This title shall be known as the "Zoning Code of the City of Yorba Linda," the "Zoning Code," or, for the purposes of this title, may be referred to by the short title "code."

For the purposes of promoting and protecting the public health, safety and welfare of the people of the City of Yorba Linda; to safeguard and enhance the appearance and quality of development of the City; to provide for the social, physical and economic advantages resulting from comprehensive and orderly planned use of land resources; and to implement the Yorba Linda General Plan, a Zoning Ordinance codified in this title establishing classification of zones and regulation within those zones hereby is established and adopted by the City Council. These regulations are enacted pursuant to the authority granted in Article XI, Section 7 of the California Constitution and California Government Code Section 65850.

The provisions of this title governing the use of land, buildings and structures, the size of yards abutting buildings and structures, the height and bulk of buildings, the density of population, the number of dwelling units per acre, standards of performance and other provisions hereby are declared to be in effect upon all land included with the boundaries of each and every zone established by this title. Whenever any provision of this code and other City regulations impose overlapping or contradictory requirements, that provision that is more restrictive or imposes a higher standard shall control, except as otherwise expressly provided in this code. Nothing contained in this code shall be deemed to repeal or amend any regulation of the City requiring a permit or license. This code is separate from and independent of any condition, covenant, restriction, easement, or other agreement between parties, except that where this code is more restrictive or imposes a higher standard than that required by such agreement, this code shall control, and further except in cases of approved development agreements specific plans and vesting tract maps.

Other than vesting tentative tract maps and vesting tentative parcel maps, any approved tentative tract map or tentative parcel map which has been approved prior to the adoption of this code and approved pursuant to the provisions of earlier ordinances of the City and which is in conflict with this title shall be deemed expired and no longer valid, and any final tract/parcel map shall not be approved or recorded.

Any building for which a building permit has been issued under the provisions of earlier ordinances of the City which are in conflict with this title, and on which substantial construction has been performed by integration of materials on the site before the effective date of the ordinance codified in this title, may nevertheless be continued and completed in accordance with the plans and specifications upon which the permit was issued.

The provisions of this title are not intended to abrogate any easements, covenants, or other existing agreements, which are more restrictive than the provisions of this title.

Whenever the provisions of this title impose more restrictive regulations upon building or structures and the use of them or the use of lands or premises and require larger open spaces or yards or setbacks than are imposed or required by other ordinances, the provisions of this title or rules or regulations promulgated thereunder shall govern, except as provided in approved development agreements, specific plans, planned communities, planned unit developments, or vesting tract maps.

The Community Development Director shall interpret the provisions of the zoning code when questions related to meaning, intent or purpose arise. The Director may refer interpretations to the Planning Commission for review if he/she determines on a case-by-case basis that the public interest would be better served by such referral. Decisions relative to interpretation by the Director may be appealed to the Planning Commission pursuant to Section 18.36.810.

This title serves as one of the tools to implement the goals, policies and objectives contained in the City's General Plan. Consistency is provided through the adoption of zoning districts that are consistent with the General Plan land use designations. Table 18.02-1 addresses zoning consistency for the City. Consistency is also provided through adoption of special standards and guidelines that relate to General Plan programs such as historical preservation, aesthetics and community identity.

The Community Development Director, either directly or through the Zoning Administrator shall have the authority to grant minor deviations to this code related to any development standard referenced by this code except density, floor area ratios or parking. The authority granted by this section shall be limited to a reduction or an increase of any standard by 10 percent or less. Greater deviations shall require approval of an appropriate zoning variance or use permit.

A Community Development Director appointed by the City Manager shall administer the Zoning Code, consistent with Federal, State and local law, and shall in addition carry out the designated duties and responsibilities prescribed by this title.