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Hawthorne City Zoning Code

CHAPTER 17

20 DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR ALL RESIDENTIAL ZONES

§ 17.20.010 Supplementary use and bulk requirements.

The use and bulk requirements in the Use and Bulk Tables for the R-1, R-2, R-3, and R-4 zoning classifications shall be supplemented and subject to the off-street parking requirements and the general provisions, conditions, exceptions, and additional requirements in this article and in Chapters 17.06 through 17.12 and 17.38 through 17.73.
(Ord. 1894 § 25, 2007)

§ 17.20.020 Lot area less than five thousand square feet.

Where a lot of record on the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter has less than five thousand square feet, the only permitted residential use shall be a single-family detached dwelling unit. If the lot width averages less than forty feet, the maximum building height for a single-family detached dwelling unit shall be twelve feet to the top of the plate line.
(Ord. 1894 § 25, 2007)

§ 17.20.025 Building height.

Building height shall be limited to the measurement indicated in the Use and Bulk Table and the permitted number of stories. Buildings limited to twelve feet in height shall not be greater than one story in height. Buildings limited to twenty-two feet in height shall not be greater than two stories in height. Buildings limited to fifty feet in height shall not be greater than four stories in height. Building height is defined in Section 17.04.135. Story is defined in Section 17.04.600.
(Ord. 1894 § 25, 2007; Ord. 1997 § 15, 2011)

§ 17.20.030 Permitted intrusions into required yards.

A. 
No intrusions are permitted in side yards that are three and one-half feet in width or less nor in front yards that are ten feet in depth or less. Such side and front yards shall remain open and unobstructed from the ground to the sky at all times. No side yard shall be reduced to less than three and one-half feet and no front yard shall be reduced to less than ten feet.
B. 
A fireplace structure, not wider than eight feet measured in the general direction of the wall of which it is a part, may intrude into a yard.
C. 
Uncovered porches and platforms which do not extend above the floor level of the first floor may extend into a required side or rear yard not more than two feet and may extend into a required front yard not more than six feet. Such uncovered porches and platforms may be enclosed with an openwork balustrade or railing not more than three feet in height.
D. 
Planting boxes or masonry planters not exceeding three feet in height may extend into any required front yard. Such height limitation does not apply to plants contained in the planter boxes except as set forth in Section 17.42.090 with regard to vision clearance, corner, reverse corner and key lots.
E. 
Eaves may intrude into a required side yard not more than two feet and into a required front yard not more than three feet.
F. 
Public utility meters, backflow irrigation equipment, and air condensers may intrude into a required side yard or front yard. All such utility meters, backflow irrigation equipment, and mechanical equipment shall be completely enclosed or screened from view from any pedestrian walk or public street. Nothing in this section shall be construed to conflict with any public utility regulations.
G. 
Walls, fences, and hedges are permitted in any required yard, but shall comply with Section 17.42.090 with regard to vision clearance, corner, reverse corner and key lots. Shrubs, plants, trees, mail boxes and ornamental lighting standards that do not exceed four inches in diameter or six inches square, are permitted in any required yard except as set forth in Section 17.42.090 with regard to vision clearance, corner, reverse corner and key lots.
H. 
Bay windows may not extend more than one and one-half feet into a required side yard provided the bay window is a minimum of one and one-half feet above ground level.
I. 
Paved Areas.
1. 
Driveways. No portion of any required front yard or required side yard on the street side of a corner lot shall be utilized at any time for the parking or storage of vehicles except in that portion of the yard area designated as a driveway as defined within this title.
2. 
Walkways. On residential properties a paved walkway is permitted provided the walkway shall not be wider than five feet. If a walkway and driveway are adjacent to each other, the combined width shall not exceed sixteen feet. A walkway may connect to the public sidewalk or the driveway.
3. 
Patios. An area not to exceed fifty percent of a front yard or street side yard (excluding any portion dedicated to driveways) may be covered with a permeable pavement, including, but not limited to, bricks, stones, decomposed granite, and pea gravel, provided that the area is separated from any driveway or driveway-walkway by at least five feet of landscaping or a decorative permanent barrier to vehicles subject to approval of the director of planning. Patios may include walls up to eighteen inches in height, plants, stones, fire pits, fountains and water features that use recirculated or reclaimed water, and other permanent features commonly associated with front yard patios, subject to approval of the planning director. Explicitly prohibited in these areas are permanent shade structures (other than trees), canopies and tents, built-in barbeques or bars, storage sheds or cabinets and walls exceeding eighteen inches in height.
J. 
Garbage receptacles may be stored upon the required front or street side yards no longer than twelve hours prior to the regularly scheduled pickup. Bulk trash items may be placed in the same area not more than twelve hours before a special pickup. Trash receptacles and any uncollected items remaining must be removed from front or street side yards, or from the sidewalk or curb area, within twelve hours after the regularly scheduled pickup.
K. 
Appliances, tents, clotheslines, and building, electrical and plumbing materials may not be used or stored upon the required front or side yards. Nothing in this chapter shall be interpreted to restrict the right of the property owner or lessee to store building, electrical and plumbing materials for use on the premises stored thereon during the time that a valid building, electrical or plumbing permit is in effect for construction on the premises.
L. 
Small Structures. The following small structures may be permitted in front yards and street side yards, subject to reasonable limitations on size, height, number and bulk and subject to approval by the Director of Planning:
1. 
Flag poles;
2. 
Trellises, including over a walkway;
3. 
Decorative lighting, including on poles not to exceed twelve feet in height;
4. 
Freestanding features such as bird baths, small grottos, fountains and sculptures, are not to exceed four feet in height. Portable sports equipment such as freestanding basketball hoops, baseball pitchbacks, and soccer kickbacks are not subject to the height restriction of this section. Other restrictions or requirements for freestanding features may apply. See Hawthorne Municipal Code Section 17.20.030;
5. 
Other similar structures when approved by the Director of Planning.
M. 
Open, unenclosed porches not extending above the ground floor level of the first floor may project into the side yard upon which such multifamily or single-family attached dwelling units front for a distance of not more than three feet.
(Ord. 1894 § 25, 2007; Ord. 2103 § 3, 2016; Ord. 2182 § 3, 2019)

§ 17.20.040 Increase of side yard where dwellings front upon a side yard.

The minimum width of the side yard upon which any door opens shall be not less than four feet; provided, that where such door is the main or primary entrance it shall also be recessed so that the total distance between such door and the side property line shall be not less than seven feet.
(Ord. 1894 § 25, 2007)

§ 17.20.045 Increase of side yard where multifamily dwelling units rear upon a side yard.

When a lot has a side yard having a required width of less than five feet and multifamily dwelling units are arranged so that the rear of such dwellings abut upon such side yard, and such dwellings have doors used as secondary means of access to such dwellings opening onto such side yards, the required side yard shall not be less than five feet. Where a greater side yard width is required to compensate for additional height of buildings, such greater required side yard shall prevail over the provisions of this section.
(Ord. 1894 § 25, 2007)

§ 17.20.050 Side yards in R-3 and R-4 zones abutting R-1 or R-2 zones.

Where a lot side yard for a permitted use, other than a single-family detached dwelling unit, accessory dwelling unit, single-family semi-attached dwelling unit, or two-family dwelling unit, forms a common boundary line with property zoned R-1 or R-2 the required side yard abutting the common boundary line shall be not less than five feet in width for a building or structure twelve feet or less in height or seven and one-half feet in width for a building or structure greater than twelve feet in height.
(Ord. 1894 § 25, 2007)

§ 17.20.060 Placement of buildings and structures.

A. 
The distance between a building containing a dwelling unit and any other buildings or structures on the same lot shall be not less than six feet.
B. 
An accessory dwelling unit or junior accessory dwelling unit pursuant to Chapter 17.21.
C. 
All buildings, structures, or fences shall maintain a distance of not less than ten feet from the center line of an alley. A garage with a vehicular entrance from an alley shall maintain a minimum turning radius of twenty-six feet, as measured from the far right-of-way line of the alley.
(Ord. 1894 § 25, 2007; Ord. 2183 § 6, 2019; Ord. 2205 § 5, 2020)

§ 17.20.070 Minimum floor area.

The minimum floor area of enclosed living space within a dwelling unit, excluding porches, carports, garages and basements shall be as follows:
 
Single- and two-family-structure, or planned unit development (sf)
Apartment or multiple-unit condominium (sf)
Bachelor unit
600
500
One-bedroom unit
900
850
Two-bedroom unit
1,250
1,200
Three-bedroom unit
1,650
1,500
Four-bedroom unit
1,900
1,750
For each bedroom in excess of four, there shall be an additional one hundred fifty square feet of living area in excess of the minimum area listed above for a four-bedroom unit.
(Ord. 1894 § 25, 2007; Ord. 1997 § 16, 2011; Ord. 2067 § 4, 2014; Ord. 2128 § 7, 2016)

§ 17.20.080 Private storage space.

Each dwelling unit, except a single-family detached dwelling unit, shall have a minimum of two hundred cubic feet of individually enclosed, weatherproofed and lockable storage space. Such space shall be for the sole use of the occupant of the dwelling unit and may be provided within individual storage lockers, cabinets or closets within the garage area if neither the space nor the doors leading thereto overhang a parking space assigned to another unit.
(Ord. 1894 § 25, 2007)

§ 17.20.090 Recreational open space.

Each dwelling unit, except a single-family detached dwelling unit, shall be provided with open space as follows:
A. 
Open space shall be provided for the project as a whole and there shall be no open space requirements for individual units, although private open space is encouraged, except as follows:
1. 
The required open space for the project shall be based on the total number of residential units;
2. 
All open space shall have a minimum dimension of ten feet in any direction, except when provided on a private balcony, in which case the minimum depth shall be seven feet and the minimum width shall be ten feet;
3. 
Common open space can be provided either as passive open space (accessible landscaped and outdoor seating areas) or active open space (improved with amenities such as tot lots, pool areas, cabanas, multi-purpose courts or similar improvements) or private open space (including balconies);
4. 
Private balconies shall be discouraged on building sides facing freeways, major arterial or collector streets;
5. 
All landscaped open space areas shall comply with requirements of Section 17.20.100.
B. 
Minimum Open Space Per Unit.
1. 
In the R-2 and R-3 zones, not less than five hundred square feet or twenty-five percent of the unit's floor area, whichever is greater;
2. 
In the R-4 zone, not less than three hundred square feet.
C. 
Open space shall be provided in areas that are not driveways, parking areas, service areas, walkways, the required front yard, the street side yard of corner lots, the street side yard of reverse corner lots, or the rear yard on through lots.
D. 
Common open space may include, but is not limited to, swimming pools, tennis courts, children's play areas, barbecue and picnic areas, landscaped areas, and recreational buildings. Recreation facilities located within buildings may be counted toward common open space, provided, however, that not more than ten percent of the required common open space may be indoors and must be immediately adjacent to and accessible from outdoor common open space.
(Ord. 2067 § 5, 2014)

§ 17.20.100 Landscaping.

A. 
The required front yard, required street side yard of corner lots, required street side yard of reverse corner lots, and required rear yard on through lots of all residentially zoned properties and residentially used properties in all other zoning classifications shall be fully landscaped, exclusive of permitted driveways and walkways. Such land-scaped areas shall not count as part of the recreational open space required in Section 17.20.090.
B. 
A detailed landscaping plan in compliance with Chapter 17.89, Water Efficient Landscaping, shall be submitted for approval to the planning director at the time plans are submitted for plan check. Landscaped areas, excluding curbs, mow strips, and other encroachments, shall be permanently maintained with landscaping materials per the approved landscaping plans. Planting materials in moveable containers do not count toward meeting the landscaping requirements.
C. 
All landscaping and irrigation must comply with water efficiency standards detailed in Chapter 17.89, Water Efficient Landscaping, of this title. Common recreational open space required in Section 17.20.090 shall be exempt from this requirement.
(Ord. 1953 § 3, 2009; Ord. 2140 § 4, 2017)

§ 17.20.110 Density calculation.

In computing the number of dwelling units per lot, any fraction will be rounded down to the nearest whole number. Any remaining fraction of a unit is not counted.
(Ord. 1894 § 25, 2007; Ord. 1997 § 18, 2011)

§ 17.20.120 Average setback of front yard.

"Average setback" is defined as being the average horizontal distance between the front lot line and the front building wall or wall segments of the second and higher stories. Only distances greater than or equal to fifteen feet, but not more than twenty-five feet, shall be used to calculate the average setback.
(Ord. 1894 § 25, 2007)

§ 17.20.140 Mobile home.

A. 
The mobile home was constructed after July 1, 1976 and was issued an insignia of approval by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, and has not been altered in violation of applicable codes.
B. 
The mobile home shall be attached to a permanent foundation system subject to the provisions of Section 18551 of the Health and Safety Code of the state of California.
C. 
The mobile home shall be utilized for single-family residential purposes only.
D. 
The mobile home shall be covered with an exterior material aesthetically compatible with other dwellings in the neighborhood and be approved by the director of building and safety and the planning director.
E. 
The mobile home shall have a roof consisting of shingles or other roofing materials aesthetically compatible with other dwellings in the neighborhood, and be approved by the director of building and safety and the planning director.
F. 
The mobile home shall be required to have porches with eaves and/or roofs with eaves when, in the opinion of the planning director, it is necessary to make the mobile home architecturally compatible with other dwellings in the neighborhood.
(Ord. 1894 § 25, 2007)

§ 17.20.150 Mobile home parks.

A. 
Each individual mobile home space shall have an area of not less than one thousand two hundred square feet.
B. 
The property used for a mobile home park shall have no access except from a major or secondary street.
C. 
Any driveways providing entrance to or exit from the mobile home park shall not be closer than fifty feet to a street intersection measured from the street line established by a precise plan for either of the streets at the intersection.
D. 
A solid masonry wall or equivalent view-obscuring wall of decorative block or balanced combination of solid wood and decorative block panels six feet in height shall be established and maintained across the full width of the site, and such wall or fence shall be located on the rear line of the required front yard: on corner lots and reverse lots, such wall shall be located on the line of the required side street side yard setback, and the side yard area between the wall and the side street property line shall be permanently landscaped and permanently irrigated including all park-ways and street trees.
E. 
A solid wall or equivalent view-obscuring fence, of solid brick or decorative block, six feet in height shall be established and maintained on any boundary line with R-1, R-2, R-3, and/or R-4 zoned property, except that on any portion of such common property line constituting the depth of the required front yard on such adjoining property, a fence three and one-half feet in height shall be required.
F. 
If there are any openings in the required wall or fence for driveway purposes, such openings shall not be wider than thirty feet.
G. 
Other than mobile homes, no other type of dwelling unit shall be permitted on the mobile home park site except a dwelling unit for the owner or manager of such mobile home park.
H. 
The site of the mobile home park shall be improved and maintained in the manner specified by this code or by uniform standards established by the city council by resolution.
I. 
All landscaped areas, required by this title or otherwise, shall be planted with plants from the list of approved landscaping plants in Appendix A at the end of this title.
1. 
The use of plants not on the list may be approved by the director of planning on a case-by-case basis. The applicant is responsible to provide documentation that the proposed plants are appropriate for the climate and the proposed location on the property. The director of planning will approve the use of the plant upon determining that it is not considered a noxious or invasive propagator, that it does not create problems with invasive roots when proposed near structures or property lines, that the plant does not require excessive watering to thrive, and that the plant does not pose a hazard to persons or structures.
2. 
All landscaped areas must be irrigated with an irrigation system that includes an automatic programmable timer, a precipitation override mechanism, and appropriate valves and sprinkler heads for the proposed landscaping.
(Ord. 1894 § 25, 2007; Ord. 1939 § 3, 2009)

§ 17.20.160 Accessory buildings, structures and uses.

A. 
Not more than one accessory structure other than a garage may be permitted and shall be restricted to the rear half of the lot.
B. 
There is no minimum required distance between accessory buildings and structures, other than those specified in Section 17.20.060.
C. 
Storage rooms and tool sheds for customary household related items shall be limited to a maximum of one hundred twenty square feet. The storage room and tool shed may be wired for electrical service but shall not have any plumbing.
D. 
Permitted accessory uses:
1. 
Patio covers and gazebos;
2. 
Canopies. provided that canopies are not permitted in any setback area or over driveways;
3. 
Aviaries (private and noncommercial) for birds such as canaries and other song and decorative birds, but not including pigeons and birds of prey; provided, the total number of birds shall not exceed twelve;
4. 
Household pets (but not including simians or dangerous animals or poisonous or constricting reptiles); provided, the total number in any combination thereof shall not exceed three;
5. 
Greenhouses (private and noncommercial) for propagation and culture only, and no sales from the premises are permitted;
6. 
Private Garages or Carports.
a. 
Parking shall be in a building enclosed on at least three sides and shall be equipped with doors where the parking spaces face any street; provided, however, that carports may be substituted in lieu of garages on key lots and interior lots for any parking spaces that are screened from the street by a building or wall of a building,
b. 
For a single-family detached dwelling unit on a lot, not more than four cars shall be permitted on a lot, one of which may be a commercial vehicle not exceeding three-quarter-ton capacity as defined in the State Vehicle Code, and the keeping of such truck on the premises shall not, in itself, be considered as incident to a home occupation,
c. 
For single-family detached dwelling unit and an accessory dwelling unit on a lot, not more than a total of six cars shall be permitted on a lot at any one time.
7. 
Swimming Pools, Spas, and Other Recreational Facilities for the Sole Use of the Occupants of the Premises and Their Guests.
a. 
A swimming pool may not be located in any required front yard, or closer than five feet to any other exterior property line or to any enclosed building on the same premises except where the pool extends inside the exterior walls of the building,
b. 
Any swimming pool, pond, spa or hot tub having a depth greater than three feet shall be enclosed by a structure and/or fence or wall six feet in height. Where the wall of a building is a component part of the enclosure, no separate wall need be installed along that portion occupied by the wall of a building. Any gate or door to the outside shall be equipped with a self-closing device and a self-latching device located not less than four feet above the ground.
8. 
Office for a minister of religion or other person engaged in a religious vocation, or for a physician or other person authorized by law to practice medicine or healing with regard to human beings, when such office is contained within the dwelling, and such office may be used for consultation or emergency purposes only and no assistants may be employed for service on the premises.
9. 
Solar panels for electric power generation, water heating, space heating or space cooling subject to the following height and setback restrictions:
a. 
When mounted on sloped roofs, the uppermost portion of each solar panel shall not exceed the highest point of the roof to which it is mounted, except as required to optimize the system performance (for example, to accommodate tilt angle).
b. 
When mounted on flat roofs and all non-roof structures, the lowest portion of the panels shall not be more than three feet above the surface to which it is mounted. The uppermost portion of each solar panel shall not exceed the height required to optimize the system performance (for example, to accommodate tilt angle).
c. 
Roof-mounted and other panels mounted at least ten feet above the ground, measured to the lowest point of each panel, are subject to the setbacks of the applicable zone.
d. 
Solar panels mounted lower than ten feet above the ground, measured to the lowest point of each panel, shall be subject to the setbacks of the applicable zone and shall have an additional three feet of setback for each foot below ten feet.
e. 
Placement of solar panels are subject to approval of the fire department to ensure access and proper markings to protect the health and safety of fire personnel and the general public.
(Ord. 1894 § 25, 2007; Ord. 1933 § 5, 2008; Ord. 1936 § 5, 2008; Ord. 2183 § 6, 2019; Ord. 2205 § 7, 2020)

§ 17.20.170 Church or other religious assembly use.

Churches shall be subject to a conditional use permit and shall conform to the following conditions:
A. 
Parking requirements for churches or other religious assembly use shall be provided as follows: one space for every thirty-five square feet of floor area used for assembly purposes including the sanctuary and meeting rooms, but excluding kitchens, hallways, storage areas, foyers, altar, stage, utility rooms, walls, closets, anteroom, stairwells, classrooms, offices, nursery rooms or areas, required exits and exit corridors. In determining the number of required parking spaces, the total number of adults present at the facility at concurrent times shall be considered. A listing of all uses, their location within the facility, the number of adults projected to attend, and the days of the week and times of day for all functions shall be submitted as part of the conditional use permit application.
B. 
In a residential zone the limitations on lot coverage by buildings need not apply.
C. 
Buildings and structures shall observe all yard requirements of the zone in which the property is located, and a single-family detached dwelling on the site shall observe the required distance between buildings as prescribed for the zone in which the site is located.
D. 
In a residential zone, buildings and structures may exceed the height limits established by this classification; provided, any required yard or open space adjacent to a perpendicular wall which exceeds the height limit shall be increased one foot in width for each foot such wall exceeds the height limit.
E. 
A masonry wall or fence six feet in height shall be constructed and maintained on any property line which is a common property line with R-1, R-2, R-3, and/or R-4 zoned property, except that along the portion of the common property line constituting the depth of the required front yard on the adjoining residentially classified property, such wall shall not exceed three and one-half feet in height.
F. 
In a residential zone, on interior lots, the side yards and the open space required at the lot rear line may be used for off-street parking and, on corner lots, the side yard at the lot interior side line and the open space at the lot rear line may be similarly used; under no circumstance, however, may the required front yard or the required yard on the street side be used for off-street parking.
G. 
All lights provided to illuminate any parking area or building on such lot or site shall be so arranged as to direct the light away from any adjoining premises.
(Ord. 1894 § 25, 2007; Ord. 1915 § 4, 2008)

§ 17.20.180 Electric distribution substation, including microwave receiving and relaying installations related to public utilities.

All facilities shall be within a completely enclosed building except transformers may be placed in the open; provided, they are enclosed with a solid masonry wall not less than six feet in height, and the area outside of the building or buildings and the wall, shall be landscaped consistent with surrounding residential standards.
(Ord. 1894 § 25, 2007)

§ 17.20.200 Parks and recreational areas.

Parks and recreational areas shall not have public amusement devices for hire.
(Ord. 1894 § 25, 2007)

§ 17.20.210 Schools, elementary, junior high and high.

A. 
All buildings or structures shall maintain a distance not less than thirty feet from any boundary line that is a common property line with R-1, R-2, R-3, and/or R-4 zoned property;
B. 
A fence or wall eight to ten feet in height shall be erected and maintained on any boundary line which is a common property line with R-1, R-2, R-3, and/or R-4 zoned property, except that along the portion of the common property line constituting the depth of the required front yard on such adjoining property, such fence or wall shall not be greater than three and one-half feet in height. Any portion of such fence above eight feet shall be an openwork fence which is composed of solid portions evenly distributed and constituting not more than fifty percent of the total surface area of the fence. In addition, where a recreation play area abuts an alley or street, there shall be provided for emergency access, a gate or opening not less than three feet in width and located at a rate of one gate for each two hundred lineal feet of continuous fence or wall or fraction thereof. No school fence or wall in such circumstances shall have less than one gate or opening.
(Ord. 1894 § 25, 2007)

§ 17.20.220 Signs (in addition to those allowed for churches or other religious assembly uses).

A. 
One unlighted nameplate or placard not exceeding one square foot in area containing the name of the occupant of the premises only.
B. 
One unlighted sign not exceeding eighteen inches by twenty-four inches and one rider sign not to exceed five inches by sixteen inches pertaining only to the sale, lease or hire of the particular building, property or premises upon which displayed.
(Ord. 1894 § 25, 2007)

§ 17.20.230 Open-air public parking areas.

A. 
The parking area shall be used for the temporary parking of automobiles without monetary charge.
B. 
Any area used for parking purposes shall be improved and maintained in the manner specified by this code or by the uniform standards established by the city council by resolution.
C. 
The minimum front yard depth required by this classification shall be maintained and a masonry wall or equivalent view-obscuring fence of solid brick or decorative block, not less than three and one-half feet nor greater than six feet in height, shall be placed on the rear line of the required front yard across the entire width of the lot except where entrance/exit facilities are specifically allowed by this subsection; and such front yard shall be permanently landscaped between the fence or wall and the front property line. All landscaping and irrigation must comply with Chapter 17.89, Water Efficient Landscaping, of this title. In addition, a solid fence or wall six feet in height shall be erected and maintained to the rear of the required front yard on any boundary line, except on corner or reverse corner lots, the wall shall be located on the inside side of the required street side yard setback line; provided further, that on that portion of the common property line constituting the depth of the required front yard, such fence or wall shall be three and one-half feet in height.
D. 
Entrance and exit facilities to the parking area shall be from the commercial or industrial property being served, or from the intervening alley, if there is one, unless the lot so used sides upon the commercial or industrial property being served, in which case entrance/exit facilities may be from the street upon which the property fronts.
(Ord. 1894 § 25, 2007; Ord. 1939 § 4, 2009; Ord. 2140 § 3, 2017)

§ 17.20.240 Hospitals, except small animal, mental and alcoholic hospitals.

Hospitals shall maintain a distance of not less than twenty feet from any boundary line which is a common property line with R-1, R-2, R-3, and/or R-4 zoned property, unless a greater distance is required by reason of the greater height of buildings in which case the greater distance shall control.
(Ord. 1894 § 25, 2007)

§ 17.20.250 Private clubs and fraternal societies.

A. 
No dancing is permitted and no liquor may be sold or served on the premises.
B. 
All buildings and structures shall maintain a distance of not less than twenty feet from any boundary line which is a common property line with R-1, R-2, R-3, and/or R-4 zoned property, unless a greater distance is required by reason of the greater height of buildings, in which case the greater distance shall control.
C. 
A solid wall or equivalent view-obscuring wall or fence of solid brick, concrete block or reinforced masonry, six feet in height shall be erected and maintained on any boundary property line which is a common property line with R-1, R-2, R-3, and/or R-4 zoned property; provided, that on the portion of the common property line constituting the depth of the required front yard on the adjoining R-1, R-2, R-3, and/or R-4 zoned property, such wall or fence shall be three and one-half feet in height.
(Ord. 1894 § 25, 2007)

§ 17.20.260 Sanitariums, convalescent home, nursing home and convalarium.

All buildings and structures shall maintain a distance not less than twenty feet from any boundary line which is a common property line with R-1, R-2, R-3, and/or R-4 zoned property, unless a greater distance is required by reason of the greater height of buildings, in which case the greater distance shall control.
(Ord. 1894 § 25, 2007)

§ 17.20.270 Noise.

A. 
Shock Mounting of Mechanical Equipment. All permanent mechanical equipment such as motors, compressors, pumps and compactors which, because of its rotation, reciprocation, expansion and/or contraction, turbulence, oscillation, pulsation, impaction or detonation, is determined by the director of building and safety to be a source of structural vibration or structure-borne noise shall be shock mounted with inertia blocks or bases and/or vibration isolators in a manner approved by the director of building and safety. Domestic appliances which are cabinet installed or built into the individual units, such as dishwashers, garbage disposals, trash compactors, clothes washers and dryers, exhaust fans or other appliances which are determined by the director of building and safety to be a source of structural vibration or structure-borne noise, shall be isolated from cabinets and the floor or ceiling by resilient gaskets and vibration mounts approved by the director of building and safety. The cabinets in which they are installed shall be offset from the back wall with strip gasketing of felt, cork or similar material approved by the director. Where such appliances utilize water, flexible connectors shall be installed on all waterlines. If provision is made with the units for the installation of nonpermanent appliances such as clothes washers and dryers then permanent rubber mounting bases and surface plates shall be installed in a manner approved by the director of building and safety.
B. 
Location of Plumbing Fixtures. No plumbing fixture shall be located on a common wall between two individual units.
C. 
Separation of Vents and Drain Lines. No common vents or drain lines shall be permitted for contiguous units until there is at least ten feet of pipe between the closest plumbing fixtures within the separate units.
D. 
Isolation and Insulation of Water and Drainage Lines.
1. 
All water supply lines within the project shall be isolated from wood, metal and other framing with pipe isolators specifically manufactured for that purpose and approved for use by the director of building and safety.
2. 
All vertical drainage lines within the project shall be isolated from touching wood, metal and other framing and all drainage pipe shall be surrounded by one inch of dense insulation board. Where vents and drain lines exist, the horizontal and vertical cavity shall be a minimum of six inches thick construction.
E. 
Attenuation of Noise.
1. 
General. Wall and floor/ceiling assemblies separating units from each other or from public or quasi-public spaces such as interior corridors, laundry rooms, recreation rooms, parking areas, etc., shall provide airborne sound insulation for walls, and both airborne and impact sound insulation for floor/ceiling assemblies.
2. 
Air-Borne Sound Insulation. All walls and floor/ceiling assemblies, except those directly over parking areas, shall be of a type of construction that has a minimum rating of 50 STC (sound transmission class) based on tests performed by a recognized and approved testing laboratory; openings in the construction for piping, electrical outlets and devices, recess cabinets, bathtubs, soffits, heating and ventilation, and/or air conditioning in-take and exhaust ducts, and the like shall be sealed, lined, insulated or otherwise treated to maintain the required rating and such treatment shall be approved by the director of building and safety. Entrance doors to the unit shall be of solid construction and, together with perimeter seals, shall have a minimum rating of 33 STC. Such perimeter seals shall be maintained in effective operating condition.
3. 
Impact Sound Insulation. All separating floor/ceiling assemblies, except those directly over parking areas, shall be of a type of construction that has a minimum rating of 50 IIC (impact insulation class) based upon tests performed by a recognized and approved testing laboratory.
F. 
Special Noise Sources.
1. 
Radios, Television Sets and Similar Devices. It is unlawful for any person within any residential zone of the city to use or operate any radio receiving set, musical instrument, phonograph, television set or other machine or device for the producing or reproducing of sound, between the hours of ten p.m. of one day and seven a.m. of the following day, in such a manner as to disturb the peace, quiet, and comfort of neighboring residents or any reasonable person of normal sensitivity residing in the area. Any noise exceeding the ambient noise level at the property line of any property or, in the case of a condominium or apartment house unit, within any adjoining apartment, by more than five decibels shall be deemed to be prima facie evidence of a violation of the provisions of this section.
2. 
Machinery, Equipment, Fans and Air Conditioning. It is unlawful for any person to operate any machinery, equipment, pump, fan, air conditioning apparatus or similar mechanical device in any manner so as to create any noise which would cause the noise level at the property line of any property to exceed the ambient noise level by more than five decibels. This section shall not apply to the performance of emergency work.
3. 
For purposes of this section, the ambient noise level shall not be less than the following levels. If the measured ambient noise level exceeds these levels, then the level actually measured shall be used as the "ambient noise level."
Time
Decibels
10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
50 dbA
7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
60 dbA
a. 
Any decibel measurement made pursuant to the provisions of this section shall be based on a reference sound pressure of 0.0002 microbars as measured in any octave band with center frequency, in cycles per second, as follows: 63, 125, 250, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 4,000 and 8,000, or as measured with a sound level meter using the "A" weighting network, using the slow meter response.
b. 
Measurements shall be taken with the microphone located at any point on the property line, but no closer than three feet from any wall and not less than three feet above the ground.
c. 
A minimum of three readings shall be taken at two-minute intervals. The sound level shall be the average of these readings.
(Ord. 2067 § 6, 2014)

§ 17.20.280 Assembly hall.

Assembly halls shall be subject to a conditional use permit and shall conform to the following conditions:
A. 
Parking requirements for assembly halls shall conform to Section 17.58.030(B)(2) one space for every three fixed seats and one space for every one hundred square feet of gross floor area where there are no fixed seats. A listing of all uses, their location within the facility, the number of adults projected to attend, and the days of the week and times of day for all functions shall be submitted as part of the conditional use permit application.
B. 
In an R-4 zone, the limitations on lot coverage by buildings need not apply.
C. 
Buildings and structures shall observe all yard requirements of the zone in which the property is located.
D. 
A masonry wall or fence six feet in height shall be constructed and maintained on any property line which is a common property line with R-1, R-2, R-3, and/or R-4 zoned property, except that along the portion of the common property line constituting the depth of the required front yard on the adjoining residentially classified property, such wall shall not exceed three and one-half feet in height.
E. 
In an R-4 zone, on interior lots, the side yards and the open space required at the lot rear line may be used for off-street parking and, on corner lots, the side yard at the lot interior side line and the open space at the lot rear line may be similarly used; under no circumstance, however, may the required front yard or the required yard on the street side be used for off-street parking.
F. 
All lights provided to illuminate any parking area or building on such lot or site shall be so arranged as to direct the light away from any adjoining premises.
(Ord. 1915 § 5, 2008)

§ 17.20.290 Containers.

A. 
One container is permitted on residential properties for a period not to exceed seven calendar days, and not more than two times within a calendar year, provided that they are prohibited within the front yard setback. Roll-off disposal bins are exempt from the time limitations of this section during approved demolition on the subject property.
B. 
A time extension not to exceed seven calendar days may be granted by the director of planning for a container placed on a residential property.
(Ord. 1933 § 6, 2008)

§ 17.20.300 Safety and design standards for R-3 and R-4 zones.

Safety in multifamily residences, buildings, and neighborhoods is important to residents and visitors alike. Therefore the city of Hawthorne requires the following guidelines to be adhered to. The guidelines are grouped under three concepts: natural surveillance, access control, and design reinforcement.
A. 
Natural Surveillance. Multifamily spaces shall be designed so that users feel that they will be seen if they do something inappropriate. It includes the organization of physical features, activities and people in ways that maximize visibility. It also includes: the thoughtful placement of windows, doors, and plazas; the alignment of sidewalks and paths so that lines of sight are created; the minimization of large areas of blank walls; the minimization of thick foliage; the locations and levels of lighting; and close connection of open spaces to surrounding living units.
1. 
The entry of each dwelling shall be visible from more than one other unit. Buildings shall be designed and oriented to:
a. 
Create courtyards and other usable open space areas;
b. 
Provide a series of public spaces for recreation and general open space; and children's play areas;
c. 
Provide natural lighting and ventilation.
2. 
The windows of frequently used rooms (e.g., kitchens and living rooms) shall be placed to facilitate the natural surveillance of nearby entries and courtyards.
3. 
Lighting fixtures shall be selected to minimize excessive glare or dark shadows. Prior to installation of lighting, applicant shall provide a lighting plan that demonstrates and incorporates the following:
a. 
Lighting fixtures shall provide adequate levels of lighting;
b. 
Floodlighting is encouraged;
c. 
Lighting for multifamily projects shall be focused downward.
4. 
Management/security mix.
a. 
Management office(s) shall be mandatory for multifamily developments of ten or more units; and shall be staffed daily and be located at a main, visible point within a multifamily project.
b. 
Security personnel shall be mandatory for multifamily developments consisting of thirty or more units when management is closed and/or unavailable in order to better serve public safety personnel that may have to be dispatched in case of emergencies. The security personnel shall be bonded, licensed and approved by the Hawthorne police chief.
1. 
Buildings consisting of thirty to sixty units or more shall have a minimum of one security guard.
2. 
Buildings consisting of sixty-one or more units shall have a minimum of two security personnel.
B. 
Access Control. A multifamily property shall be designed to accommodate the activities of residents, but discourage individuals carrying out undesirable activities that jeopardize the health, welfare and safety of tenants and visitors. The adverse visual impacts of parking areas and garage openings on the residential character of the street should be minimized. Some examples of these impacts are: blank walls, garage doors, secluded parking facilities, and driveway openings along street frontages and long driveways.
1. 
The site planning and design of multifamily structures should minimize the number of entries into the site. Site entries shall be located to enhance natural surveillance opportunities.
2. 
The site planning of multifamily structures shall include vehicular and pedestrian circulation design elements that provide clear ingress and egress.
3. 
Landscaping and plants adjacent to pedestrian and vehicular circulation areas shall be maintained at a low height, not to exceed three feet. Low planting can be used to define circulation areas.
4. 
All building and site entries shall be planned and designed for day and nighttime accessibility and visibility.
5. 
Driveway locations, whenever possible, should be on side streets. When this is not possible, design the main site entry with patterned concrete or pavers to differentiate it from the public sidewalk.
a. 
Carports, garages, and accessory structures should be designed as an integral part of project architecture. Fabric and prefabricated metal carports are prohibited.
b. 
Parking areas shall be designed with attention to landscape surfaces, softened edges and articulated pedestrian and vehicular circulation.
c. 
The parking areas shall be designed in a manner which allows path of travel from the front entrance to the project and from the parking garage to the front doors of the units and shall run through common open space and, ideally, through an open courtyard.
d. 
Intercoms, when included in the design of multifamily buildings, shall be located near the entry in a well-lit area which is highly visible from dwellings.
e. 
Lighting fixtures shall not produce excessive glare or dark shadows.
f. 
If courtyard doors or gates are utilized, keyless entry is mandatory.
C. 
Supportive Safety Design.
1. 
Courtyards and other centrally-oriented common spaces shall be designed to be visible to all the dwellings served.
2. 
The design shall utilize paving patterns to delineate use areas and entry zones. These paving patterns add visual interest and reinforce multifamily residents' areas versus public areas.
3. 
Individual or grouped mailboxes shall be located such that they are visible from dwellings. Where common mail box services are provided, they should be located close to the project entry or near recreational facilities. (Mail box locations must be approved by the U.S. Postal Service.)
4. 
Walls and other screening features shall be constructed of the same or similar materials and finishes as the adjacent building, or of complementing materials, and shall be designed and placed to complement the building design. (Height of walls over three feet shall be approved by the police department.)
5. 
Trash bins must be located within a masonry structure or other approved solid trash enclosure (see Chapter 17.54, Trash Storage). The enclosure shall not be constructed in a manner that creates clandestine places. Recommended enclosure locations include inside parking areas, or at the end of parking bays. Location shall be conveniently accessible for trash trucks.
6. 
Domed cameras with video surveillance capability shall be located at all entry points and points of ingress and egress. The video surveillance system shall be in working order with a minimum fourteen-day recording/replay capacity. Video shall be made available to representatives of the Police Department upon request to support criminal, civil or administrative investigations or monitoring. Camera location, recording quality and lighting shall be to the satisfaction of the chief of police and installed within thirty days of issuance of a certificate of occupancy.
7. 
Roof top recreational space is prohibited.
8. 
"No trespassing" signs shall be incorporated in design.
9. 
Schematic site plan shall be posted at entry.
10. 
Laundry facilities shall be free of doors or have large unobstructed visible and transparent windows and domed cameras.
(Ord. 2024 § 5, 2012)

§ 17.20.310 Additional development requirements.

A. 
All residential developments shall comply with, in addition to the requirements of this title, all applicable development requirements set forth in Chapter 8.50 (Stormwater and Urban Runoff Pollution Control) of Title 8 (Health and Safety) and Titles 13 (Sewers) and 14 (Technical Review and Study Requirements for Specified Development Projects).
B. 
Administrative plan review shall be required for all multifamily residential developments pursuant to Title 14.
(Ord. 2107 § 8, 2016)

§ 17.20.320 Exterior colors.

Prior to commencement of construction of, or changes to the exterior of, any multifamily building consisting of at least 4 units, the owner of the property or homeowner's association shall obtain approval of all exterior colors from the planning commission.
Base colors and accent colors should be selected to avoid monotony throughout the project site and neighborhood. Color schemes should present a harmonious range of accent materials. Approval of exterior colors shall also be required for awnings, fencing, and walls.
A minimum of three complementary colors shall be used for each building. Selected colors shall be consistent with the color schemes commonly found in the architectural style of the building. The primary base color should be subtle, preferably derived from earth tones and natural building materials such as brick, stone, and terra cotta. However, muted shades of more vivid hues are acceptable if characteristic of the style. Contrasting but complementary accent colors should be used for trim, windows, doors, awnings, and key architectural elements. The use of materials and color should convey a sense of quality and permanence. Colors should be compatible with neighboring buildings. Paint used on building surfaces along heavily traveled or service areas should be graffiti-resistant.
(Ord. 2102 § 3, 2016)