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Moraga City Zoning Code

CHAPTER 8

31 - SIX DWELLINGS PER ACRE MULTIFAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT R-6

8.31.010 - Purpose.

The purpose of this district is to provide for low density and low intensity multifamily structures and selected office uses in developments which will conform with existing and future neighboring development and which are designed to be compatible with site constraints, such as topography, drainage and existing vegetation.

(Ord. No. 293, § 3(Exh. A), 11-10-2020)

8.31.020 - Permitted uses.

A.

Agriculture (crop and tree farming with no on-site sales only);

B.

One duplex residential structure on one lot;

C.

Accessory dwelling units consistent with Chapter 8.124;

D.

Supportive housing and transitional housing of the same type allowed in this district;

E.

A family day care home; and

F.

Residential care facilities with six persons or fewer, employee housing with six persons or fewer, and group homes not requiring licensing by the State of California.

(Ord. No. 293, § 3(Exh. A), 11-10-2020; Ord. No. 311, § 11, 12-13-2023; Ord. No. 316, § 4, 6-25-2025)

8.31.030 - Conditional uses.

In this district, each of the following uses is permitted on the issuance of a conditional use permit:

A.

A residential structure other than one duplex on one lot;

B.

Offices, upon finding such a use is:

1.

Consistent with an overall plan of development,

2.

Compatible with existing and proposed uses, and

3.

Proposed to be located in an area transitional to a commercial or office district; and

C.

The keeping of livestock (see Chapter 8.92).

(Ord. No. 293, § 3(Exh. A), 11-10-2020)

8.31.040 - Density.

A.

No more than six dwelling units shall be erected on any one acre, except as provided in subsection B of this section and in Goal 4, Policy 8 of the land use element of the general plan.

B.

The allowable density may be increased in compliance with all applicable state laws.

C.

Within new condominium projects no more than six dwelling units shall be erected on any one acre.

(Ord. No. 293, § 3(Exh. A), 11-10-2020)

8.31.050 - Requirement for market analysis.

The planning commission may require an applicant for a conditional use permit to submit a market analysis in accord with criteria established by it.

(Ord. No. 293, § 3(Exh. A), 11-10-2020)

8.31.060 - Site standards

A.

Minimum Site Standards.

Standard
Minimum lot area: 10,000 square feet
Minimum lot frontage: 100 feet
Minimum front yard setback: 25 feet
Minimum side yard setback: 25 feet
Minimum side and rear yard setback: 20 feet, but not less than the height of the building.

 

B.

Increase in Side and Rear Yard Setback Requirements. The design review board upon review of the building permit application, and the planning commission upon review of the conditional use permit application may require an increase or permit a decrease in the minimum side yard or rear yard requirements, or both, upon finding that the adjustment is necessary to establish a proper site planning relationship to existing and proposed uses.

C.

Site Standards for Proposed Subdivision Parcels. The minimum site standards in subsection A of this section are minimum standards and are not intended to apply as a matter of right to a parcel which is proposed to be subdivided. The planning commission shall fix the minimum lot area, frontage, front yard setback and side and rear yard setback requirements for each parcel in this district which is created by the subdivision process after the date the ordinance codified in this chapter is adopted.

(Ord. No. 293, § 3(Exh. A), 11-10-2020)

8.31.070 - Development standards.

A.

Lot Coverage. The lot covered by buildings and paved areas may not exceed fifty (50) percent.

B.

Maximum Building Height. At no point shall the building height of a structure in this district exceed two stories or thirty-five (35) feet, whichever is less. However, if upon design review, the reviewing authority finds that the building height proposed for the structure will create a significant adverse effect on neighboring properties or is incompatible with the natural terrain or vegetation, the reviewing authority may reduce the maximum building height permitted to a height which eliminates or mitigates the adverse effects of the building height proposed.

C.

Landscaped Areas. All areas not covered by buildings and paved areas shall conform to a landscape plan approved by the reviewing authority.

D.

Building Design. The building design shall conform to the building design concept established for the area. If a design concept does not exist at the time an application for a building permit or a conditional use permit, as the case may be, is filed, the applicant shall propose a design concept for the site and show how the design relates to neighboring properties.

E.

Recreational Facilities. As a condition of approval, the reviewing authority may require private recreational facilities consistent with the needs of those who may occupy the units proposed.

F.

Conceptual Site Plan Submittal. An application for a conditional use permit shall be accompanied by a plan containing conceptual planning, including the siting and elevation of buildings for the entire parcel.

G.

Specific Plan Submittal. As a condition to approving a conditional use permit, the planning commission may require the applicant to prepare and submit for commission approval a specific plan. The planning commission may impose this condition only when it finds that the design access, building location or circulation proposed cannot be adequately addressed on a parcel by parcel basis.

H.

Maximum Aggregate Building Height. On sloped lots where a structure is stepped down the slope, the maximum aggregate building height shall not exceed forty-five (45) feet. However, if upon design review, the reviewing authority finds that the building height proposed for the structure will create a significant adverse effect on neighboring properties or is incompatible with the natural terrain or vegetation, the reviewing authority may reduce the maximum building height permitted to a height which eliminates or mitigates the adverse effects of the building height proposed.

(Ord. No. 293, § 3(Exh. A), 11-10-2020)