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Ceres City Zoning Code

CHAPTER 09

R-2, TWO-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL ZONE LOW DENSITY

18.09.010 - Purpose and intent.

The R-2, two-family residential zone is intended to provide for the development of two unit attached housing consistent with the "low density residential" (up to seven dwelling units/acre) and "medium density residential" (7 to 12 dwelling units/acre) land use designations of the general plan, together with the schools, parks, open spaces and other public services required for a satisfactory family environment. The R-2 zone may be used as a buffer or transition between residential areas of different densities and housing types. The R-2 zone may also be used to provide a mix of attached and detached housing.

(Ord. No. 2020-1059, § 1, 3-23-2020)

18.09.020 - Principal uses.

Buildings, structures, and land shall be used, and buildings and structures shall hereafter be erected, structurally altered or enlarged in the R-2 zone only for the following uses, plus such other uses as the Planning Commission may deem to be similar and not more obnoxious or detrimental to the public health, safety, and welfare. All uses shall be subject to the property development standards in section 18.09.060.

A.

Single-family dwellings.

B.

Two-family dwellings, subject to site plan approval under subsection 18.09.060.I.

C.

Group and cluster dwellings, condominiums, subject to site plan approval under subsection 18.09.060.I.

D.

Mobile homes on permanent foundations that are certified under the National Mobile Home Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974. Mobile homes permitted under this provision shall utilize roofing materials, roof overhang and siding materials customary to conventionally constructed single-family detached dwellings in the vicinity.

E.

Churches on a minimum lot size of one acre and located on a major thoroughfare or primary collector as designated by the general plan.

F.

Residential care facilities, licensed with the State of California. See definition under section 18.02.010 of this title.

G.

Transitional housing. See definition under section 18.02.010 of this title.

H.

Supportive housing. See definition under section 18.02.010 of this title.

(Ord. No. 2020-1059, § 1, 3-23-2020)

18.09.030 - Accessory uses.

The following uses shall be permitted as accessory to the principal uses in the R-2 zone:

A.

Rooming and boarding, subject to the following provisions:

1.

Not more than two persons per single-family dwelling unit.

2.

Not more than one person per dwelling unit for two-family uses.

B.

Private garages and off-street parking areas.

C.

Private swimming pools, exclusively for the use of the residents and guests, subject to the following provisions:

1.

There shall be a minimum of three-foot unobstructed clearance provided along at least 60 percent of the perimeter of all swimming pools constructed in order to provide adequate access to the pool for safety purposes. The three-foot unobstructed clearance area shall be measured from the edge of the water line along the perimeter of the pool to the property line.

a.

No more than 40 percent of the perimeter of the pool may contain architectural or landscaping features which encroach into the three-foot unobstructed clearance area required by this chapter.

2.

In no case shall swimming pool accessory mechanical equipment be permitted within the required front or side yard setback area or within the five-foot side yard and rear yard setback areas, except when it is located at least ten feet from any adjacent dwelling, at which time said accessory mechanical equipment shall have no minimum setback requirement from side yard and rear yard property lines.

D.

Signs, subject to the provisions of chapter 18.26.

E.

Portable outdoor storage units, and shipping containers, subject to the provisions of section 18.28.110.

F.

Other accessory uses and accessory buildings customarily appurtenant to a permitted use, as determined by the Director of Community Development.

G.

Home occupations subject to the requirements of section 18.02.010, "home occupation."

H.

Subdivision tract sales offices, signs, flags and temporary construction/job site trailers, subject to provisions of chapter 18.80.

I.

Kennels, subject to the provisions of section 18.28.080.

J.

Cottage food operations, subject to the requirements as defined under section 18.02.010.

K.

Second dwelling units, accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units subject to section 18.28.060.

(Ord. No. 2020-1059, § 1, 3-23-2020)

18.09.040 - Conditional uses.

The following uses may be permitted in the R-2 zone subject to a conditional use permit.

A.

Country clubs and related uses.

B.

Horticulture.

C.

Schools.

D.

Public buildings, except for storage, corporation, repair yards.

E.

Public utility substations.

F.

Churches on a lot size of less than one acre.

G.

State licensed general hospitals.

H.

State licensed sanitariums.

I.

State licensed child care facilities.

J.

Public parks and playgrounds.

K.

Temporary tract sales office and tract signs, for subdivisions less than 20 lots and as permitted in chapter 18.38 of this title.

L.

Aviaries, subject to the provisions contained in section 18.28.050 of this title.

(Ord. No. 2020-1059, § 1, 3-23-2020)

18.09.050 - Prohibited uses.

The following uses are expressly prohibited in the R-2 zone:

A.

Medium-high density multiple-family dwellings.

B.

Commercial uses.

C.

Industrial uses.

D.

Self-supporting, monopole or guyed towers constructed for the purpose or supporting cellular equipment.

E.

Overnight storage or parking of trucks with a gross vehicle weight of greater than five tons.

F.

The keeping of any livestock.

G.

Agricultural uses as defined in section 18.02.010 of this title.

H.

Metal buildings except for accessory buildings used exclusively for storage. All such accessory metal buildings shall be treated with some rust or corrosion-inhibiting substance. Portable outdoor storage units and shipping containers shall comply with section 18.28.110.

I.

Off-site advertising.

J.

Fortunetelling and related activities as defined in chapter 5.12 of this Code.

K.

Adult businesses as defined in chapter 5.15 of this Code.

L.

Possession of animals not classified as household pets under title 8 of this Code.

(Ord. No. 2020-1059, § 1, 3-23-2020)

18.09.060 - Property development standards.

The following property development standards shall apply to all land and buildings in the R-2 zone:

A.

Lot area. For all new lots and proposed rezoning, the following provisions shall apply:

1.

For all single-family lots, the following provisions shall apply:

a.

For interior lots, the minimum lot area shall be 6,200 square feet.

b.

For corner lots, the minimum lot area shall be 7,500 square feet.

c.

For uses requiring a conditional use permit, the minimum lot area shall be as specified by the Planning Commission.

2.

For all other principal uses, the minimum lot area shall be 9,000 square feet.

3.

For uses requiring a use permit, as specified by the Planning Commission.

B.

Lot coverage. The maximum allowable lot coverage by structures shall be as follows:

1.

Single-family lots, the maximum allowable lot coverage by structures for all uses shall be 40 percent. Additional ten percent allowable lot coverage is provided for accessory structures proposed on single-family lots when the dwelling footprint has reached the 40 percent maximum. The additional ten percent allowance shall be calculated based on multiplying ten percent by the size of the lot.

2.

For all other interior lots, the maximum allowable lot coverage shall be 50 percent.

3.

For all other corner lots, the maximum allowable lot coverage shall be 45 percent.

C.

Lot dimensions. For all new lots and proposed rezoning, the following provisions shall apply; unless otherwise approved by the Planning Commission:

1.

Width.

a.

All interior lots shall have a minimum width of 60 feet.

b.

All corner lots shall have a minimum width of 75 feet.

c.

All cul-de-sac or curvilinear lots shall have a minimum width of 40 feet at the front line.

2.

Depth. All lots shall have a minimum depth of 100 feet.

D.

Setback requirements. The following setback requirements shall apply to all uses in the R-2 zone:

1.

Front yard. Twenty feet minimum setback, except detached accessory structures shall have a 35-foot minimum front yard setback. No accessory structure/building shall be located within the front yard or exterior side yard area of a single-family lot.

2.

Side yard.

a.

Interior side yard. For lots having two interior side yard areas, one such interior side yard shall have a setback of at least 12 feet, and the other interior side yard setback shall be at least five feet. For lots having only one interior side yard, the setback shall be at least 12 feet. A garage space may be substituted for a portion of the required 12 feet such that a side yard setback of five feet is permitted adjacent to the garage space. Detached accessory structures located in the rear half of the lot shall have a minimum interior five-foot side yard setback requirement, unless constructed with appropriate fire-resistive wall as required by the California Building Code. Accessory structures shall be constructed to meet the requirements of the applicable California Building Code.

b.

Exterior side yard. Ten feet minimum.

c.

New home designs (side yard). Development of new single-family homes shall be designed such that their attached or detached garages are positioned on the 12-foot side yard setback side.

3.

Rear yard. Minimum 20 percent of lot depth, but not be required to exceed 25 feet maximum. Detached accessory structures shall have a minimum rear yard setback requirement of five feet, unless constructed with appropriate fire-resistive walls as required by the California Building Code. A minimum setback of five feet shall be required for a garage that is accessed from an alley. In all cases a minimum clearance of eight feet shall be required between an accessory structure and the lowest overhead utility line located in an alley. Accessory structures shall be constructed to meet the requirements of the applicable California Building Code.

E.

Distance between buildings. The following provisions shall apply for distance between main buildings and accessory buildings on the same lot. Whenever two or more buildings of mixed height are adjacent to one another, the distance provisions pertaining to the highest of the buildings shall apply.

1.

For buildings end to end, the minimum distance between buildings shall be ten feet for single story buildings, and 20 feet for two-story buildings.

2.

For buildings rear to end or front to end with space for exit or entry purposes, the minimum distance between buildings shall be 15 feet for single story buildings, and 25 feet for two-story buildings.

3.

For buildings front to rear with space for exit or entry purposes, the minimum distance between buildings shall be 20 feet for single story buildings, and 30 feet for two-story buildings.

4.

For buildings front to front arranged about an interior court with a driveway to said interior court, the driveway being access to parking area or building, the minimum distance between buildings shall be 30 feet for single story buildings, and 40 feet for two-story buildings. However, if no driveway is provided, the minimum distance shall be 25 feet for single story buildings, and 35 feet for two-story buildings.

5.

Distance between main buildings and accessory buildings shall comply with the Uniform Building Code.

F.

Floor area ratio requirements.

1.

For single-family interior lots:

a.

For single story buildings and the first story of all multiple story buildings, the maximum allowable FAR shall be 0.40:1.0.

b.

For all two-story buildings, the maximum allowable FAR shall be 0.54:1.0.

2.

For single-family corner lots:

a.

For single story buildings and the first story of all multiple story buildings, the maximum allowable FAR shall be 0.40:1.0.

b.

For all two-story buildings, the maximum allowable FAR shall be 0.64:1.0.

3.

All other interior lots:

a.

For single story buildings and the first story of all multiple story buildings, the maximum allowable FAR shall be 0.50:1.0.

b.

For all two-story buildings, the maximum allowable FAR shall be 0.80:1.0.

4.

All other corner lots:

a.

For single story buildings and the first story of all multiple story buildings, the maximum allowable FAR shall be 0.45:1.0.

b.

For all two-story buildings, the maximum allowable FAR shall be 0.72:1.0.

G.

Building height requirements. No main building shall have a height greater than two stories or 25 feet; whichever is less as defined under section 18.02.010 of this title. No accessory building erected shall have a height greater than one story or 15 feet whichever is less. Permitted projections above this height include: ventilating fans or similar equipment required to operate and maintain the building, skylights, church steeples, flagpoles, chimneys, or similar structures, when approved by the Planning Commission, provided that the same may be safely erected and maintained at such height in view of the surrounding conditions and circumstances. Any area of an R-2 zone that falls within an area designated as an Airport Overlay Zone shall comply with the height limitations prescribed by that Zone, if they are more restrictive.

H.

Population density. For all residential uses, the density shall not exceed ten dwelling units/acre for those properties that are zoned R-2 and designated medium density residential (7 to 12 dwelling units/acre) in the general plan, or exceed seven (7) dwelling units/acre for those properties that are zoned R-2 and designated low density residential (up to seven dwelling units/acre) in the general plan.

I.

Site plan approval. Before any two-family dwellings on a corner lot, group dwelling, condominium, or nonresidential building is erected on any lot, a site plan, floor plans of all buildings, elevations of all buildings, and a landscape plan shall be submitted to and approved by the Planning Commission pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.

J.

Yards, landscaping, open space requirements.

1.

Yards. The minimum individual yard requirements for all uses shall be the same as those listed in the setback requirements in subsection D of this section, with the exception of the following conditional uses: general hospitals, sanitariums, residential care facilities, maternity homes, elementary schools, high schools, and child care facilities.

a.

For sanitariums, residential care facilities, and maternity homes, minimum individual yards shall comply with the following:

(1)

Front yard: 20 feet minimum.

(2)

Side yard: 25 feet interior minimum; 25 feet exterior minimum.

(3)

Rear yard: 25 feet minimum.

b.

For schools and child care facilities minimum individual yards shall comply with the following:

(1)

Front yard: 40 feet minimum.

(2)

Side yard: 30 feet interior minimum; 40 feet exterior minimum.

(3)

Rear yard: 30 feet minimum.

c.

For general hospitals, minimum individual yards shall comply with the following:

(1)

Front yard: 50 feet minimum.

(2)

Side yard: 40 feet interior minimum; 50 feet exterior minimum.

(3)

Rear yard: 40 feet minimum.

d.

The minimum rear yard requirements for all residential uses may be reduced by up to 50 percent if the minimum overall yard area requirement is met.

2.

Landscaping.

a.

For all single-family residential uses, live landscaping shall be provided in the front yard and exterior side yard setbacks. Front yard and exterior side yard areas of single-family homes shall be landscaped and maintained. Where a single-family residence exists on a lot, a minimum of 50 percent of the required front yard of said lot shall be maintained as landscape area and in which mow strips shall not be permitted and no more than 50 percent of the front yard area shall comprise of concrete, asphalt, or hardscape material such as decorative rock or brick, or paving stones. Said landscaped areas shall be equipped with an automatic irrigation system and seven-day timer and be maintained at all times. The irrigation system shall comply with the Ceres Water Efficient Landscaping Guidelines and Standards.

b.

All other uses shall provide landscaping which shall be maintained. All new development shall be consistent with the Ceres Water Efficient Landscape Guidelines and Standards and the State of California Model Water Efficiency Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) requirements.

3.

Open space requirements. Additional open space requirements shall be specified by the Planning Commission upon site plan approval.

K.

Fences, hedges and walls. When any elementary school, high school, public building, public utility substation, church, general hospital, sanitarium, residential care facility, maternity home, child care facility, place of public assembly, or commercial use abuts an R-2 zone or R-1 zone, a six-foot high solid masonry wall shall be required. Under certain circumstances the Planning Commission may permit a landscaped and maintained fence. Residential units shall be subject to the provisions of chapter 18.27, Fences, Hedges, Walls Standards.

L.

Off-street parking requirements.

1.

For all single-family residential uses, two fully enclosed and covered off-street parking spaces per unit. Existing garages may be converted to additional living area subject to the approval of the Director of Community if at least two off-street parking spaces can be provided. The parking or storage of any vehicles within the front yard and exterior side yard landscape areas of a single-family residence is prohibited.

2.

For all two-family residential uses, 1½ spaces per dwelling unit, one of which shall be covered.

3.

For all schools, general hospitals, sanitariums, residential care facilities, nursery homes, public buildings, public utility substations and places of public assembly, the following off-street parking requirements shall apply:

a.

Schools: one space for each employee and one space for every four students in grades nine through 12.

b.

General hospitals, sanitariums, and charitable and religious institutions providing sleeping accommodations: 1¼ spaces for each licensed bed. Facilities of 100 beds and larger shall provide off-street parking as prescribed by the Director of Community Development.

c.

Residential care facilities: one space for every three licensed beds.

d.

Public buildings and grounds other than schools and administrative offices: one space for every two employees on the maximum shift plus the number of additional spaces prescribed by the Director of Community Development.

e.

Public utility structures and installations: one space for every two employees on the maximum shift plus the number of additional spaces prescribed by the Director of Community Development.

f.

Places of public assembly: one space for every five seats or one space for every 50 square feet of floor area usable for seating if seats are not fixed as determined by the Director of Community Development.

M.

Off-street loading requirements.

1.

For all residential uses: no requirements.

2.

For all allowed country clubs, schools, public utility substations, public buildings, general hospitals, and churches: if the use requires the receipt, delivery, or distribution of goods with the potential frequency of once a day or greater: one berth, plus any additional berths as may be required by the Director of Community Development.

3.

Off-street loading shall comply with the standards established by chapter 18.25 of this title.

N.

Access.

1.

Vehicular access.

a.

The following conditional uses shall be located on streets with a classification of major thoroughfares or greater as designated by the general plan: general hospitals, churches, and high schools.

b.

There shall be vehicular access from a dedicated street or alley to off-street parking facilities on the property requiring off-street parking.

c.

All ingress to and egress from public property shall be in a forward motion with the exception of single-family and two-family dwellings.

2.

Pedestrian access. There shall be pedestrian access from a dedicated street to property used for residential purposes. Driveways shall be considered pedestrian access.

O.

Signing. All signage shall comply with chapter 18.26 of this title.

P.

Laundry, clothes drying areas, and facilities. Laundry, clothes drying areas, and facilities shall not be allowed in front and exterior side yards.

Q.

Solid waste storage, disposal facilities.

1.

No open storage shall be permitted.

2.

Unless specifically waived by the Director of Community Development, an area for the storage, collection, and loading of garbage, solid waste, refuse and recyclable materials shall be provided for each residential unit when two or more such units are located on the same lot or for each residential development where common trash collection facilities are provided. Such areas shall be conveniently located for users and collectors and of sufficient size to accommodate the volume of garbage, solid waste, refuse and recyclable materials generated by the development. Such areas shall be protected from the weather and screened from public view in accordance with the Ceres Water Efficient Landscaping Guidelines and Standards.

R.

Recreational facilities.

1.

For single-family and two-family dwellings, no requirements.

2.

For condominium group and cluster dwellings, as required by the Planning Commission upon site plan approval.

S.

Park-in-lieu fees. Parkland dedication or in-lieu fees shall be required of all new residential uses, based on a per dwelling unit assessment. Park-in-lieu fees shall be calculated as established in chapter 13 of title 17.

(Ord. No. 2020-1059, § 1, 3-23-2020)