The purpose of the residential zones is to provide for areas of residential development at various specified densities throughout the county. The residential zones are intended to accommodate a variety of housing types and to encourage the provision of housing for all citizens of Madera County. It is also intended that the residential zones reflect the desired development patterns in existing neighborhoods while accommodating the need for future growth.

(Ord. No. 525VV, § 3 (Exh. C), 7-18-17).

The purpose of the RUS zone is to provide for single family dwelling units on smaller lots than the RRS zone. Lots one-acre or less must have urban services such as community sewer and water.

(Ord. No. 525VV, § 3 (Exh. C), 7-18-17).

The purpose of the RX zone is to provide for both attached and detached single dwelling units on smaller lots than are required in the RUS zone. It is intended that this zone provide an alternative to multiple dwelling unit developments where single dwelling unit developments could be developed at similar densities. The RX zone provides for a wide variety of residential development patterns. This zone district would only be allowed to be used in conjunction with the village core overlay district.

(Ord. No. 525VV, § 3 (Exh. C), 7-18-17).

A.

The purpose of the RRS zones is to provide for single dwelling units on large lots with some accessory agricultural uses. It is intended that this zone be applied to areas that are rural in character, where the retention of low density residential development is desired. Each of the RRS zones is intended to establish development criteria.

B.

The RRS zones are differentiated based upon applicable development regulations as follows:

(Ord. No. 525VV, § 3 (Exh. C), 7-18-17).

Purpose of the RMS (residential mountain single family) zone is to provide for dwelling units on varied size lots with some accessory agricultural uses. Minimum lots size of one acre. The RMS zone district is intended to be applied to areas that are rural in character and is less restrictive.

(Ord. No. 525VV, § 3 (Exh. C), 7-18-17).

The purpose of the RT zone is to provide for attached, single-dwelling unit residential development on small lots with alley access. It is intended that these zones provide for more urbanized, single-unit living at densities that are historically more typical of multiple-unit zones. The RT zones provide transition opportunities between single-unit neighborhoods and higher density multiple-unit neighborhoods and in some instances may replace multiple-unit zones at similar densities. The RT zones are intended to be applied on subdivided blocks with alleys that are within or close to highly urbanized areas, transit areas. This zone district would only be allowed to be used in conjunction with the village core overlay district.

(Ord. No. 525VV, § 3 (Exh. C), 7-18-17).

The purpose of the RUM (Residential, Urban, Multi-Unit Dwelling) zone is to provide for areas in the urbanized County that accommodate multi-unit dwellings. The maximum residential density for this zone is 25 dwelling units per acre. The maximum floor area ratio for nonresidential uses in this zone is 0.40. This zone implements the Medium Density Residential (MOR) and High Density Residential (HOR) land use designations in the General Plan.

(Ord. No. 525VV, § 3 (Exh. C), 7-18-17)

(Ord. No. 525YY, § 1, 12-17-24)

The purpose of RRM (residential rural single family) zone is to provide for multiple family dwelling units on larger lots. Minimum lot size is one acre. Urban services are not required.

(Ord. No. 525VV, § 3 (Exh. C), 7-18-17).

Purpose of the RM (residential mountain family) zone is to provide for dwelling units on varied size lots with some accessory agricultural uses. Minimum lot size of one acre. The RM zone district is intended to be applied to areas that are rural in character and is less restrictive.

(Ord. No. 525VV, § 3 (Exh. C), 7-18-17).

The regulations of this section apply in the residential zones unless otherwise specifically provided by footnotes indicated in the table. The uses permitted in any zone may be further limited if environmentally sensitive lands are present, pursuant to Title 16.

A.

Within the residential zones, no structure or improvement, or portion thereof, shall be constructed, established, or altered, nor shall any premises be used or maintained except for one or more of the purposes or activities listed in the table. It is unlawful to establish, maintain, or use any premises for any purpose or activity not listed in this section.

B.

All uses or activities permitted in the residential zones shall be conducted entirely within an enclosed building unless the use or activity is traditionally conducted outdoors.

C.

The rental of an entire single family dwelling, regardless of the tenure or length of tenancy is a permitted use in all residential zone districts.

D.

For any use that cannot be readily classified, the zoning administrator shall determine the appropriate use category and use subcategory pursuant to Section 18.104.010.

Use Regulations Table of Residential Zones

The uses allowed in the residential zones are shown in the attached table.

Permitted Land Uses in Residential Zones

1.

The noncommercial raising of bovine animals, equine animals, swine, sheep and goats where the lot area is one acre or more provided that the number thereof in any combination shall not exceed four adult animals per acre, with not more than two adult animals and three immature offspring of a bovine, equine type, or combination thereof per acre.

2.

The noncommercial raising of poultry, rabbits and other similar small animals where the lot area is one acre or more provided that the number per acre, or combination thereof, shall not exceed twenty-four.

3.

All pens, coops, stables or barns for the keeping of the above indicated animals must comply with the structure setback requirements for this district and shall not be constructed within fifty feet of any structure designed for human habitation.

^** This zone district would only be allowed to be used in conjunction with the village core overlay district.

(Ord. No. 525VV, § 3 (Exh. C), 7-18-17).

A.

Within the residential zones, no structure or improvement shall be constructed, established, or altered, nor shall any premises be used unless the premises complies with the regulations and standards in this division and with any applicable development regulations.

B.

The regulations in this section apply to all development in the residential zones whether or not a permit or other approval is required except where specifically identified.

C.

Temporary uses may be permitted in the residential zones for a limited period of time with a zoning permit in accordance with Chapter 18.104.

D.

For any use that cannot be readily classified, the zoning administrator shall determine the appropriate use category and use subcategory pursuant to Chapter 18.104.

(Ord. No. 525VV, § 3 (Exh. C), 7-18-17).

The development standards table for residential zones identifies the parcel size, density standards, lot coverage, setbacks and height regulations that apply in the residential zones.

Parcel Size, Density and Setback for Residential Zones

*Additional houses, not to exceed a ratio of one dwelling unit per forty acres in the ranch or farm.

**Only allows in the village core overlay district.

Setbacks are measured from the property line to the wall of the structure. Front setbacks are measured from the road right-of-way to the wall of the structure.

If two or more roadways border the parcel, the front of the house will require front (twenty-five feet from road right-of-way) setbacks. If a driveway accesses a different roadway from the front of the house, a twenty-five-foot setback from the road right-of-way will be required.

(Ord. No. 525VV, § 3 (Exh. C), 7-18-17).

(Ord. No. 525YY, § 2, 12-17-24)