Part 1 — PERMITTED USES AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
Baldwin Park Zoning Code · 2026-06 edition · ingested 2026-07-06 · Baldwin Park
§ 153.040.010 INTENT AND PURPOSE. ¶
Four residential zones are established to provide residents with comfortable, healthy, safe and pleasant living environments. These zones should be separated from incompatible and disruptive activities that may conflict with this purpose. The zones are designed to accommodate specific types of development approaches and housing to serve the needs of city residents.
(A) Low-Density Single-Family Residential Zone (R-1-7,500). The R-1-7,500 zone provides areas for the development of detached single-family dwelling units, duplexes, and two attached single-family dwelling units on a single lot on lots greater than or equal to 7,500 square feet in size. The zone is intended to protect and stabilize desirable characteristics of single-family residential areas, including larger lot sizes and separation from incompatible land uses.
(B) Single-Family Residential Zone (R-1). The R-1 zone provides areas for the development of detached singlefamily dwelling units, duplexes, and two attached single-family dwelling units on a single lot. The zone is also intended to protect and stabilize desirable characteristics of single-family residential areas.
(C) Garden Multi-Family Residential Zone (R-G). The R-G zone provides an environment suitable for both smalllot detached or attached dwelling units where more than one unit may be built on a lot. The intent is to promote desirable characteristics for medium-density neighborhoods.
(D) High Density Multi-Family Residential Zone (R-3). The R-3 zone provides opportunities for persons to live in small-lot single family developments and developments containing multiple units, such as apartments or condominiums with common open space and other shared amenities.
(Ord. 1346, passed 5-2-12; Am. Ord. 1503, passed 7-5-23)
§ 153.040.020 USE REGULATIONS. ¶
(A) Permitted uses . Table 153.040.020 identifies the permitted uses in all residential zones. Residential uses represent the primary permitted use, and only those additional uses that are complementary to and can exist in harmony with the residential character of each zone may be allowed as accessory or conditionally permitted uses, as indicated in Table 153.040.020.
(B) Conditional uses. Certain uses may be subject to special conditions regarding the location, operation or design of the use. References to these provisions are made in Table 153.040.020.
(C) Prohibited uses. If a use is not specifically listed in Table 153.040.020, that use is prohibited. However, the Zoning Administrator shall have the authority to determine whether the proposed use shall be permitted based on the finding that the use is similar to and no more detrimental than a particular use permitted in the zone.
TABLE 153.040.020
| Permitted and Conditionally Permitted Uses within Residential Zones |
P CUP A |
Permitted use Conditional use permit required Accessory use |
Permitted use Conditional use permit required Accessory use |
Permitted use Conditional use permit required Accessory use |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| -- | Use not allowed | Use not allowed | |||
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Land Use | R-1- 7,500 |
R-1 | R-G | R-3 | Additional Regulations |
| Accessory dwelling units | P | P | P | P | 153.120 Part 11 |
| Accessory dwelling units - junior | P | P | -- | -- | 153.120 Part 11 |
| Accessory structures | P | P | P | P | 153.040.070 |
| Adult day care facilities | CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | |
| Boardinghouses | -- | -- | -- | -- | |
| Child day care homes - large family | P | P | P | P | 153.120 Part 6 |
| Child day care homes - small family | P | P | P | P | |
| Condominiums | -- | -- | P | P | See § 153.210, Part 2. Design Review |
| Dwellings, duplex | -- | -- | P | P | See § 153.210, Part 2. Design Review |
| Dwellings, multi-family | -- | -- | P | P | See § 153.210, Part 2. Design Review |
| Dwellings, single-family | P | P | P | P | See § 153.210, Part 2. Design Review |
| Educational institutions, private | -- | CUP | CUP | CUP | 153.040.030 |
| Educational institutions, public | P | P | P | P | |
| Home occupations 1 | A | A | A | A | 153.120 Part 8 |
| Hospitals | -- | -- | CUP | CUP | 153.040.030 |
| Mobile homes | P | P | P | P | |
| Mobile home parks | CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | 153.040 Part 4 |
| Off-street parking facilities | CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | 153.150.040, 153.150.050 |
| Parking lots (associated with nonresidential use) | CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | 153.160.050 |
| Places of assembly | -- | CUP | CUP | CUP | 153.040.030 |
| Recreational facilities | CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | |
| Residential care homes (6 or fewer residents) | P | P | P | P | |
| Residential care facilities | CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | 153.040.030 |
| Second dwelling units | -- | A | A | A | 153.120 Part 11 |
Notes: (1) A home occupation permit must be obtained from the Business License Department. (Ord. 1346, passed 5-2-12; Am. Ord. 1430, passed 12-5-18)
§ 153.040.030 DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS. ¶
Table 153.040.030 identifies the development standards applicable to all development in residential zones. Certain developments may be subject to special conditions, as described here or referenced in Table 153.040.030.
(A) Unique use standards. Permitted places of assembly, educational institutions, congregate living health facilities, hospitals and residential care facilities shall comply with the following standards:
(1) All such uses shall have and maintain a minimum net lot area of one-half acre.
(2) All such uses shall be located on lots that have a minimum lot width, lot depth and street frontage of 70 feet.
(3) All such uses shall have and maintain a minimum side yard setback of 10 feet and a rear side yard setback of 20 feet.
(4) All such uses shall have and maintain a minimum vehicular access driveway width of 20 feet.
(5) The standard for minimum total square footage of accessory buildings indicated in § 153.040.070(A) shall not apply to these uses, provided that the use, size and placement of accessory buildings shall be subordinate and incidental to the main buildings, and subject to review through the conditional use permit process.
- (B) Hospitals. Hospitals shall have and maintain a minimum net lot area of one-half acre.
(C) Residential additional setback. In the R-1-7,500 and R-1 zones, any exterior new structure, or addition to an existing structure, that exceeds one story in height and that faces any rear or side lot line shall be set back an additional 10% of the average lot width, up to a maximum required setback of 20 feet.
(Ord. 1346, passed 5-2-12)
TABLE 153.040.030
| TABLE 153.040.030 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Development Standards for Residential Zones | |||||
| Development Standards | R-1-7,500 | R-1 | R-G | R-3 | Additional Regulations |
| Development Standards for Residential Zones | |||||
| Development Standards | R-1-7,500 | R-1 | R-G | R-3 | Additional Regulations |
| Lot area - minimum | 7,500 sf | 5,000 sf | 5,000 sf | 5,000 sf | 153.040 Part 2 |
| Lot depth - minimum | 50 ft | 50 ft | 50 ft | 50 ft | |
| Lot width - minimum | 50 ft | 50 ft | 50 ft | 50 ft | |
| Lot coverage - maximum | 40 % | 45 % | 50 % | 60 % | |
| Front yard setback - minimum General Lot with a side entry garage Lot adjacent to R-1-7,500 or R-1 zone |
20 ft 15 ft 20 ft |
20 ft 15 ft 20 ft |
15 ft 15 ft 20 ft |
15 ft 15 ft 20 ft |
153.130.030 |
| Side yard setback - minimum General Corner lot - with a side entry garage Reversed corner lot - with a side entry garage |
5 ft 10 ft 20 ft 15 ft 20 ft |
5 ft 10 ft 20 ft 15 ft 20 ft |
10 ft 15 ft 10 ft 15 ft 10 ft |
10 ft 15 ft 10 ft 15 ft 10 ft |
153.130.030 |
| Lot adjacent to R-1-7,500 or R-1 zone | 5 ft | 5 ft | 20 ft | 20 ft | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Rear yard setback - minimum General Lot adjacent to R-1-7,500 or R-1 zone |
20 ft 20 ft |
20 ft 20 ft |
10 ft 20 ft |
10 ft 20 ft |
153.130.030 |
| Open space area, common - minimum | -- | -- | 250 sf/du | 250 sf/du | 153.040.040 |
| Open space area, private - minimum | 20% of net lot area |
20% of net lot area |
200 sf/du | 200 sf/du | 153.040.040 |
| Density - maximum | 5.8 du/ac | 8.7 du/ac | 12 du/ac | 20 du/ac | |
| Building height - maximum | 27 ft | 27 ft | 27 ft | 35 ft | 153.040.040 |
| Building length - maximum | -- | -- | 125 ft | 125 ft | |
| Building width - minimum | 20 ft | 20 ft | -- | -- | |
| Distance between buildings - minimum | -- | -- | 10 ft | 10 ft | |
| Floor areas - minimum Efficiency One bedroom Two bedrooms Three bedrooms Each additional bedroom |
-- 900 sf 1,050 sf 1,200 sf 200 sf |
-- 900 sf 1,050 sf 1,200 sf 200 sf |
500 sf 700 sf 900 sf 1,100 sf 200 sf |
500 sf 700 sf 900 sf 1,100 sf 200 sf |
|
(D) Multi-family residential rear lot line. A solid masonry, decorative wall shall be constructed and maintained along all side and rear lot lines of multi-family residential lots pursuant to § 153.130.060. This requirement can be waived through the design review process if deemed necessary and appropriate to achieve city safety and aesthetic goals.
(Ord. 1346, passed 5-2-12)
§ 153.040.040 REQUIRED OPEN SPACE. ¶
Maintaining open space areas provides recreational opportunities, allows sunlight to enter into living spaces and provides a spacious and inviting feel. The minimum required open space areas, as listed in Table 153.040.030, shall be maintained pursuant to these regulations.
(A) Residential open space. The following regulations apply to required open space areas within all residentially zoned lots:
(1) More than one open space area may be provided on a lot. The sum of square footages for all eligible open space areas on a lot shall comprise the total open space area for that lot.
(2) Required side or rear yard areas may be included in the calculated open space area but a required front yard area may not.
(3) Open space areas may not be located between a dwelling unit and the street.
(4) Open space areas shall be equally distributed for all dwelling units on a lot.
(5) Open space areas shall have no structural, parking, driveway or right-of-way encroachments except for swimming pools, spas and similar accessory uses used for recreational purposes.
(B) Private open space minimum dimensions in R-1 and R-1-7,500. Within R-1 and R-1-7,500 zoned lots, the minimum length and width of each open space area shall be 15 feet.
(C) Private open space regulations in R-G and R-3. The following regulations apply to private open space areas within R-G and R-3 zoned lots:
(1) The minimum length and width of each open space area shall be ten feet.
(2) The minimum length and width of each open space area within small-lot single-family developments shall be 15 feet.
(3) The open space area for an individual dwelling unit shall be directly accessible to that dwelling unit.
(4) Encroachments such as roofs and eaves may project into an open space area provided such encroachments observe a minimum vertical clearance of 8 feet. A minimum distance of three feet shall be maintained between any encroachment and any lot line, per the requirements contained in § 153.130.030 Permitted Projections into Required Yard Areas.
(B) Common open space regulations in R-G and R-3. The following regulations apply to common open space areas within R-G and R-3 zoned lots:
(1) The minimum length and width of each open space area shall be 20 feet.
(2) The common open space area shall be open and accessible to all residents.
(Ord. 1346, passed 5-2-12)
§ 153.040.050 FLAG LOTS. ¶
(A) No new flag lots. As of the adoption of the ordinance amending this chapter, no new flag lots may be created.
(B) Existing flag lots. Flag lots legally established prior to the adoption of the ordinance amending this chapter may remain in existence, provided such lots comply with the development standards set forth in part one of this subchapter, unless otherwise specified here.
(1) The flag lot shall have a minimum lot area of 6,500 square feet.
(2) The developable portion of the flag lot, exclusive of the staff of the lot, shall maintain a minimum area of 5,000 square feet.
(3) The flag lot shall maintain a minimum street frontage and minimum flag staff width of 15 feet.
(4) The flag lot shall have a minimum lot width of 65 feet.
(5) The flag lot shall have a minimum front yard setback of 15 feet.
(6) No portion of the flag lot shall be utilized to provide vehicular access to any other lot.
(Ord. 1346, passed 5-2-12)
§ 153.040.060 MANUFACTURED HOUSING. ¶
Manufactured housing units shall comply with the following limitations and standards.
(A) Single-family dwelling. A manufactured housing unit shall be considered a single-family dwelling, and therefore is subject to the development standards set forth in part one of this subchapter, except as provided for within the development standards set forth in part four of this subchapter.
(B) Certification and evidence. If a mobile home was constructed after October 1, 1976, it shall be certified
pursuant to the National Mobile Home Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974, evidence of which shall be
provided to the Director of Community Development in a manner approved by him/her.
(C) Foundation. A manufactured home shall be installed and maintained upon a permanent, continuous, exterior, masonry or concrete foundation.
(Ord. 1346, passed 5-2-12)
§ 153.040.070 ACCESSORY STRUCTURES. ¶
(A) All accessory structures. The following regulations apply to all accessory structures:
(1) With the exception of an attached or detached garage, an accessory structure shall not be located in front of the main building or directly between the main building and the street.
(2) All accessory structures, including detached garages, may not be located within a required side or rear yard area if the required side or rear yard area is adjacent to a street or abuts an R-1-7,500 or R-1 zoned property.
(3) The total square footage of all non-parking-related accessory structures on a lot shall not exceed the lesser of these two quantities: 500 square feet or 50 percent of the ground floor of the main building.
(4) The height of an accessory structure shall not exceed one story or 15 feet.
(5) An accessory structure smaller than 250 square feet may be constructed of metal or similar material as approved by the City Planner.
(6) All accessory structures shall be maintained in good condition. Any structure considered to be in disrepair, as determined by the Director of Community Development, shall be repaired, replaced or removed from the site.
(7) Guesthouses as accessory structures are prohibited.
(8) Bathrooms within accessory structures are prohibited.
(B) Detached accessory structures. The following regulations apply to detached accessory structures:
(1) Detached accessory structures shall be located at least 6 feet from the main building. A breezeway may span the space between the two structures.
(2) Detached accessory structures shall be located at least 5 feet from any property line.
(3) Detached accessory structures may not be located above a garage.
(C) Canopy structures. The following regulations apply to canopy structures:
(1) Canopy structures shall not be located within the view of a public right-of-way, front or side yard area or driveway.
(2) Canopy structures with a maximum projected canopy area of 200 square feet, maximum height of 8 feet and maximum length of 20 feet may be located within a rear yard area provided that it is fully screened by 6-foot high fencing or shrubs.
(3) Reflective, mirrored type covering material shall be prohibited.
(4) A temporary use permit may be obtained pursuant to subchapter 153.210, Administrative Procedures, for the placement of a canopy once a year per property for a period not exceeding five days.
(D) Notwithstanding the provisions of § 153.040.070(A) and § 153.040.070(B), “accessory dwelling units” as defined by § 153.120.360(B) shall be subject to the regulations and development standards as set forth in § 153.120.360.
- (Ord. 1346, passed 5-2-12; Am. Ord. 1464, passed 11-17-21)
§ 153.040.080 VEHICLE STORAGE AND REPAIR. ¶
(A) Recreational vehicle parking. No person shall store or park any boat, trailer, camper shell or recreational vehicle, or parts thereof, on any required front yard area in a R-1-7,500 or R-1 zoned lot. A boat, trailer, camper shell or recreational vehicle, or parts thereof, may be stored or parked on a pervious surface within a side yard area
provided that a lawfully installed, permanently maintained, six-foot wall or fence provides a screen from abutting property and the public right-of-way. A temporary use permit may be obtained pursuant to subchapter 153.210, Administrative Procedures, which allows a recreational vehicle to be parked within a front yard area once a year per property for a period not exceeding 60 days.
(B) Vehicle repair. The following restrictions shall apply to vehicle repair activities.
(1) A maximum of one vehicle may be repaired at any time.
(2) The vehicle being repaired must be currently registered with the California Department of Motor Vehicles at the property where the repair is being performed. Repairs made to any other vehicles, whether or not for compensation of any kind, are expressly prohibited.
- (3) Repair activity shall be performed only between the 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
(4) Tools, motor vehicle parts, supplies or equipment shall be stored such that they are not visible from a public right-of-way or adjoining property, upon completion of repair work.
(5) All fluids, liquids and other products that are taken out of a motor vehicle or used in conjunction with any repair work shall be lawfully disposed of. In no instance shall these products or substances drain or spill onto adjoining properties or into a public right-of-way, storm drain or sewer system.
(6) Storage of inoperable vehicles is prohibited at any time except in an enclosed storage facility approved by the Building and Planning Divisions.
(C) Major repairs of motor vehicles. The following restrictions shall apply to all major repairs of motor vehicles including, but not limited to, disassembling, installing or rebuilding an engine block, transmission, seats, suspension system, emission control system or drive train or performing bodywork.
(1) Repairs shall only be conducted in a completely enclosed garage or rear yard area provided that the yard is completely enclosed by a lawfully constructed 6-foot tall fence which screens the area from view of any public rightof-way and adjoining properties. Major repairs of a vehicle in any other area are prohibited.
(2) Major repair to any one vehicle shall not exceed 5 calendar days in any 30-day period.
(D) Minor repairs of motor vehicles. The following restrictions shall apply to all minor repairs of motor vehicles including all repair activities not considered as major repairs:
(1) The repair shall be performed only on a paved driveway or on a parking space. The repair of a motor vehicle on any front or side yard area is expressly prohibited.
(2) Repairs may be conducted in a completely enclosed garage or outdoor rear yard area provided the area is completely enclosed by a lawfully constructed, 6-foot tall fence which screens the yard from view of any public rightof-way and adjoining properties. Minor repairs of a vehicle in any other area are prohibited.
(3) Repair to any one vehicle shall not exceed two calendar days in any 30-day period.
(Ord. 1346, passed 5-2-12) Penalty, see § 10.99
§ 153.040.090 OTHER APPLICABLE REGULATIONS. ¶
In addition to the requirements contained in part one of this subchapter, Residential Zones, regulations contained in the following subchapters of this chapter may apply to development in residential zones:
153.120 Standards for Specific Land Uses and Activities
153.130 Site Planning and General Development Standards
153.140 Performance Standards
153.150 Off-Street Parking and Loading
153.160 Landscaping Standards
153.170 Sign Regulations
153.180 Antennas and Other Telecommunication Facilities
153.200 Nonconforming Lots, Structures and Uses
153.210 Administrative Procedures
(Ord. 1346, passed 5-2-12)