbing. Installation of a 6-inch-wide by 8-inch-high concrete curb at the base of interior walls for protection of walls from trash containers and bins is required.

Bin Separation. If multiple containers are stored in one enclosure, a minimum of 30 inches between containers is required to allow ease of access in loading bins.

Location. Enclosures shall be located on a grade no more than 2% and within 250 feet from a doorway of each residential unit. The containers shall be arranged for ease of pick-up and shall not interfere with other activities on the site. Recycling and trash enclosures shall be located away from building fronts and major entries, and/or screened from public view in a fixed enclosure. Trash enclosures shall not encroach into driveways, parking areas, pedestrian pathways, or emergency access areas. Such location shall be subject to the approval of the Planning Division.

Accessibility. All trash enclosures shall comply with the requirements set forth in the California Building Code and the requirements of CCR Title 24, regarding accessibility to trash and recycling collection containers for persons with disabilities.

Screening. Enclosures shall be screened from view on at least three sides by a wall at least 6 feet in height, and on the 4th side by gates no less than 5 feet in height. Solid non-combustible metal gates with latches and bolts are one option. Alternative designs must be reviewed and approved by the Director.

Rainwater Infiltration. Enclosures shall be covered to prevent rainwater infiltration. A horizontal or sloped non-combustible material solid roof shall be provided for protection of the containers from the elements. The roof should extend sufficiently outward in all directions so that wind-blown rain will not enter the interior of the storage area. A minimum of 8 feet of vertical clearance within the storage area shall be provided to allow the container lids to be fully opened and closed inside the trash enclosure. If fire sprinklers or drop lighting are installed within the enclosure, the minimum vertical clearance of 8 feet will be measured from the lowest point of the sprinkler heads, lighting, or any other fixture.

Runoff. Enclosures shall be designed to prevent liquid runoff and to secure litter and trash from wind run-off. Enclosures and areas around enclosures shall not discharge to the storm drain system. If proposed use of the development includes a food service facility, any drains installed in or beneath enclosure areas shall be connected to a grease removal device prior to discharging to the sanitary sewer.

10.

Overhead Clearance. An overhead clearance of 20 feet shall be provided in front of the enclosure to allow containers to be emptied by a front-end loader collection vehicle.

11.

Access. Driveways and travel aisles shall conform to Section 19.436.040, and local building code requirements for trash, recyclable and organics collection access and clearance. Unobstructed access shall be provided for collection vehicles and collection company personnel, as well as for facility occupants and maintenance staff.

12.

Large Containers. For containers of 6 cubic yards of capacity of greater, the following applies.

Door Opening. The door opening shall be at least 10 feet in width and allow for direct pick-up by the collection video.

Entrance Gate. The entrance gate should be capable of being latched open so that an 8-foot-wide truck can access the enclosure.

Vertical Clearance. A minimum of a 15-foot vertical clearance is required within the enclosure so the collection vehicle can reach the bin.

Truck Access. Enclosure must provide direct access by the collection vehicle. At a minimum, a lane, 10 feet wide by 30 feet in length, must be provided directly in front of the enclosure.

13.

Turnarounds. For safety reasons, a turnaround must be provided for any street, driveway or travel aisle that would otherwise require the collection truck to back up a distance greater than 100 feet. A minimum of a 42-foot turning radius is required for solid waste collection vehicles.

14.

Locks. If locks are needed to secure the enclosure, the Franchised hauler will supply container locks and keys at the lock charge fee in accordance with the service agreement for the property.

15.

Maintenance. All trash enclosures and adjacent paving shall be maintained as a condition of the use.

16.

Enclosures shall be separated from adjacent parking stalls with a minimum 3-foot-wide planter area.

17.

Enclosures for compactors located outside the building shall be constructed of masonry block, designed to screen the bins, hydraulic lines, and accessory components, and to be architecturally compatible with primary structures on site.

For multifamily residential uses of four or more dwelling units and for mobile home parks, the minimum trash storage capacity provided shall be an amount determined on the basis of a refuse production rate of one-half cubic yard per dwelling unit per week and the frequency of pickup service available.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.424.020 Outdoor Storage and Display.

Outdoor Storage. Outdoor storage of materials, equipment or other items is prohibited.

Outdoor Display. Temporary outdoor displays are permitted when authorized as part of a special events sale under Title 19, Division 10, or as part of a yard sale authorized under Section 19.448.070.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.424.030 Firepits, Detached Fireplaces, and Fountains.

Outdoor fire/barbecue pits and fixed freestanding barbecues shall maintain a minimum setback of 5 feet from the side yard and rear yard property lines. Outdoor fire/barbecue pits and fixed freestanding barbecues shall maintain a minimum of 5 feet from any dwelling or accessory structure on a lot.

Detached fireplaces are permitted within the side yard and rear yard setback. Detached fireplaces located within the side and rear yard areas shall not be greater than 8 feet in length. Residential detached fireplace/chimneys shall have a maximum height of 7.5 feet within the side yard and 10 feet within the rear yard. Any outdoor detached fireplace shall maintain a minimum setback of 5 feet from any side or rear yard property line.

Fountains may be located within the front, street side, and/or rear yard setback. Fountains located within the required 10-foot front, street side and rear yard setback shall be at least six (6) feet from the property line and shall not exceed seven (7) feet in height. Fountains located within the required 10-foot rear yard setback shall be at least 5 feet from the property line and shall not exceed 10 feet in height. All fountains shall not exceed ten (10) square feet.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.424.040 Patio Covers, Gazebos, and Cabanas.

The construction of patio covers, gazebos, and cabanas shall comply with the following standards:

These structures may be erected within the required side yard or rear yard provided that the clear space between the structure and the property line shall not be less than four (4) feet on the side and ten (10) feet in the rear.

If located within a required side yard or rear yard setback, the height of the structure shall not exceed ten (10) feet from finished grade.

Gazebos and cabanas shall not be enclosed by solid materials including transparent or opaque.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.424.050 Swimming Pools and Spas.

Pools and Spas enclosures shall be compliant with CBC Chapter 31 Section 3119B, the California Residential Code (CRC) Appendix AX, the California Health and Safety Code (HCS) Article 2.5 (Sections 115920—115929) - "The Swimming Pool Safety Act" and this Code.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.428.010 General Requirements.

Required Permits and Approvals. No fence shall be constructed within the RM zones until the plans and design for such fence shall have been approved pursuant to the zoning compliance review procedure (Section 19.128.090). In addition, a fence may require a building permit from the Building Division.

Building Permit. Fences and walls may require a building permit as required by the California Building Code. Fences over 6 feet in height and block walls will require a building permit with the exception of the following: block or retaining walls that are not over 4 feet (1,219 mm) in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge.

Furthermore, except for a lot developed with only one dwelling unit, no fence within a required yard adjacent to a street or a security gate as defined in Section 19.428.060 shall be constructed until the plans and design for such fence shall have been approved by the Director pursuant to the interdepartmental review process (Section 19.128.100)

All fences, whether required or not, shall be located and limited in accordance with provisions of this Division.

Fences are required under various provisions of this Division and other laws, including, but not limited to, the screening and protection of parking areas, storage areas, swimming and therapeutic pools, and utility facilities. Such required fences together with the facilities and activities required to be enclosed shall be located so as not to conflict with open space and yard setback requirements.

Conflict with State Law. In the case of fencing requirements pursuant to state law which unavoidably conflict with the requirements of this Division, the state requirements shall prevail.

As defined in Section 19.104.080, the term "fence" as used in this Division means fence, freestanding wall, gate, hedge, or berm unless otherwise specifically stated.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.428.020 Fence Height and Locations.

For any use in the RM zones, other than a single-family dwelling (one dwelling on a lot) and a mobilehome park in the RMH zone, the following fence height requirements shall apply;

With the exception of a required yard abutting a street, a maximum 7-foot-high fence may be permitted anywhere on a lot.

Yards Abutting a Street. Within a required yard abutting a street, a maximum 6-foot-high fence may be permitted, subject to the following setback requirements and the design and material requirements of Section 19.428.030:

For any portion of a fence which is not view-obscuring, other than the provision of pilasters and vines, there shall be a minimum 3-foot setback from the street property line for that portion of fence.

For any solid or view-obscuring portion of a fence, there shall be a minimum 5-foot setback from the street property line for that portion of fence.

For any fence over 2 feet in height within the required 15 feet by 15 feet vision clearance area adjacent to any driveway or alley where it intersects with a public street as defined under Section 19.436.030 shall meet the design requirements of Section 19.428.030.

Single-Family Dwelling. For a single-family dwelling in the RM zones, the fence height requirements of Section 19.328.020 shall apply with the exception that a 6-foot maximum height fence may be permitted within the minimum required front yard with a 15-foot setback from the front property line.

Mobilehome Park. For a mobilehome park in the RMH zone, separate fence height requirements apply pursuant to Section 19.448.010.

The maximum height of any fence in the multifamily residential zones shall be 7 feet, except where a greater height is required for noise reduction as determined by an acoustical analysis.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.428.030 Fence Materials and Design.

All fences in multifamily residential zones, whether required or not, shall:

Utilize no salvaged materials.

Be suitably finished on both sides.

Utilize colors and materials that are compatible with the property and neighborhood.

All fences shall be maintained in good repair and appearance.

In the RM-10 and RM-20 zones, chain link and wire fences shall be prohibited, except that chain link may be used for temporarily securing construction sites and vacant or vacated property.

All fences shall have an ornamental finish in subdued earthtone colors compatible with the structures on the property. Furthermore,

Block walls shall be of ornamental masonry construction or finish. A common grey or pink block wall shall not be considered as an ornamental masonry or finish.

Wood fences shall be of durable construction and finished appearance, and shall be painted or stained.

Wrought iron and tubular metal fences shall be primed and painted.

Any masonry wall shall be of a minimum 6-inch wide block construction.

Vision Clearance Area. Any fence within a required vision clearance area adjacent to any driveway or alley where it intersects with a public street, as further defined under Section 19.436.030, shall not be a view-obscuring fence. The design of such fence shall provide a minimum of 4 inches of spacing between the vertical and horizontal elements between the height of 2 feet and 7 feet.

Fences within Required Yards Abutting a Street. Pursuant to the provisions of the Architectural Styles Guide, any fence within a required yard abutting a street shall comply with the following design criteria:

In addition to the vision clearance requirements of subsection E of this section, fencing near any property line of an adjacent property shall be located or designed in such a manner as to maintain any potential vision clearance requirements, as determined by the Director.

Landscaping with the use of shrubs, vines and trees shall be incorporated into the design of the fence, utilizing variations in fence setbacks from the street property line where possible.

Common (cinder) block masonry shall not be permitted as a finished material for any fence within a required yard abutting a street.

Perimeter Walls/Visual Interest. Perimeter walls shall incorporate various textures, staggered setbacks, and variations in height in conjunction with landscaping to provide visual interest and to soften the appearance of perimeter walls. Perimeter walls shall incorporate wall inserts and/or decorative columns or pilasters to provide relief. The maximum unbroken length of a perimeter wall shall be 25 feet.

All non-transparent perimeter walls and/or fences shall be architecturally treated on both sides and shall incorporate landscaping whenever possible.

Screen walls, sound walls, and retaining walls shall be used to mitigate noise generators and provide privacy for residents.

Wall design and selection of materials shall consider maintenance issues, especially graffiti removal and long-term maintenance. Decorative capstones on stucco walls are required to help prevent water damage from rainfall and moisture.

Visually penetrable materials (e.g., wrought iron or tubular steel) shall be used in areas of high activity (i.e., pools, playgrounds) and areas adjacent to street frontage.

Trash Collection and Storage Area Screening. Sight-obscuring screening shall be provided for all garbage and trash collection areas, approved outdoor storage, and parking lots abutting a single-family residential development. Such screening shall be 6 feet in height.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.428.040 Required Fences in Multi-Family Residential Zones.

In any RM Zone (including the RMH Zone), in connection with any development other than a residential use of not more than three dwelling units, a solid ornamental masonry shall be provided along all side and rear property lines which do not abut a street. Such fences shall be not less than six feet high and not more than seven feet high, unless a greater height is approved for noise attenuation or other mitigation of environmental effects.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.428.050 Double Fences.

Any parallel fences constructed with less than 3 feet separation shall be considered double fences. It is the intent of the City to discourage double fences whenever possible in order to avoid areas in which children and animals may become lodged, areas which may encourage rodent infestation, and areas which may accumulate litter and debris.

In instances where double fences are unavoidable, the gap between the fences shall be completely sealed with flashing, cement cap, or other material in a manner acceptable to the Planning and Building Divisions.

Where a new fence is required along a property line and an existing fence or wall is located on the opposite side of the property line, the Director of Community and Economic Development may suspend the requirement for the new fence provided that the existing fence can substantially satisfy all requirements of this Division and/or any conditions of an approval. Such suspension shall become null and void once the adjacent wall or fence is removed or found unacceptable by the Director and the requirement for the new fence shall be complied with at such time.

When fences are constructed to be 3 feet away from each other, the fence materials/height shall provide visibility into the corridor for maintenance and safety. The surface between the two (2) fences shall consist of concrete, or other hardscaping material which deters the growth of vegetation.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.428.060 Security Gate Standards.

General Requirements.

Definition. For the purpose of this section, security gates shall be defined as any gate, door, or other barrier that limits or restricts public access to or from a property. This definition does not include any barrier securing a pool area, an individual garage, private patio, yard, or living area, or such storage room, recreation rooms, or similar areas not intended for general public access.

Proposed residential developments in the RM zones shall indicate during the site plan process prospective plans for future security gates and fencing installation.

Security gates shall conform to all other provisions of this chapter, except where such provisions may conflict with the requirements of this section.

Pedestrian Access. For any security gate that restricts pedestrian access to dwelling units of any multifamily residential development in the RM zones, an intercom, telephone, or remote access system shall be provided at the gate for each dwelling unit with restricted access.

Vehicular Access. For any security gate that restricts vehicular access onto any multifamily residential development in the RM zones, the following requirements shall apply;

All vehicular security gates shall be constructed of material that is not view-obscuring.

All vehicular security gates shall be automatically operated by remote control devices or key pad. Furthermore, such vehicular gates shall not be permitted to swing out.

Pedestrian Access. A separate pedestrian walkway leading from the public sidewalk into a development shall be provided for any development with a security gate across a vehicular access driveway.

Gate Width. Vehicular entry gates shall open a minimum 20 feet to completely clear the minimum driveway width. Additional width may be required by the City for access or circulation purposes.

Gate Setback.

For any development located on a street with a traffic count of 2,000 cars or fewer per day, a security gate across a vehicular driveway shall be set back from the street property line a minimum of 20 feet.

For any development located on a street with a traffic count of more than 2,000 cars per day, a security gate across a vehicular driveway shall be set back from the street property line a minimum of 40 feet.

Vehicular Turnaround. A turnaround area outside of the gate shall be required for any development of 2 or more units which is located on a street with a traffic count of more than 2,000 cars per day or for any development of more than 20 dwelling units.

Trash Pickup. A means of entry, to be approved by the City-franchised trash disposal service, shall be provided which automatically opens the vehicular gate(s) for trash pickup. Furthermore, all 3 cubic yard trash bins shall remain within City-approved trash storage facilities for removal by the franchise service at the location of the trash storage area.

Emergency Response Access. Prior to the issuance of any permits, fence plans with security gates shall be reviewed and approved by the Fire and Police Departments as to any required compliance with the following standards.

To facilitate access by Fire Department personnel, a key switch box, or other approved device, shall be provided for all pedestrian and vehicular security gates.

To facilitate access by City law enforcement officers, a key pad, or other approved device, shall be provided for all pedestrian and vehicular security gates. Furthermore, vehicular gates must provide egress for law enforcement vehicles.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.432.010 Where Required.

In all RM zones, permanent landscaping materials shall be integrated into the required setbacks, parking areas, and private frontages, except for areas within the required setback occupied by permitted encroachments.

A minimum of 20 percent of the total site shall be permanently maintained with landscaping. Stormwater retention areas may count towards the landscaping requirement. Required setbacks, corner landscaping, and paved pedestrian pathways shall not be counted toward this requirement.

All portions of the developed site that are not occupied by other permitted buildings, structures, or facilities, shall be permanently maintained with landscaping.

Except for single-family uses (one detached single-family dwelling on a lot), all portions of a developed site not occupied by other permitted facilities shall be permanently landscaped.

All landscape installation or rehabilitation shall meet the requirements of the City's Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance to ensure that the design, installation, and maintenance of landscaping conserves water.

Parking Lot Landscaping Improvements.

Landscaped Buffers Along Streets. Except at driveway and walkway openings and as required for Vision Clearance, the required setback areas for parking areas of Section 19.436.080 shall be landscaped with one (1) or a combination of the following requirements:

Ornamental masonry wall or hedge, 2 feet high, at the perimeter of the parking area facing a street.

Landscaped berm, 10 feet wide and 2 feet high.

Landscaped Buffers Along Alleys. Except for driveways and walkways, a minimum 4-foot landscaped planter shall be provided along all parking areas adjacent to an alley with no vehicular overhang permitted.

Interior Landscaping. All open parking areas (e.g., non-structured, non-garage) and the project perimeter shall be landscaped such that:

Planters with a total landscaped area equaling a minimum of 25 square feet per parking space shall be provided and distributed evenly throughout the open parking area including one (1) tree (minimum 36-inch box) for every eight (8) single- or double-loaded parking spaces.

Trees with a total shaded area (e.g., the area under the tree canopy 15 years after installation) equaling a minimum of 50% of the square footage of the open parking area shall be provided and distributed throughout the open parking area.

Landscaped areas shall include a three-tiered planting system consisting of ground cover, shrubs and vines, and trees. The use of grass is strongly discouraged outside of active recreational areas.

All portions of a parking area not improved for parking aisles, walkways, access ways or parking stalls shall be landscaped. Any portion of the parking area not landscaped shall be paved. At all boundaries between landscaped areas and paving, a 6-inch-high concrete curb shall be provided unless specifically excluded as part of the project's Water Quality Management Plan (WQMP).

Landscape Buffer Abutting RS Zones. Any parking area in the RM zones abutting a RS zone shall be provided with a landscape buffer consisting of trees and some combination of shrubs, vines and ground cover consisting of a minimum 6-foot-high ornamental block wall and a minimum of 5-foot-wide planter along the abutting property line.

Landscape Buffer Adjacent to Residential Structures. Where a parking area, loading area, driveway, or other area provided for vehicular circulation faces a wall of a multifamily dwelling or group-quarters building with windows, doors, or similar openings on the first floor in such wall (other than openings which are only for utility access or emergency exit), a landscaped area at least 7 feet wide shall separate the vehicular area from the building. Such landscaped area may include walkways, uncovered porches, and exterior stairways, provided at least sixty percent of the total required buffer area is occupied by plant materials.

Drought-Tolerant Species. A minimum of 75 percent of non-turf landscaped areas shall be planted with native or drought-tolerant planting materials, as widely recognized within the horticultural industry or as recommended by a California-licensed Landscape Architect, to bring interest and beauty to the landscape, support biodiversity, and reduce the need for pesticides and excessive irrigation. Landscape selection shall be in compliance with the City's Water Efficiency Landscape Ordinance.

Turf and Synthetic Turf. Turf areas shall be limited to activity or recreation areas and shall have a 10-foot minimum diameter. Synthetic turf may be used as a substitute for natural turf for the purposes of water conservation, or in high activity or foot-traffic areas.

Non-Plant Material. Crushed rock, mulch, pebbles, stones, and similar non-plant materials shall be allowed up to 20% of the total required landscaping.

Mulch. Landscaped areas shall be top-dressed with a bark chip mulch or an approved alternative to avoid exposed bare soil.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.432.020 Plan Approval Required.

A landscape and irrigation plan for any newly established landscape area shall be submitted for zoning compliance review and approval.

The landscape and irrigation plan shall clearly identify the following criteria:

Property lines and property address.

Streets, driveways, walkways, recreational areas, and other paved areas.

Pools, water features, fences, and retaining walls.

Existing and proposed buildings and structures.

Landscaping materials, trees, shrubs, vines, ground cover, turf, and other vegetation. Planting symbols shall be clearly drawn and plants labeled by botanical name, common name, container size, spacing, water usage, and quantities of each group of plants indicated.

An approximate calculation of the total landscape area.

A landscape and irrigation plan with new landscaped areas of 500 square feet or more, or 2,500 square feet of rehabilitated landscape area shall be prepared and/or certified by a licensed landscape architect or contractor, certified irrigation designer, or other licensed or certified professional in a related field.

Minimum acceptable plant sizes shall be determined by policy of the Director and/or as conditions of approval for an administrative action pursuant to Division 1 but in no case shall:

Trees be less than 15-gallon size, with 25 percent of all trees on a project site planted at a minimum 24-inch box size.

Shrubs and vines be less than 5-gallon size, with a 15-gallon minimum size where required for screening. The minimum planter width for shrubs is 3 feet.

Groundcover be less than 1-gallon size.

Street trees be planted less than one (1) tree per 25-35 linear feet of sidewalk length.

Landscape and irrigation plans shall be submitted prior to the issuance of permits for such work or prior to the issuance of any permits (i.e., building permits) for any associated work approved by an action of the Director.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.432.030 Landscape and Maintenance.

All landscaping shall be permanently maintained in a clean, healthy, and attractive condition. This includes pruning, weeding, removal of litter, fertilizing, replacement of plants when necessary, and the appropriate watering of all landscaping.

Landscaping designs shall include one (1) or more of the following planting design concepts:

Specimen trees (48-inch box or more) in informal groupings or rows at major focal points.

Use of planting to create shadow and patterns against walls.

Use of planting to soften building lines and emphasize the positive features of the sit.

Use of flowering vines on walls, arbors, or trellises.

Trees to create canopy and shade, especially in parking areas and passive open space areas.

Berms, plantings, and walls to screen parking lots, trash enclosures, storage areas, utility boxes, etc.

Plant materials shall be placed so that they do not interfere with the lighting of the premises or restrict access to emergency apparatus such as re hydrants or re alarm boxes. Trees or large shrubs shall not be planted under overhead lines or over underground utilities if their growth might interfere with such public utilities. Trees and large shrubs shall be placed as follows:

A minimum of 6 feet between the center of trees and the edge of a driveway, a water meter, gas meter, and sewer laterals.

A minimum of 20 feet between the center of trees and the beginning of curb returns at intersections to keep trees out of the line-of-sight triangle at intersections.

A minimum of 15 feet between the center of trees and large shrubs to utility poles and streetlights.

A minimum of 8 feet between the center of trees or large shrubs and fire hydrants and Fire Department sprinkler and standpipe connections.

Curbs Required. All landscape planters shall be separated from all parking and loading spaces, parking aisles, and driveways with a minimum 6-inch-high concrete curb. In addition, for any such landscape area adjacent to a public sidewalk, in which the grade of the planter is higher than the sidewalk and which is planted with ground cover other than a hydroseeded or sodded lawn, a minimum 6-inch-high concrete curb shall be provided alongside the public sidewalk to preclude soil erosion across such sidewalk.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.432.040 Irrigation System and Maintenance.

All required landscaping shall be provided with a permanent underground irrigation system. The irrigation system shall consist of piped water lines terminating in an appropriate number of sprinklers or other outlets to insure complete coverage of water for plants within the landscaped areas.

Any permanent, underground irrigation system, whether required or not, shall comply with the following criteria:

Permits are required prior to installation of any permanent, underground irrigation system.

Off-Site Work. Irrigation systems exclusively in City rights-of-way require permits issued by the Construction Services Division of Public Works. Any system within City rights-of-way shall meet the minimum requirements outlined under Engineering Standard No. ISP-1.

On-Site Work. On-site and combination on-site and off-site installations shall comply with the Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance. Permit fees shall be in accordance with the applicable sections of the City Code.

Backflow Prevention Devices. All irrigation systems shall be protected by an approved type and size of backflow prevention devices, as required by the Public Works Department, to be painted green and screened by landscaping.

All sprinkler heads shall be adjusted and maintained to minimize overspray upon public access ways in order to reduce the undermining of surface areas and to reduce water waste.

Sprinkler heads and risers shall be protected from car bumpers. "Pop-up" heads shall be used near curbs and sidewalks. The landscape irrigation system shall be designed to prevent run-off and overspray.

Irrigation systems shall be maintained in good working order.

In addition to the requirements of subsection B of this section, any required permanent underground irrigation system for a development with 500 square feet or more in landscape area shall comply with the following criteria:

Each irrigation system shall be equipped with an automatic controller capable of operating valve stations to set days and length of time.

Each irrigation system shall be equipped with a rain sensing override device which automatically shuts off the irrigation system when it rains.

Whenever possible, landscape irrigation shall be scheduled between 2:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. to avoid irrigation during times of high wind or high temperature.

For larger developments, the following criteria may be required when considered appropriate under a department policy of either the Planning Division or Public Works Department.

A soil moisture sensing device may be required where appropriate to measure soil moisture and maintain efficient irrigation schedules.

A separate landscape water meter may be required.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.436.010 Street Dedication and Improvement.

No building permit shall be issued until the following requirements are met:

All streets, alleys, and other public rights-of-way shown on plans approved by the City Council and which abut the subject property shall be dedicated to the planned right-of-way line or a deed of dedication deposited in escrow with an escrow agent acceptable to the City Attorney, the delivery of which is conditioned upon the required permit being granted.

All improvements of streets, alleys, and other public rights-of-way which abut the subject property and are required in order to conform to improvement standards approved by the City Council shall be installed, or a performance bond, in a reasonable amount to be determined by the City Engineer, with sureties to be approved by the City Attorney, shall be filed with the City Clerk, or cash in a like amount shall be deposited with the Finance Director to be placed in a trust fund.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.436.020 Vehicular Provisions for Non-Residential Uses.

With the exception of required yards and setbacks (see Chapter 19.420) and landscape buffer requirements of Section 19.436.080, the vehicular provisions of Chapter 19.536, Division 5 for commercial uses shall apply for any permitted non-residential use in the RM zones.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.436.030 Vision Clearance.

Vision clearance areas shall be provided as follows:

On Any Corner Lot. A triangular area at the street intersection measuring 15 feet along each street property line (or the projections thereof parallel to the centerlines of the streets) from the point of intersection of such property lines (or the projections thereof);

At the intersection of an alley with a street, or at the intersection of two (2) alleys, or at an angle point where the alignment of an alley changes by sixty degrees or more: a triangular area measuring 15 feet along each street or alley property line from the point of intersection of the property lines;

At any driveway entrance from or exit to a street: triangular areas on each side of the driveway measuring fifteen feet along the street property line and fifteen feet along the edge of the driveway from the point of intersection of the edge of the driveway with the street property line.

Within a required vision clearance area there shall be no fence, tree, shrub, or other obstruction to sight between two feet and seven feet above the established street grade. Where the vision clearance area for an existing driveway falls on adjacent property, no additional obstruction in the two-foot to seven-foot height range shall be placed in the vision clearance area except a fence which meets the fence design criteria for vision clearance areas under Section 19.428.030. Where existing obstructions exist on adjacent property in the two-foot to seven-foot height range, any new driveway constructed on the subject property shall be located so as to not have any such obstructions in its vision clearance areas.

Permitted Encroachments. The following encroachments are permitted within the minimum required vision clearance area:

Utility-owned pole lines within approved easements.

Access walkways.

Fences, walls, hedges, and berms, subject to the design criteria under Section 19.428.030.

Landscaping, such as vines, shrubs, and/or ornamental grasses, not exceeding two (2) feet in height. Landscaping height may be adjusted to four (4) feet in height provided that it does not act as a privacy screen by spacing less dense landscaping a minimum of five (5) feet apart.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.436.040 Residential Driveway Standards.

In case of any conflict between the requirements of this section and any safety requirements pursuant to the Fire Code, the Fire Code requirements shall prevail.

Every garage, carport, parking area, or other off-street vehicular area shall be connected to one (1) or more public streets or alleys by one (1) or more driveways meeting the standards set forth in this section.

Driveway Width.

The width of any driveway shall be within the limits shown in Table 19.436.040, except for a single-family dwelling (one dwelling unit on a lot) in the RM zones, the requirements for driveway width shall be governed by Section 19.336.030 of Division 3 for the RS-6 zone.

Where the driveway approach width at the street property line required by the City Engineer pursuant to Title 12 is different from the driveway width required by this section, a variable width transition segment outside the street right-of-way shall be provided to provide a smooth connection.

Permitted Encroachments. The following encroachments are permitted within the required minimum driveway width:

Projections from buildings, with the minimum required height clearance of subsection D of this section, such as;

(i)

Cantilevered eaves, awnings, and shading devices.

(ii)

Architectural features—sills, cornices, buttresses, etc.

(iii)

Mechanical equipment cantilevered from building.

(iv)

Balconies, second floor overhangs, and porte cocheres.

Utility-owned pole lines within approved easements.

Access walkways.

Security gate, subject to vision clearance requirements of Section 19.436.030 and the fence requirements of Chapter 19.428.

Table 19.436.040 DRIVEWAY WIDTHS
Zone	Minimum Driveway Width	Maximum Driveway Width
RM-10, RM-20:
Not more than three dwelling units on lot	12 feet(1)	25 feet
More than three dwelling units on lot	20 feet	25 feet

Note:
(1)	To preclude backing out onto a street, for any multifamily dwellings on property with access on a secondary or greater highway, as denoted in the Buena Park General Plan, the minimum driveway width shall be 20 feet.

Driveway Height Clearance. Within the required driveway width, there shall be no obstruction from the driveway surface to a height of eight feet. In addition, any portion of a driveway not covered by a building or porte-cochere shall be unobstructed to a height of fourteen (14) feet.

Driveway Curvature. The minimum turning radius for any curve in a driveway shall be 25 feet measured to the outside edge of the driveway. The minimum turning radius for parking aisles shall be 25 feet.

Driveway Circulation Pattern.

Driveways and on-site circulation shall be arranged so that vehicles are not required to back into a street, with the following exceptions;

Single-family dwellings.

A lot with 3 or fewer units with vehicular access on a street designated as a secondary or lower-volume street/arterial as denoted in the Buena Park General Plan.

Any garage or carport with its vehicular entrance facing a street, where permitted under subsection F of this section, shall be in compliance with this chapter in order to allow temporary parking in the driveway without obstructing any portion of a public right-of-way.

There shall be no direct entry from an alley to a parking space in order to preclude backing from a parking space into an alley in the RM zones.

In all residential zones, there shall be no circular driveway in a front yard area with two (2) driveway entrances from the same street unless the street frontage on such street is 120 feet or more.

Corner Lots. Corner lots shall include a minimum of one (1) driveway on each street frontage (primary street and secondary/side street).

Surface Parking.

Parking lots shall be placed to the side or rear of buildings. There shall be no vehicular parking between building fronts and the public right-of-way.

Parking lots shall be connected to all building entrances by means of internal pedestrian walkways. Pedestrian walkways shall be a minimum of three (3) feet wide.

Access drives shall be at least 150 feet apart and at least 100 feet from street intersections, and 12 feet minimum from a property line unless an approved shared drive is provided or the driveway location does not create a traffic hazard to adjacent property.

Parking lot landscaping shall be located so as to discourage pedestrians from having to cross any landscaped areas to reach building entrances from parked cars.

Maximum number of driveways:

One driveway for lot frontage up to 150 feet.

Two driveways for lot frontage 150 feet to 299 feet.

One driveway for each additional 300 feet.

Residential Garage. If garage parking is provided, the following standards shall apply:

Garage doors may occupy no more than 25 percent of a building's street frontage and shall be recessed a minimum of 18 inches from a street-facing wall plane.

Street-facing garage doors serving individual units that are attached to the structure shall incorporate one (1) or more of the following so that the garage doors are visually subservient and complementary to other building elements:

Garage door windows or architectural detailing consistent with the primary dwelling.

Arbor or other similar projecting feature above the garage doors. Projecting features located above the garage door shall not project more than 2.5 feet into the required setback.

Each garage space shall be equipped with an automatic door opener and a roll-up sectional or similar garage door. On multifamily dwellings, a security gate on a multi-space garage is permitted pursuant to Section 19.428.060.

Interior Dimensions for Multi-Family Enclosed Garages.

A single-car garage shall be at least 10 feet in width and 20 feet in depth.

A standard double car garage shall be at least 20 feet in width and 20 feet in depth. For any interior utilities such as floor-mounted water heaters, washer and dryer, and water softeners, etc, shall be located outside of the required parking space dimensions pursuant to Table 19.436.070.

For an attached private garage, the design shall include adequate space for waste/solid storage and a water heater unit.

Parking Structure and Loading.

Any driveway providing access to a parking structure shall have a minimum width of 25 feet.

Parked vehicles at each level in the structure shall be shielded from view of adjoining streets.

The exterior elevations of parking structures shall be designed to minimize the use of blank concrete facades. This can be accomplished through the use of textured concrete, planters or trellises, or other architectural treatments.

If a toll or fee booth is in the driveway area, the driveways on either side of the booth shall have a minimum width of 12 feet.

The maximum length of a parking aisle without being intersected by another parking aisle or driveway shall be 300 feet.

Minimum lighting requirement at entrances and exits is 50 foot-candles. Minimum lighting requirement of parking areas is 5 foot-candles.

The minimum distance of entry/exit from a corner intersection is 150 feet.

Illuminated signs with architectural features, such as an arch or canopy, shall be used at the entrance to emphasize the facility entry and attract patrons pursuant to Section 19.904.080.B.

Tandem Parking. Tandem parking may be permitted to satisfy the off-street parking requirement for a residential unit in accordance with the following:

No more than two vehicles shall be placed one behind the other.

Both spaces shall be assigned to a single dwelling unit.

The tandem parking spaces shall be a minimum 36 feet by 9 feet in interior dimensions.

Tandem parking to meet required parking for multiunit development shall not exceed 50 percent of the total provided number of spaces.

Tandem parking shall not be used to satisfy the parking requirement for guest parking.

The minimum vertical clearance shall be 8 feet.

Visitor Parking. Parking for visitors and/or employees shall be accommodated on site in garages or parking areas to minimize spillover to adjacent residential neighborhoods.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.436.050 Parking Spaces Required.

In connection with the use of each lot, sufficient off-street parking space shall be provided to meet the demand created by all activities on the lot. The minimum requirements for residential uses shall be as shown in Table 19.436.050, entitled Parking Spaces Required. Additional requirements may be imposed, based upon substantiated estimates, as a condition of approval of a development under site plan review, conditional use permit, or other development approval procedure provided for in this Title. For uses or property for which no parking requirement is set forth in Table 19.436.050, nor previously determined under the interpretation procedure (Section 19.128.010), nor established under a development approval procedure, a parking requirement shall be determined for that type of use pursuant to the interpretation procedure set forth in Section 19.128.010.

Any fractional space requirement resulting from the calculation of required parking spaces shall be disregarded if less than 0.50 space and shall be counted as one required space if 0.50 or greater.

Table 19.436.050 PARKING SPACES REQUIRED
Use		Parking Spaces Required
Residential uses:
Single-family dwelling.		2 garage spaces (1) (Subject to Chapters 19.316 and 19.336 of Division 3 for the RS-6 zone)
Condominium, townhomes, cooperative apartment, community apartment		0-3 bedrooms = 2 garage spaces (plus 1 additional open space) 4 bedrooms = 2 garage spaces (plus 1.5 additional open spaces) When an on-site leasing office is included in the development, a minimum of three (3) parking spaces for prospective tenants shall be provided outside of any security gates or the security gate system shall provide for access to non-residents for leasing purposes. For all townhome/condominium developments, the allocation and management of restricted or assigned parking spaces shall be governed by Community Covenants and Restrictions (CC&Rs) which shall be reviewed and approved by the City to ensure compliance with local regulations.
Mobilehome park.		2 spaces (tandem parking permitted) plus 0.25 visitor space per unit.
Multifamily apartments:
in RM-10 Zone and RM-20 Zone.		0-1bedrooms = 2 spaces (1 covered) 2 bedrooms = 2.5 spaces (1 covered) 3+ bedrooms = 3 spaces (1 covered) When an on-site leasing office is included in the development, a minimum of three (3) parking spaces for prospective tenants shall be provided outside of any security gates or the security gate system shall provide for access to non-residents for leasing purposes.
Group quarters:
Rooming house, dormitory, sorority fraternity, etc.		1 space per sleeping room (plus 1 space per 100 sq. ft. of total net floor area in sleeping rooms which are in excess of 150 square feet in each such room) plus 2 spaces for any manager's dwelling unit.
Religious group quarters.		0.5 space per sleeping room (plus 0.5 space per 100 sq. ft. of total net floor area in sleeping rooms which are in excess of 150 sq. ft. in each such room).
Community residential care:
Small group care home.		2 spaces (in garage) + 2 driveway spaces
Other community residential care facility.		To be determined under conditional use permit based on licensed capacity, type of care, and number of employees. If no conditional use permit is required, parking spaces shall follow standards for single-family dwellings.
Non-Residential uses: (For parking space requirements of non-residential uses, refer to Section 19.536.040 of Division 5.)
* Assembly Bill 2097 (AB 2097) prohibits public agencies or cities from imposing a minimum automobile parking requirement on most development projects located within a half-mile radius of a major transit stop. However, Government Code § 65863.2(b) provides that any public agency findings to impose parking minimums must be supported by a preponderance of evidence in the record, showing that not imposing or enforcing minimum automobile parking requirements on the development would have a substantially negative impact, on any of the following:
1.	The City's ability to meet its share of the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) for low and very low-income households.
2.	The City's ability to meet any special housing needs for the elderly or persons with disabilities, as identified in the City's Housing Element.
3.	Existing residential or commercial parking within one-half mile of the housing development project.
Consistent with the preponderance of evidence standard under Government Code Section 65863.2(b), a parking study must be provided by the public or other interested party as part of the evidence of a substantially negative parking impact for a given project.

Note:
(1)	Any home constructed with five bedrooms or including at least 3,000 sq. ft. of living space shall maintain a minimum 600 square foot garage.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.436.060 Residential Parking Location.

Required residential parking shall be located on the same lot as the activities or uses served, except as follows:

Required parking may be located on a lot adjacent to the lot served subject to a recorded covenant as provided in subsection B of this section.

Any required parking provided by means of an off-street parking district is not subject to a specific location requirement.

Where required parking is not on the same lot as the activity or use served, a covenant running with the land shall be recorded by the owner of the parking lot guaranteeing to the City that the required parking will be maintained for the use or activity served.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.436.070 Residential Parking Dimensions and Layout.

Table 19.436.070 PARKING LAYOUT STANDARDS
Type of Space	Stall		Aisle Width (in feet)
	Width in feet	Length in feet	One-Way				Two-Way
	Width in feet	Length in feet	30°	45°	60°	90°	30°	45°	60°	90°
Standard Car Parking:
Angle Parking:	9	18	15	19	20	20	20	20	20	25
Parallel Parking	8	22
Compact Car Parking
Angle Parking:	8	16	13	15	20	20	20	20	20	25
Parallel Parking	7	20
Tandem Car Parking⁽¹⁾	9	36

Note:
⁽¹⁾ Tandem parking stalls are permitted in parking garages and private parking lots provided at least one (1) parking stall per dwelling unit and all stalls required for any guest parking shall be individually and easily accessible and at least one (1) standard stall per dwelling unit shall be provided.

Except as further provided in this section, the layout of residential parking areas shall meet the standards shown in Table 19.436.070.

Parking areas shall be located within the development and not along primary frontages, unless properly screened from view. An exception may be made for accessible parking and visitor parking.

Where internal street networks are provided, visitor parking shall be permitted as on-street parking on the internal street.

Parking areas shall be divided into parking courts separated by landscaping.

Where multi-family developments are located adjacent to any RS zone, parking for residents, visitors, and/or employees shall be accommodated onsite in garages, parking areas, or along internal streets to minimize spillover to adjacent residential neighborhoods. Parking and loading/unloading areas shall not create stacking/queuing issues at ingress/egress points.

There shall be a clear vehicular entry to every required parking space at least equal in width to the required width of the space, except that for spaces in residential garages or carports, the vehicular entry widths shall be at least equal to the minimum door or opening widths as required by Section 19.416.090.

Each parking space and aisle shall have a minimum clear height of at least six and one-half feet, except a storage bin may project not more than two and one-half feet into the front of a parking space with a clear height from the parking surface of at least four feet. For residential visitor parking spaces, at least twenty percent of the spaces provided together with their associated parking aisles shall have a clear height of at least seven feet.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) parking spaces shall be provided in accordance with State standards.

Except for any parking area of 10 or more spaces other than residential garage spaces, not more than 30 percent of the required spaces may be for compact car parking.

The layout of parking spaces shall comply with the driveway circulation requirements of Section 19.436.040.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.436.080 Residential Parking Improvements.

Except as otherwise specified in this Title, parking may be provided in parking lots, carports, garages, or other parking structures.

Drainage. All areas for the movement, parking, loading, repair, or storage of vehicles shall be graded and drained to dispose of surface water. In all cases except single-family residential uses, drainage shall be arranged to prevent surface flow across walkways and driveways.

Paving.

All areas for the movement and parking of vehicles shall be paved and maintained to eliminate dust and mud, to provide an even, unbroken driving surface, and to present a uniform appearance. This requirement shall not apply to:

Non-required parking spaces for single-family dwellings.

That portion of a mobile home site beneath the mobile home.

For all residential uses, all driveway approaches, driveways, required parking areas, and floors of carports and garages shall be portland cement concrete with a minimum 4 inches thickness. Other similar paving material may be permitted by the Director for driveways and parking areas, provided it is determined to be equivalent in useful life, serviceability, and appearance.

Permitted Vehicle Overhang. In all angle parking stalls (including ninety-degree parking) facing the perimeter of an uncovered parking area, a six-inch-high poured-in-place concrete curb shall be provided, located three feet inside the front boundary of the stalls, with the area between the curb and the front boundary of the stall to be landscaped.

Landscaping.

Landscaped Buffers Along Streets. Every parking area adjacent to a street, including vehicular overhangs, shall be set back from the street as indicated in the table below. Such setback areas shall be permanently landscaped in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 19.432.

	Minimum setback from property line for parking
Front property line	10 feet
Side property line, adjacent to street	10 feet

Screening in the RM Zones. In the RM zones, not including the RMH Zone, any parking area located in front of a main building or within sixty feet from a street property line shall be screened from public view by one of the following methods:

The parking shall be within a garage building or garage portion of a main building which is architecturally integrated with the main building.

The parking shall be effectively screened by ornamental fences, hedges or berms, or some combination thereof, at least four feet high, and including trees in any case. Erosion from such landscaped area onto any public walkway shall be prevented by sod, ground cover, or a six-inch-high concrete curb.

Marking of Parking Spaces.

All residential parking spaces serving more than three dwelling units on a lot, shall be marked with double lines with minimum 4-inch-wide stripes and a minimum 8-inch separation separating stalls.

Spaces for handicapped (ADA) parking and for compact cars shall be identified.

Lighting. Except for a single-family dwelling, security lighting shall be provided in all parking areas accessible to public entry after dark, subject to the following criteria:

Energy-efficient, full-cutoff pole fixtures shall be utilized to provide adequate light levels for safety at parking lots. Use of unhoused, bare bulbs shall be prohibited.

Building-mounted lighting fixtures shall not project above the fascia or roof line. Recessed wall mounts are encouraged.

Surface parking lot lighting fixtures shall not be on poles over 20 feet in height.

High-efficiency technology such as LED lighting with advanced controls shall be utilized to minimize energy consumption of parking lot lighting.

All luminaires shall be directed, shielded, or oriented to prevent light trespass or glare onto adjacent properties, rights-of-way and/or driveway areas.

All required lighting shall be permanently maintained as a condition of the use.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.440.010 Undergrounding of Utilities.

In connection with the new construction or relocation of a main building, or a change of use to a nonresidential use, all utility lines within the site boundaries shall be placed underground. Necessary surface-mounted utility equipment is permitted, provided it is screened from public view in the same manner as required for mechanical equipment as provided in Section 19.440.020.

The provisions of this section may be waived pursuant to the procedure provided under Section 19.128.060.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.440.020 Visual Screening of Mechanical Equipment.

All exterior equipment, whether freestanding or attached to a building, including pipes, conduit, and duct work shall be effectively screened from public view or architecturally integrated into a building structure, with the following exceptions:

Vents less than two (2) feet in height.

Window-mounted air conditioning units on multi-family dwellings.

Free-standing or roof-mounted solar equipment.

Outdoor lighting standards and fixtures.

Design/Materials.

Screening must be architecturally consistent and/or integrated with the facility in terms of design, screening materials, and colors. Effective screening does not call attention to itself, but quietly complements the building.

No raw or untreated materials shall be used on roof or building mounts. Fire Code requirements for the particular use and/or building will determine the permitted combustible or non-combustible material.

All utility equipment shall be located out of the pedestrian path of travel. All utility equipment shall be purposefully and aesthetically placed adjacent to alleyways, within parking areas, rear or side yards, or within building "notch outs" and screened from public view.

Mechanical equipment shall be either placed on the ground and screened with landscape or placed on the roof and screened with architectural materials such as roof or parapet consistent with the overall architectural style.

All electrical utility equipment, electrical meters, and junction boxes shall be placed within a utility room. If a utility room is not feasible, then all utility equipment shall be purposefully designed as an integral part of the building development, placed adjacent to alleyways, within parking areas, or within rear or side yards, and screened from public view.

Trees and shrubs shall be placed a minimum of 5 feet away from water meter, gas meter, or sewer laterals; a minimum of 10 feet away from utility poles; and a minimum of 3 feet away from fire hydrants and fire department sprinkler and standpipe connections, unless another dimension is approved by the local Authority Having Jurisdiction.

Roof-Mounted Equipment. Building parapets or other architectural elements in the building's architectural style shall screen roof-mounted equipment.

New buildings shall be designed to provide a parapet or other architectural element that is as tall or taller than the highest point on any new mechanical equipment to be located on the roof of the building.

For existing buildings with no parapet less than two (2) feet in height, mechanical equipment shall be surrounded on all sides by an opaque screen wall as tall as the highest point of the equipment. The wall shall be architecturally consistent with the building and match the existing building with paint, finish, and trim cap detail.

Wall- and Ground-Mounted Equipment.

Equipment is not allowed between front or side street facades and the street.

All screening devices shall be as high as the highest point of the equipment being screened.

Equipment and screening shall be in compliance with the setbacks of the zone.

Screening shall be architecturally compatible and include matching paint, finish, and trim cap of the building.

On ground mounts, view obscuring ornamental block, wood, and earth berms with acceptable landscaping may be used to provide effective architectural screening, if the treatment is deemed to be consistent with the overall design concept.

Treatment of Above-Grade Transformers; Meters; Gas Manifolds, etc. It is the intent to encourage the placement of such equipment in underground vaults. If placed above grade for a multi-family dwelling, such equipment shall be located in a side yard out of direct view from the street. If placed above grade for other than a multi-family dwelling, such equipment shall be located and screened from public view by an architectural screen and landscaping.

Maintenance. All screening devices shall be permanently maintained.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.440.030 Communications Antennae Placement in Residential Zones.

Communication antennae (including guy wires, supports, and antennae elements) shall be permitted anywhere on a lot except in front or side yard setback areas abutting a street and in required rear and side yard setback areas.

Communication antennae shall not be supported by wooden towers.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.440.040 Receive-Only Television, Satellite Dish, and Radio Antennae Placement in Residential Zones.

Receive-Only Antennae.

Any receive-only antenna may be mounted in the rear yard, interior side yard, or on the roof of any residential structure, subject to all conditions hereinafter provided, upon receipt of an antenna permit obtained in accordance with the provisions of subsection E of this section.

Screening Required.

Each receive-only antenna visible to the public which has a surface area exceeding 20 square feet, shall be screened. All such screening shall be on three sides and shall be sufficiently high so as to screen ninety percent or more of the antenna from public view.

Location.

No receive-only antenna, or its supporting structure, shall be installed in any required setback or in any other location which would impede emergency access to any portion of the subject property.

Height.

No receive-only antenna shall exceed 10 feet in height above the peak roof line of the structure upon which such antenna is mounted or ten feet above the peak roof line of the closest building or residential structure located on the subject property if such antenna is not to be roof mounted.

Nothing herein shall excuse any person from obtaining all permits otherwise required or from complying with any and all applicable local and State codes, laws and regulations pertaining to the installation of antennae and/or antenna supporting structures.

Each receive-only satellite dish antenna shall be earth-tone or neutral in color and shall be constructed of a "see-through" mesh or open grid design. Solid surface receive-only satellite dish antennae, such as solid white fiberglass designs, are prohibited unless completely screened from view at all times.

Receive-Only Antenna Permit Application.

Where a permit is required, or application therefore is authorized, under any provision of Section 19.440.030 or this section, each person desiring a permit shall apply to the City's Planning Division. The applicant shall provide a completed application on a form provided by the Planning Division containing at minimum, the following:

Name, address, and telephone number of the applicant.

The specific location where the applicant proposes to install the antenna, including a detailed description of the antenna design and any supporting structure proposed to be utilized, including size, weight, and such other information as the Planning division may require.

Specific reasons as to why the antenna proposed to be installed should not be mounted in the rear yard, or otherwise, in accordance with the preferred order of placement, as herein prescribed.

If required herein, a description of the screening proposed to be utilized by the applicant.

A sketch or other drawing, satisfactory to the Director, showing:

(i)

Location of physical features on the subject property.

(ii)

Approximate dimensions (plus or minus one foot) of the subject lot and physical features thereon,

(iii)

The specific location where the antenna, and screening if required, are proposed to be installed,

(iv)

Any other physical features in the area of the subject property which applicant feels would adversely affect reception in those areas set forth herein as "preferred," and

(v)

The design of the antenna and proposed support structure.

A statement as to why the proposed antenna may not be satisfactorily installed, or will not satisfactorily function, in a preferred area, as prescribed herein.

A declaration made under penalty of perjury that either the property upon which the antenna is proposed to be installed is not subject to any contractual covenants, conditions, or restrictions, or alternatively, that any applicable contractual covenants, conditions, or restrictions do not preclude the installation of the antenna, as proposed by the applicant.

All applicants for an antenna permit may be required to show to the satisfaction of the Director that circumstances preclude installation in a preferred area, or that reception quality in the preferred area or areas is insufficient, as herein prescribed.

Any person aggrieved by any provisions of this section due to exceptional circumstances may apply for an antenna permit in accordance with the provisions of subsection E of this section.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.440.050 EV Charging Stations.

Pursuant to Government Code Sections 65850.7 and 65850.71, any EV charging stations installed within any RM zone, is subject to the provisions of the streamlined permitting process pursuant to Chapter 15.71 of the City of Buena Park Municipal Code. In addition, EV charging stations in RM zones shall meet the requirements set forth in the Building Division's Electric Vehicle Charging System Guidelines for Residential Buildings. In addition, the EV charging station installation and equipment shall be consistent with the rules and regulations in CAL Green Building Standards Code and CBC Chapters 11A and 11B as applicable.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.444.010 Noise Control.

In addition to the requirements of Title 8, the following noise standards shall be met where applicable:

Residential Acoustical Design.

For all dwelling and group quarters, the development shall be designed to achieve:

Within each main building, a community noise equivalent level (CNEL) not exceeding forty-five decibels;

In outdoor areas, a community noise equivalent level (CNEL) not exceeding sixty-five decibels, except that where it is not reasonably possible to achieve this objective, the development shall be designed to provide the lowest noise level reasonably possible within private open areas and/or common usable open areas of at least one hundred square feet per unit, with access to such area available to the residents of each unit.

Acoustical design and analysis shall be based upon the projected noise contours as shown in the noise element of the General Plan. For all new residential developments, an acoustical analysis shall be submitted to the City as follows:

For any residential development within a sixty decibel CNEL contour, an analysis by a professional architect, engineer, or building designer shall demonstrate that the required noise levels will be achieved.

For any residential development within a sixty-five-decibels CNEL contour, or within either the moderate noise impact area or the significant noise impact area of the Fullerton Municipal Airport as shown in the noise element of the Buena Park General Plan, an analysis by a professional mechanical or acoustical engineer shall demonstrate that the required noise levels will be achieved. Prior to issuing a certificate of occupancy, the Building Official may require tests by a qualified acoustical technician to confirm that the noise reduction achieved is sufficient to meet the requirements of this section.

Air Conditioning Equipment. Exterior air conditioning equipment, other than self-contained window-mounted units in single-family dwellings, shall have a sound rating number (SRN) no greater than 60 decibels, in accordance with ARI (Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute) Standard 270, or the equivalent.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.444.020 Compliance with Airport Environs Land Use Plan for Orange County.

Applicants proposing buildings or structures that penetrate the Notification Surface for FMA or JFTB Los Alamitos shall file a Form 7460-1Notice of Proposed Construction or Alteration with the Federal Aviation Administration and provide a copy of the FAA determination to the City and Airport Land Use Commission (ALUC).

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.444.030 Lighting.

Lighting on any premises shall be directed, controlled, screened, or shaded in such a manner as not to shine directly on surrounding premises. Where adjacent owners enter into a written agreement, which shall be recorded, for the joint illumination of their premises, their combined properties shall be considered as a single premises for purposes of this regulation.

Lighting on any premises also shall be controlled so as to prevent glare on driveways, walkways, and public thoroughfares.

The use of unshaded clear bulbs in exterior lighting is prohibited.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.444.040 Maintenance and Operation.

All uses and activities shall be operated and maintained so as not to be hazardous, obnoxious, or offensive due to air pollution, odor, dust, smoke, gas, water pollution, noise, vibration, illumination, glare, electromagnetic disturbance or other radiation, or similar effects detrimental to public health, safety, and welfare. All Federal, State, and local laws and regulations concerning environmental protection shall be complied with.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.448.010 Mobilehome Parks.

Purposes. The purposes of this section and other provisions of this Division regulating mobilehome parks are to:

Protect the quality of mobilehome living;

Control abandonments of mobilehome parks and conversions of mobilehome parks to condominium-type ownership in order to avoid a shortage of affordable housing, avoid involuntary displacement of residents, and to mitigate relocation problems for displaced residents;

Protect the areas surrounding mobilehome parks from adverse effects.

Location and Use Approval. A mobilehome park on a site which is held in undivided ownership is automatically permitted in the RMH Zone, subject to the provisions of this Division, Title 15, and other applicable laws. A mobilehome park on a site held in divided ownership, including planned unit development, condominium, or stock cooperative forms of ownership, is permitted in the RMH Zone subject to a conditional use permit being granted and approval of a subdivision map.

Permitted Facilities and Activities.

All living quarters in a mobilehome park shall be mobilehomes approved under state or federal regulations, except one site-built dwelling unit for a manager or caretaker is permitted. Recreation vehicles shall not be occupied as living quarters within a mobilehome park.

The following accessory uses are permitted:

Recreational facilities for the use of residents and guests only;

Laundry for the use of residents only;

Home occupations, subject to the provisions of Section 19.448.060;

Office, maintenance, service, and utility facilities pertaining only to the operation of the mobilehome park;

Storage buildings and open storage areas for the use of residents only. Open storage areas shall be screened in accordance with Section 19.424.020.

Density. The maximum density of a mobilehome park shall be 12 dwelling units per net acre in the total site (as provided in Section 19.408.010).

Site Requirement. The minimum net site area for a mobilehome park shall be 200,000 square feet (as provided in Section 19.408.050).

Development Standards.

Mobilehome Site Size. The average size of mobilehome sites within each mobilehome park shall be not less than 2,400 square feet. No mobilehome site shall have an area less than 1,600 square feet.

Foundations. Permanent foundations for mobilehomes shall not be provided except foundations may be constructed in the case of a stock cooperative or condominium-type ownership where the mobilehome owner also has an ownership interest in the mobilehome site.

Buildings. No building shall be attached to or supported by a mobilehome.

Height. No building or structure shall exceed 2 stories or 30 feet in height, whichever is less.

Open Area. The ground coverage of each mobilehome site shall not exceed 60 percent.

Setbacks.

Abutting any surrounding streets, a mobilehome park shall have front and side yard setbacks of at least twenty feet.

Any common structures or facilities not over fifteen feet high shall be set back at least five feet from any property line abutting property in a residential zone.

Any common structures or facilities over fifteen feet high shall be set back at least ten feet from any property line abutting property in a residential zone.

On each mobilehome site, the mobilehome and any other structures or facilities shall be set back at least five feet from the boundaries of the site.

No encroachments shall be permitted in any of the required setback areas except as follows:

Landscaping, in any setback area;

ii.

Fences not over three and one-half feet high, in any setback area;

iii.

Fences three and one-half to seven feet high, in any setback area other than a required setback area abutting a street;

iv.

Screened common storage areas, in perimeter setback areas other than a required setback area abutting a street and other than a required setback area on a mobilehome site.

Trash Areas. Trash storage facilities in compliance with the requirements of Section 19.424.010 shall be located within one hundred feet of each mobilehome.

Storage. All storage shall be within accessory storage buildings or screened enclosures which comply with the provisions of Section 19.424.020, whether such storage is located on individual mobilehome sites or as a common facility for residents.

Fences. An ornamental masonry wall at least 6 feet high and not more than 7 feet high shall completely enclose all mobilehome park facilities except for entrance drives and walks and perimeter setback areas along street frontages.

10.

Landscaping. All ground areas not covered by permitted facilities shall be landscaped.

11.

Access and Circulation. A paved roadway at least thirty feet wide shall extend from a public street to each mobilehome site. Roadway improvements shall comply with the paving standards of Section 19.436.080 and any additional such standards adopted for mobilehome parks pursuant to Section 19.124.050.

12.

Parking. Parking areas shall be provided as required by Chapter 19.436. Parking shall not be permitted within the minimum thirty-foot width of each roadway.

13.

Community Facilities. Common usable open area shall be provided as required by Section 19.420.040. Suitable recreational facilities shall be provided for the use of residents such as swimming and therapeutic pools, clubhouses, tennis courts, shuffleboard courts, and landscaped park areas.

14.

Signs. In lieu of the permit-exempt identification sign permitted by subsection D of Section 19.904.080, Division 9, one identification sign is permitted at each park entrance. Each such sign shall have a total sign face area of not more than 24 square feet. The total sign face area of all such signs shall not exceed one square foot for each dwelling unit in the park. In addition, a directory sign not exceeding 24 square feet in total face area, showing names, addresses, and locations of residents, may be located inside each entrance. Directional signs, not exceeding 4 square feet in total sign face area each and not more than 4 feet high, may be placed as necessary.

15.

Utilities. Individual utility metering shall be provided for all mobilehome sites.

16.

Site Plan Review. All development in a mobilehome park shall conform to a site plan approved pursuant to Section 19.128.040.

Ownership and Management. In connection with any approval of a conditional use permit and/or subdivision map for divided ownership of any mobilehome park, conditions shall be imposed requiring documents governing the ownership and management of the park which meet the same criteria as set forth for condominium documents under subsection 8 of Section 19.448.030.

Conversion or Abandonment. In the event all or part of a mobilehome park located in the RMH Zone is proposed to be vacated, converted to another use, or converted to a planned unit development, condominium, or stock cooperative form of ownership, the following shall be required:

The mobilehome park owner shall give notice to all residents of the park and to the City Council at least one hundred eighty days in advance of such proposed abandonment or conversion.

During such one-hundred-eighty-day period, the owner shall hold open an offer of sale of the park to any association formed by and open to membership of all park residents for the purpose of acquiring ownership of the park.

If abandonment of mobilehome use in all or part of the park is proposed, such abandonment shall not take place until a change of zone has been initiated by the owner and acted upon by the City Council. (See California Government Code Section 65863.7.)

If conversion to a new ownership form is proposed, a conditional use permit and subdivision map approval procedure shall be initiated by the current owner. In case of approval, the conditions of such approval shall require that residents be given the first right of refusal on the purchase of ownership rights in their respective mobilehome sites.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.448.020 Multifamily Development on RM-20 Lots with Non-Conforming Lot Width and/or Lot Area.

Purpose. The purpose of this section is to provide for multi-family residential development on existing lots in the RM-20 zone which are non-conforming in lot width and/or area, and to provide certain specific minimum development standards that will reduce the intensity of multi-family development on the smaller lots, encourage lot consolidation to achieve conforming lot width and area whenever possible, and promote shared driveways whenever possible to maximize the availability of on-street parking in the RM-20 zone.

Definition. For the purpose of this section, a non-conforming lot is defined as any existing lot in the RM-20 zone which has a lot width less than 100 feet and/or a lot area less than 12,500 square feet.

Density. The maximum density for any non-conforming lot shall be determined by computing the maximum number of dwelling units otherwise permitted under Sections 19.408.010, 19.408.020, and 19.408.030; and reducing that number in accordance with the following factors:

One percent reduction for each foot of lot width less than 100 feet.

One percent reduction for each 200 square feet of lot area less than 12,500 square feet.

Fractional results shall be governed by Section 19.408.040.

Site Plan Review Required. A Site Plan shall be submitted for any multi-family residential project on a non-conforming lot in the RM-20 Zone which shall meet the criteria set forth in this section. The plan shall be filed in the manner and form prescribed in Section 19.128.040.

Intent. The intent of the Site Plan Review is to allow for the development of non-conforming lots while ensuring that any potential areas that may exist for common use with adjacent lots, such as shared open space, site access or reciprocal parking, are identified for future use.

The information on the Site Plan shall include, but is not limited to, the following for the subject lot and all adjacent lots:

Applicable existing and/or conceptual building locations and orientation;

Overall circulation, both vehicular and pedestrian;

Points of ingress and egress to public and private streets;

Parking lot locations and configurations;

Areas for potential or future common use on adjacent lots, such as shared open space, site access or reciprocal parking, shall be identified.

Review Criteria. The master plan shall be reviewed in accordance with Section 19.128.040 (Site Plan Review).

Development Standards. Under the provisions of this section, any residential development of more than one dwelling unit on a non-conforming lot in the RM-20 zone shall comply with all development standards of Division 4, with the following exceptions:

Height of Structures.

For any building or structure located within 50 feet of an RS zone, the maximum height shall not exceed 2 stories or 30 feet, whichever is less.

For any building or structure located 50 feet or more from an RS zone, the maximum height shall not exceed 3 stories or 40 feet, whichever is less.

Common Usable Open Area. Open area on a lot shall include at least 300 square feet of common usable open area per unit. For any development where the livable area of dwelling units abut the landscaped front yard, the required common usable open area for that development may be reduced by a maximum 5 percent pursuant to a site plan review process. All other standards for common usable open area shall be in accordance with Section 19.420.020.

Driveway Width. The driveway width requirements of Table 19.436.040 shall apply for non-conforming lots, except that, for more than three dwelling units on a non-conforming lot, the driveway width may be further reduced to a minimum 12 foot width with a conditional use permit approval pursuant to Section 19.128.020.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.448.030 Residential Condominiums, Townhomes, Stock Cooperatives, and Community Apartments.

Applicability. This section applies to all multifamily residential developments utilizing a condominium, Townhome, stock cooperative, or community apartment form of ownership (referred to hereafter in this section as condominiums), whether initially developed in that form or converted from an existing form of ownership and development.

Findings and Purposes.

It is found that residential condominiums differ from rental units in many respects, including the need for design, construction, and maintenance controls, and that it is necessary that standards for both the development of and conversion to condominiums be applied for the benefit of the public health, safety, and welfare.

The purposes of this section are to establish standards for the design, construction, management, operation, and maintenance of residential condominium developments; and to control conversions of rental units to condominiums in order to avoid shortages of rental housing, to avoid involuntary displacement of residents, and to mitigate relocation problems of displaced residents.

Location. Residential condominium developments regulated by this section are permitted in the RM Zones (not including the RMH Zone) subject to a conditional use permit granted pursuant to Section 19.128.020 and the requirements of the state Subdivision Map Act.

General Requirements. Residential condominium developments shall be subject to all requirements applicable to multifamily residential uses in the zone in which the condominiums are located.

Special Requirements.

Storage. For each condominium unit, there shall be a separate enclosed storage space of at least two hundred cubic feet. Such space shall have access other than from the interior of the dwelling unit and shall be weatherproof and lockable.

Utilities. Each condominium unit shall have separate utility service systems including water, gas, and electrical service. All services shall be individually metered to each unit. Units shall be served by individual sewer laterals that do not cross other individually owned space unless located in dedicated easements. Main sewer lines shall be in easements. Each unit shall have plumbing stacks separate from any other unit.

Garages. The minimum garage floor area for each unit shall be four hundred square feet. The minimum garage door width for each unit shall be one sixteen-foot door or two eight-foot doors.

Internal Circulation. In residential rental apartment and condominium developments with multiple buildings, parking areas shall be accessed through a network of internal streets. In townhouse developments, internal circulation shall be via one (1) or more internal streets connecting to alleys where garages are located.

Attached Units Limits. For townhouses that face onto a street, the maximum number of attached units per building shall be eight (8).

Roof Form. No more than four (4) side-by-side townhouse units may be covered by one (1) unarticulated roof. Variation may be accomplished by changing the direction of slope, and by including elements such as dormers.

Affordable Units. A developer of a residential condominium development project shall restrict a minimum of 25 percent of units to very low- and low-income residents or pay a fee in-lieu of providing the required minimum of affordable units.

Ownership, management, operation, and maintenance responsibilities shall be governed by documents required under the California Civil Code, Title 6, Chapter 1 (Sections 1350 through 1360) and which provide for:

Right of access to common areas for City and other governmental representatives on official business;

A continuing owners' association with management responsibility, each unit with equal vote, the authority to levy assessments on an equitable basis, and a duty to give advance notice to the City of any changes affecting city requirements;

A means of re-assembly of the project into a single ownership and/or partition into more than one project.

Conversions of existing developments to residential condominium projects shall be permitted only when approval is granted pursuant to Section 19.128.020. No such conversion shall become effective until all existing structures are brought into compliance with current building and housing regulations including the City's building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and fire prevention codes.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.448.040 Single-Family Cluster Housing.

Single-family cluster housing is permitted in the RM-10 and RM-20 zones. A single-family cluster development may be approved pursuant to the requirements set forth in Section 19.348.020.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.448.050 Cottage Cluster Developments.

Cottage cluster developments are permitted in the RM-10 and RM-20 zones. A cottage cluster development may be approved pursuant to the RS-8 requirements set forth in Section 19.348.110.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.448.060 Home Occupations.

Purpose. The purpose of this section is to eliminate the detrimental effects of occupational activities in residential areas by setting forth reasonable and necessary limitations on such activities.

Uses Permitted. No home occupation shall be conducted which, in order to be successfully operated, would necessitate exceeding the limitations set forth in this section or any other provision of this Division.

Limitations.

Any sales activity shall be conducted only by mail, telephone, or internet.

The space occupied by home occupations shall be limited to no more than one room in a dwelling unit. Garages and accessory buildings shall not be used for a home occupation.

There shall be no interior or exterior remodeling or change in appearance of a dwelling to accommodate a home occupation.

There shall be no signs or other structures except those permitted for a dwelling use in the zone.

There shall be no indoor or outdoor storage of materials or equipment pertaining to a home occupation.

Materials and equipment used in a home occupation shall be only of a type normally used in connection with household activities or hobbies.

Employment in a home occupation shall be limited to the occupants of the dwelling unit.

There shall be no transportation by commercial vehicle of materials or other items used in or produced by the home occupation.

No vehicular or pedestrian traffic shall be generated by the home occupation with the exception of one-on-one tutoring or musical instrument training (non-amplified, no percussion) for children 18 years of age or younger shall be permitted.

10.

A home occupation shall not place any added burden or demand on utility services or community facilities.

11.

A home occupation shall not present any external evidence of nonresidential activity such as by appearance, noise, vibrations, odors, lighting, or signs.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.448.070 Yard Sales.

Purposes. The purposes of this section are to control the nature and frequency of yard sales in residential areas in order to maintain the noncommercial character of such areas and to prevent excessive traffic congestion and noise in such areas.

Location, Frequency, and Time. In any residential zone, on any 1 lot in residential use, a yard sale may be conducted on not more than 2 consecutive days in any 6-month period. Sales shall be conducted only between 8:00 a.m. and sunset.

Limitations. Items displayed, offered, or sold at a yard sale shall be only household items which have been in regular use or storage for 6 months or more on the same premises.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.448.080 Animal Keeping.

Purpose. The purpose of this section is to reasonably control the number and types of animals being maintained within the City in order to protect the peace, health, and safety of residents and to preserve the urban and suburban quality of the environment.

Animals Allowed. No animal shall be kept or maintained within the RM zones except as follows:

Household Pets. Not more than 3 dogs and 3 cats per household plus any unweaned litter from such pets not over 6 months old, and parrots, canaries and other house birds of a similar nature. Rabbits and fowl (other than house birds) are prohibited. In addition, the following types of animals may be kept as household pets: hamsters, guinea pigs, white rats, white mice, turtles, salamanders, newts, chameleons, kangaroo rats, not more than 3 nonvenomous reptiles not over 6 feet long, any nonpoisonous toad, nonvenomous lizard or spider, and other animals of a similar nature as may be determined by interpretation pursuant to Section 19.128.010.

Animals may be kept in an educational institution for the purpose of instruction, provided such animals are securely confined and properly cared for in a manner satisfactory to the Orange County poundmaster.

Limitations.

No person shall keep, maintain, or permit on any lot, parcel of land, or premises under his or her control, any animal which by any sound or cry disturbs the peace and comfort of the inhabitants of the neighborhood or interferes with any person in the reasonable and comfortable enjoyment of life or property. Nor, shall any person maintain any animals in such a manner as to cause the breeding of flies or the creation of obnoxious odors, or in any manner which becomes or is a nuisance or health hazard.

All animals shall be kept under control at all times by leash, fences, pens, corrals, cages, or suitable enclosures within buildings.

All animal-keeping structures shall conform to any applicable zoning and building code requirements.

Any premises where animals are kept shall be open to reasonable inspection by City personnel and other public officers have responsibility for enforcement of animal control regulations.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.448.090 Emergency Shelters.

Emergency shelter shall have the definition prescribed in California Health and Safety Code Section 50801.

Required to be incidental to a religious assembly use.

The maximum number of beds/persons permitted to be served nightly shall be based on the individual capacity of the building and overall facility and shall not be less than 50 square feet per person served. Shelters are limited to 30 occupants per site as a principal permitted use, consistent with Cal. Gov't Code Section 65583(4)(A).

Maximum stay at the facility shall not exceed 180 days in a 365-day period.

Facility location shall be within a 1/2 mile radius from an OCTA bus stop, as measured from the property line.

The proximity to other emergency shelters shall be a minimum distance of 300 feet.

A minimum of 1 staff member per 15 beds shall be awake and on duty when the facility is in operation.

A minimum of one (1) parking stall for every eight (8) beds and one (1) covered and secure bicycle parking space for every four (4) beds. Parking requirements may be waived if the emergency shelter is located within 1/2 mile of a High Quality Transit Corridor (HQTC), although one (1) space per employee is recommended.

Exceptions. An Emergency Shelter may propose fewer parking spaces if the Emergency Shelter can demonstrate by a parking study that the proposed parking will satisfy the anticipated parking demand for the project to the satisfaction of the Public Works Department. In any case, the required parking for an Emergency Shelter shall not be more than that which is required for similar residential or commercial uses within the zone.

Exterior lighting shall be provided for the entire outdoor area of the site consistent with the provisions of Section 19.536.070(G).

On-site client waiting and intake areas shall be located internally in the building where feasible. If not feasible, a waiting area shall be provided which contains a minimum of 10 square feet per bed provided at the facility. The waiting area shall be in a location not adjacent to the public right-of-way, shall be visually separated from public view by minimum 6-foot tall visually screening mature landscaping or a minimum 6-foot-tall decorative masonry wall, and shall provide consideration for shade/rain provisions.

The emergency shelter manager shall be responsible for ensuring that any food service or on-site meal preparation areas comply with all applicable requirements of the county health department.

Any outdoor storage, including, but not limited to, items brought on-site by clients for overnight stays, shall be screened from public view. Any outdoor storage areas provided shall be screened from public view by minimum 6-foot tall visually screening mature landscaping or a minimum 6-foot-tall decorative masonry wall.

A private storage area or closet shall be provided with each on-site bed. At no time shall any client of an emergency shelter be allowed to keep on-site any alcoholic beverages or store any type of illegal substances, drugs, and/or firearms of any kind. The manager of the emergency shelter shall conduct routine inspections of each on-site client's personal space to verify compliance with this section.

Facility improvements shall additionally provide:

A minimum of 1 toilet for every 10 persons;

A minimum of 1 shower for every 8 persons;

A minimum of 1 hand-washing station for every 10 persons; and

Private shower and toilet facility for each area designated for use by individual families.

An operational plan shall be provided for the review and approval of the Community and Economic Development Director. Plans may be required to address additional specific needs as identified by the Director. The approved operational plan shall remain active throughout the life of the facility and updated as necessary. At a minimum, the plan shall contain provisions addressing the topical areas outlined below:

Security and safety - addressing both on- and off-site needs, including provisions to address the separation of male/female sleeping areas as well as any family areas within the facility;

Loitering control - with specific measures regarding off-site controls to minimize the congregation of clients in the vicinity of the facility during hours that clients are not allowed on-site;

Management of outdoor areas - including a system for daily admittance and discharge procedures and monitoring of waiting areas with a goal to minimize disruption to nearby land uses;

Staff training - with objectives to provide adequate knowledge and skills to assist clients in obtaining permanent shelter and income and have a process to address the following topics: client intake, confidentiality, health and safety training, mental health, and substance abuse treatment and referrals;

Communication and outreach with objectives to maintain good communication and response to operational issues which may arise from the neighborhood, City staff, or the general public;

Screening of clients for admittance eligibility - with objectives to provide first service to Buena Park residents;

Counseling programs to be provided with referrals to outside assistance agencies, and provide an annual report on this activity to the City; and

Litter control - with an objective to provide for the timely removal of litter attributable to clients within the vicinity of the facility.

The facility may provide the following services in a designated area separate from sleeping areas and restrooms:

A recreation area either inside the shelter or in an outdoor area visually separated from public view by a minimum six (6) foot tall visually screening decorative wall or fence;

A counseling center for job placement, educational, health care, legal, or mental health services;

Laundry facilities to serve the number of clients at the shelter;

Kitchen for the preparation of meals and dining area;

Client storage area (i.e., for the overnight storage of bicycles and personal items); or

Similar services geared to homeless clients.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.448.100 Floor Area Ratio for Multi-Family and Mixed-Use Developments (SB 478).

Senate Bill (SB) 478, Housing Opportunity Act, adds to Government Code Section 65913.11 that local governments are prohibited from imposing a floor area ratio standard that is less than 1.0 on a housing development project that consists of 3 to 7 units, or less than 1.25 on a housing development project that consists of 8 to 10 units. SB 478 also prohibits local agencies from imposing lot coverage requirements that would physically preclude a housing development project from achieving these floor area ratios; and denying a housing development project located on an existing legal parcel solely on the basis that the lot area of the proposed lot does not meet the local agency's requirements for minimum lot size. These restrictions only apply to housing development projects that are located in multifamily residential zones or mixed-use zones. This section adopts the Housing Opportunity Act by reference. Where a provision contained in the Municipal Code does not discuss a specific condition or situation that arises, the provisions set forth in State Law shall apply. In the event of a conflict between these provisions and the provisions of State Law, whichever is stricter shall prevail.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.448.110 Group Homes.

Group Homes, including Sober Living Homes, as those terms are defined in Title 5, Chapter 5.70 of the Buena Park Municipal Code shall be subject to permitting and review process specified in Chapter 5.70.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.448.120 Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units.

Refer to Section 19.348.010 for specific regulations on Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units in RM zones.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

Buena Park City Zoning Code

Division 4

Multi-Family Residential Zones 1

§ 19.404.010 Purpose and General Plan Consistency.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.404.020 Description of Zones.

The Housing Opportunities Overlay (HOO) provides for higher-density affordable multi-family housing.

The Religious Congregational and Fraternal Overlay (RCFO) allows faith-based and fraternal organizations to build affordable housing on their sites.

Mixed-Use Zones. The following mixed-use zones with their general purpose as indicated have been created to implement the goals, objectives, and land use designations of the General Plan.

GMU, General Mixed-Use. To provide for a horizontal or vertical mix of higher-density residential and neighborhood commercial uses along major arterials.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.404.030 Housing Incentive Overlay (HIO) Classification.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.404.040 Planned Unit Developments.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.404.050 Interpretation of Uses Permitted.

Further definition and enumeration of uses permitted in the various zones may be determined by interpretation in accordance with Section 19.128.010.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.408.010 Residential Densities.

Zone	Base Density (dwelling units per net acre)⁽³⁾
RMH	12.0
RM-10	10.0⁽¹⁾
RM-20	20.0⁽²⁾

Notes:
⁽¹⁾ In the RM-10 zone, a minimum 100 ft. lot width and a minimum 12,500 sq. ft. lot area is required for more than 1 dwelling unit on a lot.
⁽²⁾ In the RM-20 zone, special density requirements apply for lots with less than 100 feet in width and/or less than 12,500 sq. ft. in lot area. See Section 19.448.020.
⁽³⁾ For standards on density bonus, see Section 19.408.020 for Lot Consolidation Bonus and Section 19.408.030 for Affordable Housing Bonus.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.408.020 Lot Consolidation Bonus - Multi-Family Zones.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.408.030 Affordable Housing Bonus.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.408.040 Fractional Results.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.408.050 Site Dimensions.

The minimum size and dimensions of lots created in the various zones shall be as shown in Table 19.408.050.

Notes.

Certain specific uses of property require site areas and dimensions greater than the minimum site requirements for the zone. See Chapter 19.448, Special Requirements for Certain Uses.

Site Non-Conformity.

Where property is also located in the PD Overlay Zone, the minimum site area for development shall be 5 acres (217,800 square feet).

Table 19.408.050 MINIMUM SITE DIMENSIONS
Zone	Minimum Lot Area (square feet)	Minimum Street Frontage (feet)	Minimum Lot Width (feet)	Minimum Lot Depth (feet)
RMH	200,000	—	—	—
RM-10⁽²⁾	12,500	50	100	—
RM-20⁽¹⁾⁽²⁾	12,500	50	100	—

Notes:
⁽¹⁾ In the RM-20 zone, lots with less than 100 feet in width and/or less than 12,500 sq. ft. in lot area shall refer to Section 19.448.020.
⁽²⁾ For housing developments that consist of three (3), but not more than ten (10) units are permitted in the RM-10 and RM-20 zones are permitted without meeting the minimum lot size requirements. Refer to California Government Code Section 65913.11.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.412.010 Uses Permitted.

Symbol	Meaning
P	Automatically permitted use.
I	Incidental use—use permitted only if incidental to another primary use on the same site. If incidental to a use authorized by conditional use permit, such incidental use is permitted only if included within the terms of the conditional use permit.
C	Conditional use—use eligible for consideration under the conditional use procedure (Section 19.128.020) and permitted only if a conditional use permit is approved, subject to the specific conditions of such permit.
Ci	Incidental conditional use—use eligible for consideration under the conditional use procedure only if incidental to another primary use of the site, whether such primary use is automatically permitted or permitted by conditional use permit.
T	Temporary use—permitted if approved in accordance with Title 19, Division 10.

Those uses listed as accessory uses in the uses permitted table are subject to the definition of accessory use in Section 19.104.080 as well as the meanings of the indicated symbols in the table.

Table 19.412.010 USES PERMITTED - MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL ZONES
Uses	RMH	RM-10	RM-20	PD⁽⁸⁾	Additional Requirements
Residential Uses
Single-Family Dwellings:					See Note (1).
Site-Built.		P	P	C
Manufactured Homes.		P	P
Single-Family Cluster.		C	C	C	See Section 19.448.040
Multi-Family Dwellings:
Multi-Family Apartments.		P	P	C
Transitional/Supportive Housing.		P	P	P	See Chapter 5.70 and Government Code Section 65651 for supportive housing projects
Condominium, Stock Cooperative, Community Apartments.		C	C	C	See Section 19.448.030.
Cottage Cluster.		P	P		Cottage Clusters are permitted only if 100% of the development is affordable and meets the requirements set forth in the Objective Design Standards in Section 19.448.050.
Employee/Farmworker Housing.		P	P
Mobilehome Park:					See Section 19.448.010
Undivided ownership.	P
Condominium or planned unit development ownership.	C			C
Group Quarters:
Convent, rectory, rooming house, dormitory, fraternity or sorority house, etc.		C	C
Transient Quarters: (See Division 5, Commercial Uses—Tourist Services.)
Community Residential Care:					See Note (2).
Small group care home.		P	P	P
Other community residential care facility.		C	C		See California Government Code Section 65583, subdivision (c)(10)(A) for Affirmatively Further Fair Housing (AFFH) provisions.
Residential Accessory Uses:
Non-habitable accessory structure.	I	I	I	I	See Section 19.416.080.
Accessory dwelling unit.		I	I	I	See Section 19.348.010.
Guesthouse.
Home occupation.	I	I	I	I	See Section 19.448.060.
Short-term rental.	I	I	I	I	As incidental to a single-family dwelling only. See Section 19.348.080.
Animal keeping.	I	I	I	I	See Section 19.448.080.
Swimming pool, therapeutic pool, recreational structure (play equipment, tennis courts, etc.).	I	I	I	I
Clubhouse, meeting room, game room, gymnasium, sauna, health center (private use only).	I	I	I	C
Rental management office, storage room.	I	I	I	I
Parking, within garage.	I	I	I	I
Parking, under carport.	I	I	I	I
Parking, uncovered.	I	I	I	I
Yard sale.	I	I	I	I	See Section 19.448.070.
Public Service Uses
Community Day Care:
Small group child day care home (1-14 children).		P	P	P	See Note (3).
Small group adult day care home (1-6 adults).		P	P	P
Child day care center (more than 14 children).		Ci	Ci	Ci	See Note (4).
Adult day care center (more than 6 adults).		Ci	Ci	Ci	See Note (4).
Health Facilities:
Long-term care (intermediate care or skilled nursing).		C	C
Public Assembly: (See also Recreation.)
Church.		C	C		In all residential zones in which churches are permitted, such churches shall be located on and oriented to major, primary, or secondary highway as defined and as designated in the Buena Park General Plan. Additionally, see Note (5).
Café/Coffee Shop		I	I		Permitted only as an incidental use to an existing permitted religious facility and subject to all building and fire safety standards applicable to commercial/assembly use. Must be less than 3,000 square feet facility and subject to all building and fire safety standards applicable to commercial/assembly use. Must be less than 3,000 square feet.
Emergency shelter.		I	I		See Section 19.448.090.
Education:
Educational institution.		C	C		See Note (5).
Recreation:
Public park, public playground, public recreational area, public landscaped open space, public-owned historical site or feature.		P	P	P
Community recreation center.		P	P	C
Utilities and Communications:					See Division 12 of Zoning Ordinance.
Aviation navigational aids.	C	C	C	C
Public utility facilities or structures, including electrical substations and cellular telephone facilities.	C	C	C
Transportation:
Parking lot.		C	C	C
Parking structure.		C	C	C
Temporary Uses
Temporary uses, as provided in Title 19, Division 10.	T	T	T	T
On-site construction facilities.	T	T	T	T	See Note (6).
On-site real estate sales office.	T	T	T	T	See Note (7).

Notes:
⁽¹⁾ Previously approved existing single-family uses within RM Zones are considered legal non-conforming. However, in the event that 20 percent or more of an existing single-family use within an RM zone is destroyed or significantly damaged, such use will no longer be permitted, and the property must be developed in accordance with the zoning regulations applicable to the respective zone.
⁽²⁾ A Community Residential Care facility is a "community care facility" serving seven (7) or more persons, licensed for any type of 24-hour care pursuant to the California Community Care Facilities Act and California Health and Safety Code Section 1500 et seq. Community Residential Care facility are conditionally permitted in the RM-10 and RM-20 zones. A minimum distance of 300 feet shall be maintained from any other community care facility.
⁽³⁾ All applicants shall comply with the State Health and Safety Code with regard to the maximum number of children that may be supervised at any 1 time based on applicable standards and criteria. In no case, shall the total number of children supervised at any 1 time at any residence exceed 14.
⁽⁴⁾ Permitted with a conditional use permit as an incidental use provided that sufficient parking and circulation can be provided on the property and the hours of operation for the incidental use will not conflict with the primary use.
⁽⁵⁾ Bingo games shall be permitted as an accessory use only when authorized under Chapter 5.16 et seq., and only when fire and safety regulations are met and parking facilities are fully conforming to the requirements for public assembly use.
⁽⁶⁾ Offices, storage, activities, and facilities directly pertaining to construction on the same site provided construction is not suspended for a permitted use for more than 30 consecutive days.
⁽⁷⁾ Temporary real estate sales office, only for sales or leasing of new subdivision and for not more than 1 year.
⁽⁸⁾ Permitted uses and intensity of use in the PD zone shall be determined in a public hearing, subject to the provisions of the General Plan for the individual area designated as Planned Development.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.412.020 Multi-Family Residential Zone-Commercial Parties Prohibited.

Definitions. For purposes of this section, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings set forth herein:

"Party" means 3 or more persons meeting together for social, recreational, or amusement purposes.

Admission Charge Prohibited. No person or group of persons shall require, implicitly or expressly, any admission charge to any party conducted in any multifamily residential zone.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.416.010 Buildings Required.

All activities and facilities, where permitted by other provisions of this Division, shall be enclosed within permanently constructed buildings.

Outdoor activities, storage, and display may be permitted in accordance with Sections 19.412.010 and 19.424.020, and the regulations and limitations of Division 10, Title 19.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.416.020 Building Type.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.416.030 Height of Structures.

The maximum height of any building or structure shall be as shown in Table 19.416.030.

Table 19.416.030 HEIGHT LIMITS — MULTI-FAMILY ZONES
Zone	Maximum Height
Zone	Within 50 Feet of Any RS Zone	More than 50 Feet from RS Zone
RMH⁽¹⁾	2 stories or 30 feet, whichever is less.	2 stories or 30 feet, whichever is less.
RM-10 & RM-20	2 stories or 35 feet, whichever is less.	3 stories or 40 feet, whichever is less, except a greater height may be authorized by a conditional use permit.
RM-10 and RM-20 With tuck-under parking	The maximum building height may be 3 stories or 35 feet. The minimum height of the ground floor for tuck-under parking shall be 12 feet with residential units located on the second and third floors.	The maximum building height may be 4 stories or 45 feet. The minimum height of the ground floor for tuck-under parking shall be 12 feet with residential units located on the second, third, and fourth floors.

Note:
⁽¹⁾ See Section 19.448.010 for height limits and additional development standards for RMH zones.

For multi-family units on a lot in the RM-20 zone with non-conforming lot width and/or lot area, special height requirements of Section 19.448.020 shall apply.

For a single-family dwelling (one dwelling unit on a lot) in the RM zones, the height limits of Section 19.316.030 of Division 3 shall apply.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.416.040 Building Form.

Parking areas, covered and uncovered, shall be screened from public street frontages. Screening may be accomplished through building placement, landscaping, fencing, or some combination thereof.

Buildings shall be arranged to provide functional common outdoors spaces (such as courtyards, paseos, or parks) for the use of residents.

Incorporating the required upper-story stepbacks.

Strategic window placement.

Utilizing clerestory windows, frosted or opaque glass.

Integrating mature landscaping within the rear or side setback areas.

Antennae. Notwithstanding the restrictions of Section 19.416.030, radio antennae permitted under FCC regulations, and similar equipment shall be subject to the following regulations:

Ground-mounted antennae which are incidental or accessory uses are permitted to a height of sixty feet, unless permitted higher by a conditional use permit.

Any antenna that is primary to the use shall be subject to the height limit established under a conditional use permit.

Accessory Dwelling Units. See Section 19.348.010 for height limits for Accessory Dwelling Units.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.416.050 Space Between Buildings.

Single-Family Dwelling. For a single-family dwelling in the RM zones, the minimum building separation requirements for the single-family zones in Section 19.316.060 of Division 3 shall apply.

Table 19.416.050 MINIMUM SPACE BETWEEN BUILDINGS
Zone:	Between Main Building and an Accessory Building	Between Two Main Buildings
Zone:	Between Main Building and an Accessory Building	Window⁽¹⁾ In Only One of the Facing Walls	Window⁽¹⁾ In Both Facing Walls	Doorway⁽¹⁾ In One or Both Facing Walls
RMH	₍₂₎	₍₂₎	₍₂₎	₍₂₎
RM-10 and RM-20	6 feet	5 feet⁽³⁾	10 feet⁽³⁾	10 feet

Notes:
⁽¹⁾	Wall openings which are only for utility access or emergency exit are not considered to be windows or doorways for the purposes of these requirements.
⁽²⁾	See special requirements, Section 19.448.010.
⁽³⁾	Windows that directly face each other on adjacent properties shall be either staggered or designed so as not to have a direct line of sight between them, to ensure privacy and minimize visual intrusion between neighboring structures.

Building Features.

Cantilevered eaves, awnings, and shading devices.

Architectural features such as sills, cornices, buttresses, Juliet balconies, bay windows, etc.

Chimneys not exceeding 8 feet in length.

Mechanical equipment cantilevered from building.

Uncovered, cantilevered balconies, with a minimum 10-foot separation in all horizontal directions from any balcony or wall in the opposing structure.

Uncovered stairways and walkways.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.416.060 Residential Building Floor Area.

For any multi-family residential development, the minimum floor area of each dwelling unit shall be as shown in Table 19.416.060, titled Minimum Dwelling Unit Floor Area.

In the RM zones, up to 15 percent of the minimum required gross floor area may be in private balconies, porches, and patios which meet the minimum requirements of Section 19.420.030.

Attic and basement space, where the ceiling height is less than 6.5 feet, and garages and accessory buildings shall not be included as part of the required dwelling unit floor area.

The minimum bedroom size shall be 80 square feet of clear floor space without obstructions, with a minimum of 8 feet in one (1) direction.

For a single-family dwelling (one dwelling unit on a lot), the minimum floor area requirement shall be governed by Section 19.316.070 of Division 3 for the RS-6 zone.

Table 19.416.060 MINIMUM DWELLING UNIT FLOOR AREA
Zero* Bedroom Unit	Minimum Gross Floor Area (square feet per dwelling unit)
Zero* Bedroom Unit	One Bedroom Unit	Two Bedroom Unit	Three or Plus Bedroom Unit
400⁽¹⁾	550⁽¹⁾	700⁽¹⁾	850 plus 100 each additional room⁽¹⁾

Notes:
* Zero Bedroom Units shall not exceed 20 percent of the total number of units in multi-family developments.
⁽¹⁾ Dwelling unit size may be reduced below the square footage specified in Table 19.416.060 with a Conditional Use Permit.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.416.070 Building Coverage.

Maximum Building Coverage. The maximum building coverage for all multi-family residential zones shall be forty-five (45) percent.

Projecting Enclosed Building Floor Areas. Building coverage shall include any enclosed building floor areas above the ground that may project beyond the bearing walls and support columns.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.416.080 Non-Habitable Accessory Structures.

Canopies or vinyl laminate and mesh tarps are prohibited in the Multifamily Residential zones. However, wall-mounted shade sails that meet the following criteria are permitted:

Shade sails shall be architecturally integrated and attached to the building and shade sail poles in a manner that does not compromise structural integrity or appearance.

Shade sails shall not project from the building more than 15 feet and shall not extend beyond the property line or into required setbacks.

Shade sails shall be installed pursuant to the manufacturer's requirements and shall be included as part of the site plan review process.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.416.090 Residential Garages and Carports.

For a mobilehome park in the RMH zone, separate requirements for carports apply pursuant to Sections 19.436.050 and 19.448.010.

Garage doors shall be recessed into the garage wall a minimum of 4 inches to accentuate shadow patterns and relief.

For multifamily apartments, garage and/or carport floor areas shall be provided to accommodate the number of required parking spaces as required in Chapter 19.436.

Each parking space shall have a vehicular door or access opening of a minimum 8-foot width. Two parking spaces may be combined with a vehicular door or access opening of a minimum 16-foot width.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.416.100 Building Materials.

Material Transition. Changes in material shall occur at inside corners of intersecting walls or at architectural features that break up the wall plane, such as columns.

Chimneys. Chimneys shall either be painted the same color as the exterior wall or constructed with the same materials present on other accents or elements of the facade.

Accessory structures including attached and detached ADUs, trash enclosures, storage rooms shall be constructed of the same materials, colors, roof type as the primary structure.

Table 19.416.100 MULTI-FAMILY MATERIALS LIST
Material	Maximum Usage % of Façade Area⁽²⁾⁽³⁾
Permitted as Primary (or Secondary) Building Materials
Brick (full dimensional)	75%
Stone/masonry	75%
Stucco/Cement Plaster	75%
Glass (transparent, spandrel)	75%
Finished wood, engineered wood	75%
Fiber reinforced cement siding and panels	75%
Vinyl siding	50%
Exterior Insulation Finishing System (EIFS)	50%
Permitted as Accent/Secondary Materials
Vegetated wall panels or trellises	50%
Concrete blocks with integral color (ground, polished, or glazed finishes)	35%
Concrete blocks with integral color (split face finish)	35%
Ceramic tile	35%
Standing seam metal	35%
Brick/Stone (veneer/thin brick)	35%
Wrought Iron	15%
Three-Dimensional Glass	5%
Roof Materials
Asphalt/metal shingles	100%
Clay/metal tiles	100%
Slate tiles	100%
Concrete tile	100%
Standing seam metal	100%
Prohibited Building and Roof Materials⁽¹⁾
Corrugated sheet metal	Not Permitted
Galvanized metal	Not Permitted
Interlocking metal	Not Permitted
T-111 Plywood	Not Permitted
Wood Shingles	Not Permitted
Rolled/Flat Roof⁽⁴⁾	Not Permitted

Notes:
⁽¹⁾ No building shall have a metallic exterior surface such as, but not limited to, galvanized, corrugated or interlocking metal sheets, unless the use of such metallic surface material is approved under the site plan review procedure (Section 19.128.040) for the purpose of enhancing the architectural quality of the building while preserving architectural harmony and compatibility with the surrounding area.
⁽²⁾ The following structures shall be exempt from the provisions of this section:
•	Storage sheds not visible from a public street as an accessory structure to a multi-family dwelling which do not require building permits.
•	Storage containers as a permitted temporary use which do not require building permits.
•	Patio structures that are not visible from a public street.
⁽³⁾ The Community and Economic Development Director is authorized to allow deviations of up to 10%.
⁽⁴⁾ Flat roof design is permitted if consistent with Spanish Colonial or Modern style architecture

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.416.110 Architectural Styles.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.420.010 Setbacks.

Yard	Minimum Setbacks
Front Yard	The minimum front yard setback shall be 10 feet. In addition, each building or structure shall be set back an additional distance equal to one-half the height of the building or structure above 30 feet.
Side Yard, abutting a street	The minimum side yard abutting a street shall be 10 feet. In addition, each building or structure shall be set back an additional distance equal to one-half the amount by which the height of the building or structure exceeds 30 feet.
Side and Rear Yard, not abutting a street	The minimum required rear yard and side yard, not abutting a street, shall be 10 feet.
Rear Yard, abutting a street or alley	The minimum rear yard, abutting a street or an alley, shall be 10 feet.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.420.020 Yard Encroachments.

The following encroachments are permitted within the minimum required setbacks within the RM-10 and RM-20 zones. For the RMH zone, the special requirements of Section 19.448.010 apply.

Architectural features such as sills, cornices, buttresses, Juliet balconies, bay windows, etc., may project from the building's façade into each setback area no more than 2.5 feet.

Chimneys not exceeding eight (8) feet in length may project from the building's façade no more than 2.5 feet.

Mechanical equipment, cantilevered may project from the building's façade, subject to screening requirements in Section 19.440.020, a minimum of 2.5 feet within the side yard and rear yard setbacks.

Mechanical equipment, freestanding with a maximum 4-foot height and subject to screening requirements in Section 19.440.020 may be located within the side and rear yard setbacks.

Signs are permitted within the front yard setback pursuant to Section 19.908.010.

Accessory Dwelling Units. Refer to Section 19.348.010.

Permitted projections within the side yard, not abutting a street and rear yard only.

Utility-Owned Facilities.

Pole lines within approved easements.

Other above ground facilities with a maximum 5-foot height within approved easements, such as transformer boxes, pedestal terminals, etc.

Access walkways and driveways.

Uncovered parking, subject to screening, landscaping, and wall requirements.

Storage of vehicles (over 24 hours), trash areas, other permitted outdoor storage screened from public view.

Pools.

Swimming pools, therapeutic pools, with a minimum 5-foot setback from the side and rear property lines.

Decorative pools, with maximum 18-inch depth.

Recreation facilities which are subject to a building permit, such as play equipment, play structure, play house, etc.

Such accessory building, if located less than 3 feet from an interior lot line, shall have no wall openings facing the adjoining property and no drainage onto the adjoining property.

Fences, walls, hedges, and berms, subject to the allowable height and design requirements in Chapter 19.428.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.420.030 Required Open Space.

Zone	Common Open Space (per unit)⁽³⁾	Private Open Space (per unit)	Recreational Amenities
RMH	N/A - Refer to § 19.448.010	N/A - Refer to § 19.448.010	For projects with 25 or more dwelling units, provide one recreational amenity for every 30 dwelling units or fraction thereof.
RM-10⁽²⁾	200 sq. ft.⁽¹⁾
RM-20⁽²⁾	200 sq. ft.⁽¹⁾	60 sq. ft./upper floors 00 sq. ft./ground floor

Notes:
⁽¹⁾ Requirement applies to developments with 200 units or less. For developments with 200 units or more shall provide a minimum of 100 square feet of common open space per unit.
⁽²⁾ Every development that includes five (5) or more residential units shall provide at least one (1) common open space area.
⁽²⁾ A maximum of 25 percent of the total area counted as common open space may be provided on a roof and subject to the requirements of Section 19.420.080.