Chula Vista City Zoning Code
19.28 R-3
Apartment Residential Zone
19.28.010 Purpose.
The purpose of the R-3 zone is to provide appropriate locations where apartment house neighborhoods of varying degrees of density may be established, maintained, and protected. The regulations of this district are designed to promote and encourage an intensively developed residential environment, with appropriate environmental amenities such as open areas, landscaping and off-street parking. To this end, the regulations permit multiple dwellings ranging from garden apartments to multistory apartment houses, and necessary public services and activities subject to proper controls. Also permitted, subject to special control, are certain retail and service activities intended for the convenience and service of the residents of the district. (Ord. 3575 § 6, 2024; Ord. 3153 § 2 (Exh. A), 2010; Ord. 1212 § 1, 1969; prior code § 33.505(A)).
19.28.020 Permitted uses.
Principal permitted uses in the R-3 zone are as follows:
E. Dwellings, townhouses: R-3-T zone;
F. Duplexes;
G. Agricultural uses as provided in CVMC 19.16.030;
I. Boarding or lodging houses;
J. Small and large family day care homes. (Ord. 3544 § 6, 2023; Ord. 3442 § 2(G), 2018; Ord. 3153 § 2 (Exh. A), 2010; Ord. 1356 § 1, 1971; Ord. 1212 § 1, 1969; prior code § 33.505(B)).
19.28.030 Accessory uses and buildings.
Accessory uses and buildings in the R-3 zone include:
A. The rooming and boarding of not more than two persons per dwelling unit; provided, off-street parking space is available for automobiles owned and operated by any roomer or boarder, in addition to any space required for the principal residents of the dwelling;
B. Customary incidental home occupations, subject to the provisions of CVMC 19.14.490;
C. Other accessory uses and accessory buildings customarily appurtenant to a permitted use, subject to the requirements of CVMC 19.58.020;
D. Temporary tract offices and tract signs, subject to the provisions of CVMC 19.58.320 and 19.60.600(E)(2);
E. Full-time foster homes, as defined in CVMC 19.04.002;
F. Satellite dish antennas as per the provisions of CVMC 19.22.030(F);
G. Private and backup and emergency electrical generating facilities, as defined in subsections (3) and (4) of the definition “electrical generating facilities” in CVMC 19.04.002, and subject to the following standards:
1. Private: the standards prescribed in CVMC 19.58.142(D).
2. Backup and emergency: the standards prescribed in CVMC 19.58.142(E);
H. Accessory dwelling units on lots developed with a proposed or existing single-family dwelling, or existing multifamily dwelling subject to the provisions of CVMC 19.58.022;
I. A minimum of one accessory dwelling unit, or up to 25 percent of the existing multifamily units, is permitted within an existing multifamily dwelling subject to the provisions of CVMC 19.58.022;
J. A maximum of two detached accessory dwelling units are permitted on lots with an existing multifamily dwelling where such units are detached from that multifamily dwelling; or
K. Multiple accessory dwelling units may be permitted within portions of existing multifamily dwelling buildings that are not used as living space including, but not limited to, storage rooms, boiler rooms, passageways, attics, basements, or garages subject to the provisions of CVMC 19.58.022. (Ord. 3503 § 5, 2021; Ord. 3448 § 3, 2018; Ord. 3423 § 7, 2018; Ord. 3279 § 3, 2013; Ord. 3153 § 2 (Exh. A), 2010; Ord. 2108 § 1, 1985; Ord. 1697 § 1, 1976; Ord. 1542 § 2, 1974; Ord. 1494 § 3, 1973; Ord. 1356 § 1, 1971; Ord. 1246 § 1; Ord. 1232 § 1; Ord. 1212 § 1, 1969; prior code § 33.505(C)).
19.28.040 Conditional uses.
The following uses shall be permitted in the R-3 zone; provided, a conditional use permit is issued in accordance with the provisions of CVMC 19.14.030(A) or 19.14.040, as may be applicable, and CVMC 19.14.050 through 19.14.090:
A. Except in R-3-T, day nurseries;
B. Except in R-3-T, incidental services, such as restaurants and retail sales to serve residents; provided, there is no exterior display or advertising and such activities are conducted in spaces which are integral parts of a main building;
C. Commercial parking garages and off-street parking lots, in accordance with the provisions of CVMC 19.62.010 through 19.62.130;
D. Private, noncommercial recreational facilities, such as swimming pools, tennis courts, and clubhouses (for additional provisions, see CVMC 19.58.100 and 19.58.270);
E. Professional offices (for additional provisions, see CVMC 19.58.244);
The following uses shall be permitted in the R-3 zone; provided, a conditional use permit is issued by the Planning Commission, or for unclassified uses as defined in CVMC 19.54.020:
F. Electric substations and gas regulators, subject to the provisions of CVMC 19.58.140;
G. Unclassified uses, see Chapter 19.54 CVMC. (Ord. 3544 §§ 2, 6, 2023; Ord. 3442 § 2(H), 2018; Ord. 3153 § 2 (Exh. A), 2010; Ord. 2269 § 8, 1988; Ord. 2111 § 7, 1985; Ord. 2034 § 2, 1983; Ord. 1822 § 2, 1978; Ord. 1697 § 1, 1976; Ord. 1542 § 2, 1974; Ord. 1494 § 3, 1973; Ord. 1356 § 1, 1971; Ord. 1212 § 1, 1969; prior code § 33.505(D)).
19.28.050 Sign regulations.
Repealed by Ord. 2924 § 3, 2003. (Ord. 1575 § 1, 1974; Ord. 1356 § 1, 1971; Ord. 1212 § 1, 1969; prior code § 35.505(E)).
19.28.060 Height regulations.
A. Height regulations in the R-3 zone and R-3-M, R-3-T and R-3-G classifications are as follows: No principal building shall exceed 54 feet in height and no accessory building shall exceed 25 feet in height, except as provided in CVMC 19.16.040 and 19.58.022.
B. Height regulations in the R-3-H and R-3-L classifications are as follows: No principal building shall be less than 55 feet in height and no accessory building shall exceed 25 feet in height, except as provided in CVMC 19.16.040. (Ord. 3544 § 9, 2023; Ord. 3503 § 5, 2021; Ord. 3268 § 3, 2013; Ord. 3153 § 2 (Exh. A), 2010; Ord. 2309-A § 3, 1989; Ord. 1689 § 2, 1976; Ord. 1682 § 1, 1976; Ord. 1356 § 1, 1971; Ord. 1212 § 1, 1969; prior code § 33.505(F)).
19.28.070 Area, lot width and yard requirements.
A. The following minimum area, lot width and yard requirements shall be observed, except as provided in CVMC 19.16.020 and 19.16.080, and as modified for conditional uses. The minimum requirements shall be designated on the zoning map.
Setbacks in Feet | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
District Classification | Building Site (sq. ft.) | Site Width (ft.) | Area per Dwelling (sq. ft.) | Front (3) | Exterior Side Yard | One Interior Side Yard | Both Interior Side Yards | Rear |
R-3 | 7,000 | 65 | 1,350(4) | 15(1) | 10(1) | 5(2) | 10(2) | 15(2) |
R-3-M | 7,000 | 65 | 2,000(4) | 15(1) | 10(1) | 5(2) | 10(2) | 15(2) |
R-3-T | 2,000 | 22 | 2,000 | 15(1) | 10(1) | 0 | 0 | 20 |
R-3-G | 7,000 | 65 | 2,500 | 15(1) | 10(1) | 5(2) | 10(2) | 15(2) |
R-3-H | 10,000 | 80 | 800 | 15(1) | 10(1) | 20(2) | 50(2) | 20(2) |
R-3-L | 7,000 | 65 | 3,500 | 15(1) | 10(1) | 5(2) | 10(2) | 15(2) |
The following are exceptions to the above chart:
1. Front yards: The front setback shall not be less than that specified on the building line map. The setback requirements shown on the adopted building line map for Chula Vista shall take precedence over the setbacks required in the zoning district.
2. Side and rear yards: Side and rear yard requirements shall be increased an additional two feet for 25-foot-high structures (this dimension shall include the roof), and shall be increased at the rate of two feet for each story above 25 feet. Exception: When adjacent to an R-1, R-E or R-2 zone, the side yard setback shall be increased to 15 feet for any structure over one story or 15 feet in height, with an additional two-foot setback required for each story above 25 feet in height. In those cases where the rear yard abuts an R-3, commercial or industrial zone, the Planning Commission may grant up to a 10-foot reduction in the rear yard setback; provided, it is found that the affected open space has been transferred to a more beneficial location on the lot.
3. A front yard of 25 feet shall be required for all parcels fronting upon streets designated as major or secondary thoroughfares on the adopted Chula Vista General Plan; provided, however, that private patios and one-story portions of main buildings not exceeding 15 feet in height shall be permitted within said required front yard exclusive of the front 15 feet of said required front yard which shall be reserved for screening materials and landscaping. Said required front yard setback shall be increased an additional five feet for each story in excess of three stories.
B. In the R-3, R-3-M, R-3-T, R-3-G, and R-3-L zones, coverage shall not exceed 50 percent of the area of the site. In the R-3-H zone, coverage shall not exceed 25 percent of the site. (Ord. 3575 § 6, 2024; Ord. 3268 § 3, 2013; Ord. 3153 § 2 (Exh. A), 2010; Ord. 2309-A § 2, 1989; Ord. 1760 § 1, 1977; Ord. 1682 § 1, 1976; Ord. 1356 § 1, 1971; Ord. 1258 § 1, 1970; Ord. 1212 § 1, 1969; prior code § 33.505(G)).
19.28.080 Floor area per unit.
The minimum floor area per dwelling unit in the R-3 zone shall be as follows:
A. Four hundred (400) square feet for each efficiency dwelling unit;
B. Five hundred (500) square feet for each dwelling unit having one bedroom;
C. Six hundred fifty (650) square feet for each dwelling unit having two bedrooms;
D. Seven hundred fifty (750) square feet for each dwelling unit having three bedrooms; an additional 100 square feet is required for each additional bedroom exceeding three. (Ord. 3153 § 2 (Exh. A), 2010; Ord. 1212 § 1, 1969; prior code § 33.505(H)).
19.28.090 Open space requirements.
A. The following usable open space shall be required in the R-3 zone:
District Classification | Open Space per Dwelling Unit |
|---|---|
R-3-H | 200 sq. ft. |
R-3 | 400 sq. ft. |
R-3-T | 300 sq. ft. |
R-3-M | 500 sq. ft. |
R-3-G | 600 sq. ft. |
R-3-L | 600 sq. ft. |
B. The required usable open space per dwelling unit specified above shall be increased for each dwelling unit in a multiple-family dwelling which contains more than two bedrooms, at the rate of 20 percent for each bedroom over two.
C. Open space areas shall be any portion of a lot which has a minimum dimension of six feet, and not less than 60 square feet in area, that is landscaped and/or developed for recreational and leisure use, and is conveniently located and accessible to all the units. The following areas shall contribute to a required open space:
1. Private balconies and patios;
2. Roof areas designed and equipped to accommodate recreational and leisure activities;
3. Recreation rooms.
D. The following areas shall not contribute to required open space:
1. Driveways and parking areas;
2. Refuse storage areas;
3. Clothes-drying areas. (Ord. 3153 § 2 (Exh. A), 2010; Ord. 1682 § 1, 1976; Ord. 1356 § 1, 1971; Ord. 1212 § 1, 1969; prior code § 33.505(I)).
19.28.100 Off-street parking.
Covered or enclosed parking for residential development in the R-3 zone may be located in required side and rear yards, with the exception of the exterior side yard. (Ord. 3153 § 2 (Exh. A), 2010; Ord. 1356 § 1, 1971; Ord. 1212 § 1, 1969; prior code § 33.505(J)).
19.28.110 Performance standards.
All uses in the R-3 zone may be subject to initial and continued compliance with the performance standards of Chapter 19.66 CVMC. (Ord. 3153 § 2 (Exh. A), 2010; Ord. 1356 § 1, 1971; Ord. 1212 § 1, 1969; prior code § 33.505(K)).
19.28.120 Off-street parking.
19.28.130 Planned unit development procedures.
19.28.140 Trash storage areas.
19.28.160 Landscaping.
All landscaping in the R-3 zone shall conform to the requirements as specified in the landscaping manual of the City and as approved by the Director of Development Services, or designee. (Ord. 3544 § 1, 2023; Ord. 3153 § 2 (Exh. A), 2010; Ord. 1356 § 1, 1971; Ord. 1212 § 1, 1969; prior code § 33.505(L)(5)).
19.28.170 Fencing requirements.
Zoning fence in the R-3 zone shall be subject to the conditions of CVMC 19.58.150 and 19.58.360. (Ord. 3153 § 2 (Exh. A), 2010; Ord. 1356 § 1, 1971; Ord. 1212 § 1, 1969; prior code § 33.505(L)(6)).
19.28.180 Design control.
The exterior design and arrangement of all residential uses and structures proposed for establishment, location, expansion or alteration in the R-3 zone shall be governed by the goal, general objectives, statements of policy and principles, and standards of the design manual of the City. (Ord. 3153 § 2 (Exh. A), 2010; Ord. 1771 § 2, 1977).
19.28.190 Jurisdiction of the Planning Commission.
The design manual of the City shall be effectuated and administered by the Planning Commission. (Ord. 3268 § 3, 2013; Ord. 3153 § 2 (Exh. A), 2010; Ord. 1771 § 2, 1977).