Santa Maria City Zoning Code

CHAPTER 12

6A A RSL-1 SINGLE-FAMILY SMALL LOT RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT

Section 12-6A.01 Regulations designated.

The sections of this chapter constitute the regulations of the RSL-1 (Single-family Small Lot Residential) District.

(Ord. 86-25 § 1 Exhibit B, 1986)

Section 12-6A.02 Purpose.

The RSL-1 district is designed and intended to stabilize and maintain the single-family character of the district and permit a suitable environment for single-family living on a smaller scale by permitting smaller lots with special yard requirements while at the same time maintaining adequate individual private open space. It is intended that the RSL-1 zoning be used in conjunction with subdivisions with southerly oriented sideyards with zero sideline homes to facilitate passive and active solar designed homes.

(Ord. 86-25 § 1 Exhibit B, 1986)

Section 12-6A.03 Permitted uses.

The following uses are permitted in the RSL-1 district:

Home occupations subject to a home use permit. See Chapter 29 of this title;

Single-family dwellings, and accessory dwelling units;

Crop and tree farming;

Care of nonrelated persons (six or less persons);

Keeping of household pets, aviaries and greenhouses for domestic or hobby use; such structures shall comply with provisions contained in Chapter 12-27, Accessory Structures. The keeping of roosters, goats, sheep, pigs, horses, cows or similar animals is specifically prohibited;

Small family day care homes;

Large family day care homes when located in a single-family residence and when in accordance with requirements established in Chapter 29A;

Cottage food operations when in accordance with the requirements established in Chapter 12-29B of this title.

(Ord. 86-25 § 1 Exhibit B, 1986; Ord. 90-1 § 2, eff. 3/8/90; Ord. 91-23 § 1(3), eff. 10/31/91; Ord. 2014-04, eff. 8/14/2014; Ord. 2017-21, eff. 1/18/18)

Section 12-6A.04 Conditional uses.

The following uses and those similar uses which the Planning Commission finds to fall within the intent and purpose of this zone, that will not be more obnoxious or detrimental to the public welfare, are found by the commission to be compatible with adjoining land uses, and which are of a comparable nature and of the same class enumerated in this section, shall be permitted subject to obtaining a conditional use permit according to the procedures set forth in Article 2 of Chapter 12-35 of this title:

Churches;

Child day care centers;

Public and private schools;

Lodges and clubs, subject to the special development standards in Section 12-6.16.

(Ord. 86-25 § 1 Exhibit B, 1986; Ord. 90-1 § 2, eff. 3/8/90; Ord. 91-23 § 1(4), eff. 10/31/91; Ord. 2021-04 § 2, eff. 8/19/21)

Section 12-6A.05 Accessory buildings.

Accessory buildings shall be permitted in the RSL-1 district subject to compliance with all requirements set forth in Chapter 12-27 of this title.

(Ord. 86-25 § 1 Exhibit B, 1986; Ord. 90-1 § 2, eff. 3/8/90)

Section 12-6A.06 Development standards.

Development, uses and structures in the RSL-1 district shall be subject to the development standards set out in Sections 12-6A.07 through 12-6A.16 of this chapter.

(Ord. 86-25 § 1 Exhibit B, 1986)

Section 12-6A.07 Building site.

Minimum building site required:

Each interior lot shall have a minimum area of not less than 4,500 square feet and a minimum width of not less than 45 feet, except that lots at the end of a cul-de-sac may be 40 feet wide. Each corner lot shall have a minimum area of not less than 5,000 square feet and a minimum width of not less than 50 feet. Minimum lot sizes and widths for schools and churches shall be subject to the approval of the Planning Commission.

When a number follows the zoning symbol, each lot or parcel of land shall have a lot area not less than the number following the zoning symbol. If such number is less than 100, it means acres and if such number is more than 100, it means square feet; provided, however, that no lot or parcel of land within a standard subdivision shall have a lot area of less than 4,500 square feet.

The City Council, through a subdivision map, may create lots smaller than specified in subsection (a) or (b) of this section, provided the overall density of the project is consistent with the General Plan.

(Ord. 86-25 § 1 Exhibit B, 1986; Ord. 90-1 § 2, eff. 3/8/90)

Section 12-6A.08 Height.

Maximum, allowable building height is twenty-five feet (25′).

(Ord. 86-25 § 1 Exhibit B, 1986)

Section 12-6A.09 Setbacks.

All yard measurements are made from the lot property lines. Yard measurements on lot lines abutting street rights-of-way assume a lot line based on the ultimate standard design right-of-way as set forth in this Code.

Front Yards. Front yards shall be no less than 20 feet deep, except as follows:

Garages with side entry may be set back not less than 15 feet from the front property line provided the lot width is 48 feet or greater to allow for adequate turning radius.

Garages with front entry shall be set back not less than 20 feet, except garages with roll-up doors may be set back a minimum of 18 feet from the front property line.

Side Yards.

On interior lots, one side yard shall be a zero side yard except that a three to five foot easement may be provided to meet building Code requirements, and the other not less than 15 feet.

On a corner lot, the setback shall be 15 feet from the side property line adjoining the street; the other side yard shall be zero side yard. Front entry garages, however, shall be set back 20 feet from the property line, except garages with roll-up doors may be set back a minimum of 18 feet from the front property line.

Rear Yards. Rear yard setback shall be as follows:

For a single-story structure, the setback shall be 10 feet for two story structures; the rear yard shall be not less than 15 feet.

(Ord. 86-25 § 1 Exhibit B, 1986; Ord. 90-1 § 2, eff. 3/8/90)

Section 12-6A.10 Parking.

For provisions on parking, see Chapter 12-32 of this title.

(Ord. 86-25 § 1 Exhibit B, 1986)

Section 12-6A.11 Signs.

For provisions on signs, see Chapter 12-34 of this title.

(Ord. 86-25 § 1 Exhibit B, 1986)

Section 12-6A.12 Entrada Plan.

Standards presented in the Entrada Specific Plan may apply to uses in certain locations, see Section 12-3.04 of this title.

(Ord. 86-25 § 1 Exhibit B, 1986)

Section 12-6A.13 Noise.

Residential structures adjacent to an arterial or collector street shall comply with either one of the following:

The recommendations contained in an acoustical report prepared by an acoustical expert acceptable to the Community Development Department; or

The installation of solid-core doors and double-glazed windows on all openings on the elevation of the structure facing the arterial or collector streets. Roof vents facing arterial or collector streets shall be baffled in a manner acceptable to the Zoning Administrator.

(Ord. 86-25 § 1 Exhibit B, 1986)

Section 12-6A.14 Single-family architectural and aesthetic standards.

Architectural and aesthetic standards, single-family dwellings:

Roof overhang and pitch shall be equal to or compatible with roof overhangs and roof pitches in the neighborhood in which the home is to be located.

Roofing materials:

Roofing materials shall be limited to materials and textures determined by the Zoning Administrator to be compatible with the neighborhood in which the home is going to be located; i.e., tile, rock, asphalt shingles, wood shakes and shingles.

No shiny or reflective materials shall be permitted.

Siding materials:

Siding materials shall be limited to materials and textures determined by the Zoning Administrator to be compatible with the neighborhood in which the home is going to be located; i.e., stucco, wood, brick, stone or decorative concrete block, slumpstone or split face block.

The exterior siding material shall extend to the ground.

No shiny or reflective materials shall be permitted.

(Ord. 86-25 § 1 Exhibit B, 1986)

Section 12-6A.15 Mobile homes-Surrender of registration.

The owner of a mobile home, on the same day the certificate of occupancy is issued, shall surrender to the City the certificate of ownership, license plates or decals, and other Department of Motor Vehicles registration indicia. If any of these items are not available, the owner shall submit to the City a "statement of facts" on Department of Motor Vehicles form reg. 256 indicating, under penalty of perjury, that these items are missing or lost (Section 18551 of the State Health and Safety Code).

When the mobile home is new and has never been registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles, the owner shall submit to the City a statement from the mobile home dealer selling the mobile home, stating that the mobile home is new and has never been registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles of the State (Section 18551 of the State Health and Safety Code).

(Ord. 86-25 § 1 Exhibit B, 1986)

Section 12-6A.16 Conversion of dwelling units to additional dwelling units prohibited, except for accessory dwelling units.

The establishment or closing off of any portion of a dwelling or structure to create an additional dwelling unit is prohibited, except for accessory dwelling units permitted by Chapter 12-56, unless all other provisions of this Code are met.

An additional dwelling unit shall be determined to be created where one or more of the following conditions exist:

A second kitchen is installed;

Sanitation facilities are installed in a room having only exterior access;

Sanitation or kitchen facilities are installed in a detached accessory structure;

A wetbar is installed in a detached accessory structure;

A wetbar is installed in a structure attached to a residence only by a common roof (without unimpeded interior access).

(Ord. 90-1 § 2, eff. 3/8/90; Ord. 2005-04, eff. 5/19/05; Ord. 2017-21, eff. 1/18/18)

Santa Maria City Zoning Code

CHAPTER 12

6A A RSL-1 SINGLE-FAMILY SMALL LOT RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT

Section 12-6A.01 Regulations designated.

The sections of this chapter constitute the regulations of the RSL-1 (Single-family Small Lot Residential) District.

(Ord. 86-25 § 1 Exhibit B, 1986)

Section 12-6A.02 Purpose.

The RSL-1 district is designed and intended to stabilize and maintain the single-family character of the district and permit a suitable environment for single-family living on a smaller scale by permitting smaller lots with special yard requirements while at the same time maintaining adequate individual private open space. It is intended that the RSL-1 zoning be used in conjunction with subdivisions with southerly oriented sideyards with zero sideline homes to facilitate passive and active solar designed homes.

(Ord. 86-25 § 1 Exhibit B, 1986)

Section 12-6A.03 Permitted uses.

The following uses are permitted in the RSL-1 district:

Home occupations subject to a home use permit. See Chapter 29 of this title;

Single-family dwellings, and accessory dwelling units;

Crop and tree farming;

Care of nonrelated persons (six or less persons);

Keeping of household pets, aviaries and greenhouses for domestic or hobby use; such structures shall comply with provisions contained in Chapter 12-27, Accessory Structures. The keeping of roosters, goats, sheep, pigs, horses, cows or similar animals is specifically prohibited;

Small family day care homes;

Large family day care homes when located in a single-family residence and when in accordance with requirements established in Chapter 29A;

Cottage food operations when in accordance with the requirements established in Chapter 12-29B of this title.

(Ord. 86-25 § 1 Exhibit B, 1986; Ord. 90-1 § 2, eff. 3/8/90; Ord. 91-23 § 1(3), eff. 10/31/91; Ord. 2014-04, eff. 8/14/2014; Ord. 2017-21, eff. 1/18/18)

Section 12-6A.04 Conditional uses.

The following uses and those similar uses which the Planning Commission finds to fall within the intent and purpose of this zone, that will not be more obnoxious or detrimental to the public welfare, are found by the commission to be compatible with adjoining land uses, and which are of a comparable nature and of the same class enumerated in this section, shall be permitted subject to obtaining a conditional use permit according to the procedures set forth in Article 2 of Chapter 12-35 of this title:

Churches;

Child day care centers;

Public and private schools;

Lodges and clubs, subject to the special development standards in Section 12-6.16.

(Ord. 86-25 § 1 Exhibit B, 1986; Ord. 90-1 § 2, eff. 3/8/90; Ord. 91-23 § 1(4), eff. 10/31/91; Ord. 2021-04 § 2, eff. 8/19/21)

Section 12-6A.05 Accessory buildings.

Accessory buildings shall be permitted in the RSL-1 district subject to compliance with all requirements set forth in Chapter 12-27 of this title.

(Ord. 86-25 § 1 Exhibit B, 1986; Ord. 90-1 § 2, eff. 3/8/90)

Section 12-6A.06 Development standards.

Development, uses and structures in the RSL-1 district shall be subject to the development standards set out in Sections 12-6A.07 through 12-6A.16 of this chapter.

(Ord. 86-25 § 1 Exhibit B, 1986)

Section 12-6A.07 Building site.

Minimum building site required:

Each interior lot shall have a minimum area of not less than 4,500 square feet and a minimum width of not less than 45 feet, except that lots at the end of a cul-de-sac may be 40 feet wide. Each corner lot shall have a minimum area of not less than 5,000 square feet and a minimum width of not less than 50 feet. Minimum lot sizes and widths for schools and churches shall be subject to the approval of the Planning Commission.

When a number follows the zoning symbol, each lot or parcel of land shall have a lot area not less than the number following the zoning symbol. If such number is less than 100, it means acres and if such number is more than 100, it means square feet; provided, however, that no lot or parcel of land within a standard subdivision shall have a lot area of less than 4,500 square feet.

The City Council, through a subdivision map, may create lots smaller than specified in subsection (a) or (b) of this section, provided the overall density of the project is consistent with the General Plan.

(Ord. 86-25 § 1 Exhibit B, 1986; Ord. 90-1 § 2, eff. 3/8/90)

Section 12-6A.08 Height.

Maximum, allowable building height is twenty-five feet (25′).

(Ord. 86-25 § 1 Exhibit B, 1986)

Section 12-6A.09 Setbacks.

All yard measurements are made from the lot property lines. Yard measurements on lot lines abutting street rights-of-way assume a lot line based on the ultimate standard design right-of-way as set forth in this Code.

Front Yards. Front yards shall be no less than 20 feet deep, except as follows:

Garages with side entry may be set back not less than 15 feet from the front property line provided the lot width is 48 feet or greater to allow for adequate turning radius.

Garages with front entry shall be set back not less than 20 feet, except garages with roll-up doors may be set back a minimum of 18 feet from the front property line.

Side Yards.

On interior lots, one side yard shall be a zero side yard except that a three to five foot easement may be provided to meet building Code requirements, and the other not less than 15 feet.

On a corner lot, the setback shall be 15 feet from the side property line adjoining the street; the other side yard shall be zero side yard. Front entry garages, however, shall be set back 20 feet from the property line, except garages with roll-up doors may be set back a minimum of 18 feet from the front property line.

Rear Yards. Rear yard setback shall be as follows:

For a single-story structure, the setback shall be 10 feet for two story structures; the rear yard shall be not less than 15 feet.

(Ord. 86-25 § 1 Exhibit B, 1986; Ord. 90-1 § 2, eff. 3/8/90)

Section 12-6A.10 Parking.

For provisions on parking, see Chapter 12-32 of this title.

(Ord. 86-25 § 1 Exhibit B, 1986)

Section 12-6A.11 Signs.

For provisions on signs, see Chapter 12-34 of this title.

(Ord. 86-25 § 1 Exhibit B, 1986)

Section 12-6A.12 Entrada Plan.

Standards presented in the Entrada Specific Plan may apply to uses in certain locations, see Section 12-3.04 of this title.

(Ord. 86-25 § 1 Exhibit B, 1986)

Section 12-6A.13 Noise.

Residential structures adjacent to an arterial or collector street shall comply with either one of the following:

The recommendations contained in an acoustical report prepared by an acoustical expert acceptable to the Community Development Department; or

The installation of solid-core doors and double-glazed windows on all openings on the elevation of the structure facing the arterial or collector streets. Roof vents facing arterial or collector streets shall be baffled in a manner acceptable to the Zoning Administrator.

(Ord. 86-25 § 1 Exhibit B, 1986)

Section 12-6A.14 Single-family architectural and aesthetic standards.

Architectural and aesthetic standards, single-family dwellings:

Roof overhang and pitch shall be equal to or compatible with roof overhangs and roof pitches in the neighborhood in which the home is to be located.

Roofing materials:

Roofing materials shall be limited to materials and textures determined by the Zoning Administrator to be compatible with the neighborhood in which the home is going to be located; i.e., tile, rock, asphalt shingles, wood shakes and shingles.

No shiny or reflective materials shall be permitted.

Siding materials:

Siding materials shall be limited to materials and textures determined by the Zoning Administrator to be compatible with the neighborhood in which the home is going to be located; i.e., stucco, wood, brick, stone or decorative concrete block, slumpstone or split face block.

The exterior siding material shall extend to the ground.

No shiny or reflective materials shall be permitted.

(Ord. 86-25 § 1 Exhibit B, 1986)

Section 12-6A.15 Mobile homes-Surrender of registration.

The owner of a mobile home, on the same day the certificate of occupancy is issued, shall surrender to the City the certificate of ownership, license plates or decals, and other Department of Motor Vehicles registration indicia. If any of these items are not available, the owner shall submit to the City a "statement of facts" on Department of Motor Vehicles form reg. 256 indicating, under penalty of perjury, that these items are missing or lost (Section 18551 of the State Health and Safety Code).

When the mobile home is new and has never been registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles, the owner shall submit to the City a statement from the mobile home dealer selling the mobile home, stating that the mobile home is new and has never been registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles of the State (Section 18551 of the State Health and Safety Code).

(Ord. 86-25 § 1 Exhibit B, 1986)

Section 12-6A.16 Conversion of dwelling units to additional dwelling units prohibited, except for accessory dwelling units.

The establishment or closing off of any portion of a dwelling or structure to create an additional dwelling unit is prohibited, except for accessory dwelling units permitted by Chapter 12-56, unless all other provisions of this Code are met.

An additional dwelling unit shall be determined to be created where one or more of the following conditions exist:

A second kitchen is installed;

Sanitation facilities are installed in a room having only exterior access;

Sanitation or kitchen facilities are installed in a detached accessory structure;

A wetbar is installed in a detached accessory structure;

A wetbar is installed in a structure attached to a residence only by a common roof (without unimpeded interior access).

(Ord. 90-1 § 2, eff. 3/8/90; Ord. 2005-04, eff. 5/19/05; Ord. 2017-21, eff. 1/18/18)