Title 9 — Zoning and Planning Regulations›Division 2 — LAND USE ZONES AND STANDARDS

Chapter 9.10 — RESIDENTIAL ZONES

Bell Gardens Zoning Code · 2026-06 edition · ingested 2026-07-06 · Bell Gardens

§ 9.10.010. Designation of residential zones.

As used in this title, the following land use designations shall be considered residential zones:

R-1 (Low Density Residential) R-2 (Medium Density Residential)

R-3 (High Density Residential) R-4 (Very High Density Residential) (Ord. 806 § 1, 2007; Ord. 929 § 6, 2023)

§ 9.10.020. Intent and purpose.

The residential zones are established to provide for residential districts of varying densities for the purposes of family living permitted therein and including the necessary appurtenant and accessory facilities and uses associated with such living areas. The specific intent and purpose of each residential zone is identified below:

  • A. R-1 (Low Density Residential). Zone R-1 is established to provide for residential areas to be developed exclusively for one-family dwelling units, not to exceed 8.7 dwelling units per acre. In order to provide for the expansion of a single-family residential development into rural areas, provisions are made for the maintenance of limited agricultural pursuits. Additional uses, necessary and incidental to single-family development, are also permitted as shown in the Residential Land Use Matrix, Table 9.10A.

  • B. R-2 (Medium Density Residential). Established to provide for attached or detached two- and three-family dwellings not to exceed 15 dwelling units per acre.

  • C. R-3 (High Density Residential). Established to create multiple-family residential areas of four units or greater per parcel, not to exceed 30 dwelling units per acre.

  • (Ord. 806 § 1, 2007)

§ 9.10.030. Permitted land uses.

The following Residential Land Use Matrix, Table 9.10A, establishes the land uses that are permitted, conditionally permitted, permitted as accessory uses only, temporarily permitted, or strictly prohibited in the residential zones. Uses that are not listed in Table 9.10A shall be expressly prohibited. Uses not listed but similar to those permitted or conditionally permitted may be found to fall within the intent and purpose of this zone by the planning commission. The commission must find that the use(s) will not be more obnoxious or materially detrimental to the public welfare and must be comparable in nature and of the same class as the uses enumerated in this section.

Table 9.10A: Residential Land Use Matrix*

Table 9.10A: Residential Land Use Matrix* Table 9.10A: Residential Land Use Matrix* Table 9.10A: Residential Land Use Matrix* Table 9.10A: Residential Land Use Matrix* Table 9.10A: Residential Land Use Matrix*
Uses R-1
Zone		 R-2
Zone		 R-3
Zone		 Supplemental Requirements
A: Accessory Use C: Conditional Use P: Principal Use S: Site Plan Review T: Temporary Use
Access to property lawfully used
for a purpose not permitted in the
R zone		 S S S Provided no other practical access to
such property is available, and such
access will not alter the character of
the premises in respect to permitted
uses in the R zones.
Accessory structures A A A Refer to defnition.
Building construction materials:
storage of		 T T T Building materials, storage of, used in
construction of building or building
project (during construction and 30
days thereafter) and includes
temporary offce; provided, that any lot
or parcel of land so used shall be a part
of the building project or on property
adjoining the construction site.
Carnivals, circuses and street
fairs		 T T T Refer to BGMC §9.42.010, temporary
uses.
Churches, temples or other
places of religious worship		 C C C The minimum area requirement shall
be 20,000 square feet.
Communication equipment
buildings		 C C C
Cottage food operations P P P Refer to BGMC §9.20.096for
standards.
Country clubs C C C
Crops, feld, tree, bush, berry and
row, including nursery stock, the
growing of		 P Roadside stands, retail sale from the
premises, or signs advertising products
produced on the premises are not
permitted.
Day care center C 15 or more children; must comply with
the minimum building foor area
requirements of the state for number of
children allowed.
Day care, large family C C C Nine to 14 children.
Day care, small family S S S Less than eight children.
Dwelling, one-family P P P Refer to Division 4 of this title,
Supplemental Development Standards,
for manufactured housing standards.
Dwelling, accessory unit P P P Refer to BGMC §9.20.036, Accessory
dwelling units.
Table 9.10A: Residential Land Use Matrix* Table 9.10A: Residential Land Use Matrix* Table 9.10A: Residential Land Use Matrix* Table 9.10A: Residential Land Use Matrix* Table 9.10A: Residential Land Use Matrix*
--- --- --- --- ---
Uses R-1
Zone		 R-2
Zone		 R-3
Zone		 Supplemental Requirements
A: Accessory Use C: Conditional Use P: Principal Use S: Site Plan Review T: Temporary Use
Dwelling, accessory unit – junior P Refer to BGMC §9.20.036, Accessory
dwelling units.
Dwellings, two-family P P
Dwellings, multifamily P P
Dwellings, multifamily apartment
house		 P
Dwellings, multifamily
condominiums		 C Refer to Division 3 of this title, Special
Uses and Prohibited Uses.
Electric distribution substations C C C Includes microwave facilities. Refer to
Division 4 of this title, Supplemental
Development Standards, for standards.
Fraternity and sorority houses C
Golf courses C C C
Home occupation A A A Refer to BGMC §9.20.107, Home
occupation permit.
Homes for aged persons, foster
family		 S S P Four aged persons or less.
Homes for aged persons, small
group care		 C C C Maximum of seven to 15 persons.
Homes for children, foster family S S P Six children or less.
Homes for children, special
boarding		 C C Maximum of seven to 15 children.
Household pets A A A 1. Domestic Animals. The occupants of
a dwelling unit may keep and maintain
domestic animals for their personal
use, but in no instance may more than
a total of six such animals nor more
than two animals of any kind be kept
upon the premises.
This subsection shall be construed as
permitting dogs, cats, chickens, ducks,
geese, turkeys and rabbits, but not the
keeping of swine, sheep, goats, cattle,
roosters, or horses.
2. Location. All animals permitted by
this section shall be kept or maintained
at a place where the keeping of
domestic animals is permitted.
3. Prohibition. This section shall not be
construed to permit any animal, other
than cats and dogs, capable of inficting
harm or endangering the health and
safety of any person or property.
Microwave stations C C C
Table 9.10A: Residential Land Use Matrix* Table 9.10A: Residential Land Use Matrix* Table 9.10A: Residential Land Use Matrix* Table 9.10A: Residential Land Use Matrix* Table 9.10A: Residential Land Use Matrix*
--- --- --- --- ---
Uses R-1
Zone		 R-2
Zone		 R-3
Zone		 Supplemental Requirements
A: Accessory Use C: Conditional Use P: Principal Use S: Site Plan Review T: Temporary Use
Mobile home parks C Established prior to January 27, 1971,
and subject to special standards. Refer
to Division 4 of this title, Supplemental
Development Standards, for standards.
Model homes P P P Must be erected on the same premises
and used in conjunction with a new
subdivision tract offered for sale for the
frst time, provided they are not used in
conjunction with a general real estate
business.
Parking lots, off-street S S S Permitted as a supplemental use on
lots or parcels of land which are
adjoining or which are across from an
alley from any commercial or
manufacturing zone. Refer to Division 3
of this title, Special Uses and
Prohibited Uses, for standards.
Radio and television stations and
towers		 C Excluding studios.
Real estate tract offce T T T Refer to BGMC §9.42.010, temporary
uses.
Residential care facility – six or
fewer persons		 P P P
Table 9.10A: Residential Land Use Matrix* Table 9.10A: Residential Land Use Matrix* Table 9.10A: Residential Land Use Matrix* Table 9.10A: Residential Land Use Matrix* Table 9.10A: Residential Land Use Matrix*
Residential care facility – seven
to 15 persons		 C Refer to BGMC §9.20.137, special
uses and applicable standards, in
addition to BGMC §9.10.040.
Residential condominium
projects		 C Refer to Division 3 of this title, Special
Uses and Prohibited Uses, for
standards.
Residential planned development C C C Provided that the commission fnds that
the proposed development, in addition
to the provisions of Chapter9.50
BGMC, Variances and Conditional Use
Permits, is in general accord with the
following principles, standards and
conditions:
That the plan provides as well or better
for light and air, for public safety and
convenience, for protection of property
values and preservation of the general
welfare of the community. Refer to
Division 4 of this title, Supplemental
Development Standards.
Riding and hiking trails S S S
Schools, public and private C C C Through grade 12, accredited,
including appurtenant facilities, which
offer instruction required to be taught in
Table 9.10A: Residential Land Use Matrix* Table 9.10A: Residential Land Use Matrix* Table 9.10A: Residential Land Use Matrix* Table 9.10A: Residential Land Use Matrix* Table 9.10A: Residential Land Use Matrix*
--- --- --- --- ---
Uses R-1
Zone		 R-2
Zone		 R-3
Zone		 Supplemental Requirements
A: Accessory Use C: Conditional Use P: Principal Use S: Site Plan Review T: Temporary Use
the public schools by theEducation
Codeof the state of California, in which
no pupil is physically restrained.
Seasonal sales T Refer to BGMC §9.42.010.
Storage of public works
materials/equipment		 T T T Storage of materials and construction
equipment used in construction or
maintenance of streets and highways,
sewers, storm drains, underground
conduits, food control works, pipelines
and similar uses.
Supportive housing P P P Refer to BGMC §9.04.190for
defnition.
Telephone repeater stations C C C
Transitional housing P P P Refer to BGMC §9.04.200for
defnition.

*Additional standards not found in this chapter may apply to certain land uses. Refer to Division 3 of this title, Special Uses and Prohibited Uses, for a list of these uses and standards. Division 3 of this title also states whether the special use is permitted by right, conditionally permitted, or permitted through a site plan review by the planning commission.

(Ord. 806 § 1, 2007; Ord. 840 § 6, 2011; Ord. 852 § 3, 2013; Ord. 851 § 3, 2013; Ord. 858 § 3, 2014; Ord. 882 § 2, 2017; Ord. 917 § 3, 2021)

§ 9.10.040. Development standards.

The following matrix, Table 9.10B, establishes the general development standards of the residential zones as they apply to each individual zone. For additional standards not found in this section, refer to Division 4 of this title, Supplemental Development Standards. Division 4 of this title establishes development standards such as parking, landscaping, and other standards not prescribed within this chapter.

Table 9.10B, establishes the general development standards of the residential zones as they apply to each individual zone. For additional standards not found in this section, refer to Division 4 of this title, Supplemental Development Standards. Division 4 of this title establishes development standards such as parking, landscaping, and other standards not prescribed within this chapter.

Table 9.10B: Residential Development Standards Matrix Table 9.10B: Residential Development Standards Matrix Table 9.10B: Residential Development Standards Matrix
Development
Standards		 R-1 R-2 R-3
Lot Standards
Area (square feet) 5,000 sf 5,000 sf (6,000 for
corner lots)		 5,000 sf (6,000 for corner lots)
Width 50 feet
(+10 corner lot)		 50 feet
(+10 corner lot)		 50 feet
(+10 corner lot)
Depth 80 feet 100 feet 100 feet
Yard Setbacks
Front
1		 20 feet 20 feet 15 feet
Side
2		 5 feet 5 feet 5 feet
Street Side 10 feet 10 feet 10 feet
Table 9.10B: Residential Development Standards Matrix Table 9.10B: Residential Development Standards Matrix Table 9.10B: Residential Development Standards Matrix
--- --- --- ---
Development
Standards		 R-1 R-2 R-3
Rear 10 feet 10 feet 10 feet
Allowable Yard
Projections		 Refer to BGMC §9.46.050
Additional Second-Story Setbacks
(Applies to the entire second-story front elevation when the structure is greater than 25 feet in
width and to the entire second-story side elevation when the structure is greater than 50 feet in
length; 40 percent of the second story may remain on the same plane as the frst story on the front
and side.)
Front 5 feet 5 feet 5 feet
Side 3 feet 3 feet 3 feet
Rear N/A N/A N/A
Density (Maximum)
Units per Lot 1 max. 3 units max.
Under 5,000 sf: 1
unit max.
Over 5,000 sf: 1
unit per 2,500 sf		 Apartments
Under 5,000 sf:
5,000 – 14,999:
15,000 – 43,560:
43,560 and over:
Condominiums
Under 5,000:
5,000 – 14,999:
15,000 – 43,560:
43,560 and over:
Lot Coverage (%) 45 45 45
Minimum Dwelling
Unit Size
(Excluding garage
or other
nonhabitable
structures)		 1,000 sf for
primary and 600
sf for second unit,
but no more than
50% of primary
unit living area
and max. of 1,000
sf		 1,000 sf for frst
and 800 sf for
additional units		 550 sf studio
750 sf 1-bedroom
850 sf 2-bedroom
1,000 sf 3-bedroom
(+150 sf per additional bedroom)
Distance Between Buildings on Same Lot
3
Primary to
Primary Structure		 10 feet 10 feet 10 feet
Primary to
Accessory
Structure		 6 feet 6 feet 6 feet
Accessory to
Accessory
Structure		 6 feet 6 feet 6 feet
Height (Maximum)
Primary Structure 35 feet 35 feet 35 feet
Table 9.10B: Residential Development Standards Matrix Table 9.10B: Residential Development Standards Matrix Table 9.10B: Residential Development Standards Matrix
--- --- --- ---
Development
Standards		 R-1 R-2 R-3
Accessory
Structure		 12 feet 9 feet to
top plate or
highest beam if
fat roof		 12 feet 9 feet to
top plate or
highest beam if
fat roof		 12 feet 9 feet to top plate or highest
beam if fat roof
Allowable Height
Projections		 Refer to BGMC §9.30.030
Accessory Structures Location and Size
Location Refer to BGMC §9.46.040, Location of accessory buildings in residential
yards
Maximum Size
4		 30% of primary
structure foor
area but no more
than 1,200 sq. ft.		 30% of primary
structure foor
area but no more
than 1,200 sq. ft.		 N/A
Trash Enclosures
Refer to Chapter9.44BGMC, Trash Enclosures.
Screening of Mechanical and Utility Equipment
All mechanical equipment shall be prohibited in the front yard and shall be located on the ground
no less than three feet from the side and rear property lines. When a building permit for additional
square footage is requested, existing equipment located on the roof or exterior walls of a structure
shall be provided with a decorative screen to shield such equipment from view and shall be placed
at least six inches below the top of the lowest building parapet or decorative screen. Rooftop
screening material and color shall be architecturally compatible with the primary building and
adjacent structures. No plumbing line shall be placed upon the exterior wall of a structure unless
such line is enclosed or otherwise screened from view. Outside utility equipment such as utility
meters, HVAC equipment, etc., shall be screened from public view and shall not be visible from the
public right-of-way. If the utility equipment is enclosed, the enclosure shall be painted the same
color as the exterior walls of the building.
Wall-Mounted Equipment
Water heater enclosures, vents, fashings, pipes, and conduit for solar or other equipment shall be
painted the same color as the surface to which they are attached.
Landscaping
Refer to Chapter9.34BGMC, Landscaping.
Parking
Refer to Chapter9.38BGMC, Parking and Loading (Off-Street).
Fences and Walls
Refer to Chapter9.32BGMC, Fences, Walls and Hedges.
Design Standards for All Residential Development
The purpose and intent of the design standards below are to ensure that new and existing
buildings on a lot where new buildings are proposed for construction are compatible with one
another and with buildings surrounding the lot on which new construction is proposed. Any exterior
building features on the same lot that are in disrepair shall be repaired. Any existing fences and
walls on a property in disrepair shall be repaired or replaced.
Exterior Building
Features		 a. All exterior building walls on a lot shall be painted the same or
complementary colors.
Table 9.10B: Residential Development Standards Matrix Table 9.10B: Residential Development Standards Matrix Table 9.10B: Residential Development Standards Matrix
Table 9.10B: Residential Development Standards Matrix Table 9.10B: Residential Development Standards Matrix Table 9.10B: Residential Development Standards Matrix
--- --- --- ---
Development
Standards		 R-1 R-2 R-3
b. Windows and doors on new construction shall be of consistent style,
material, and color.
c. All window and door trims, fascia boards, and similar trim features shall be
of the same or complementary material, style, and color.
d. Roofs of new buildings shall be the same material, color, and style as roofs
on existing buildings on the lot. If a roof of an existing building to remain on the
lot is in disrepair, it shall be repaired or replaced with the same material, color,
and style as the roof on the proposed new building.
Exterior Site
Features		 a. New fences and walls shall be of a consistent design, material, and color.
b. All driveways, walkways, etc., shall be free of gouges, ruts, and/or gaps in
the paved surface area and shall be maintained in good working order to not
constitute a safety hazard to the public.
Additional Standards for Condominium Residential Units
Refer to BGMC §9.20.140, Residential condominiums – Conditional use.
Additional Standards for Five or More Multifamily Residential Rental Units
All multifamily residential rental projects of fve units or more shall conform to the following
development standards in addition to the standards of the zone in which they are located:
A. Open Space **Common Open Space:**A minimum of 20 percent of the gross project area
shall be set aside, developed and maintained as open landscaped or
recreational space for the beneft and use of all residents of the project.
**Private Open Space:**Each residential unit shall have a minimum of 75 square
feet of private open space directly adjacent to, and accessible from, the
respective unit. Such open space may include courtyards, walled patios or
balconies.
B. Private Storage Each unit shall have at least 200 hundred cubic feet of enclosed,
weatherproofed and lockable private storage space in addition to guest, linen,
pantry and clothes closets customarily provided. Such space shall be for the
sole use of the unit tenant.
C. Laundry
Facilities		 A laundry area shall be provided in each unit; or if common laundry areas are
provided, such facilities shall consist of not less than one automatic washer
and dryer for each four units or fraction thereof.
D. Walls/Fences A six-foot-high solid masonry wall designed and constructed of materials and
colors compatible with the overall design of the project shall be required along
the side and rear lot lines of the project site.
E. Utility Metering Each unit shall be separately metered so that the unit tenant can be separately
billed for each utility. A water shut-off valve shall be provided for each unit or
for each plumbing fxture. Each unit shall have access to its own meter(s) and
heater(s) which shall not require entry through another unit in accordance with
the California Plumbing Code. Each unit shall have its own panel, or access
thereto, for all electrical circuits which serve the unit in accordance with the
California Electrical Code.
F. Fire Prevention **Smoke Detectors.**Each living unit shall be provided with UL-approved
detectors conforming to the current building code standards.
**Maintenance of Fire Protection Systems.**All on-site fre hydrants, fre alarm
systems, portable fre extinguishers, and other fre-protective appliances shall
be retained in an operable condition at all times, as required by the fre code.
Table 9.10B: Residential Development Standards Matrix Table 9.10B: Residential Development Standards Matrix Table 9.10B: Residential Development Standards Matrix
--- --- --- ---
Development
Standards		 R-1 R-2 R-3
G. Sound
Transmission		 Wall and foor/ceiling assemblies shall conform to Title 25, California
Administrative Code, Section 1092, or its successor. Permanent mechanical
equipment, including domestic appliances, which is determined by the city
building offcial to be a potential source of vibration or noise, shall be shock-
mounted, isolated from the foor and ceiling, or otherwise installed in a manner
approved by the city building offcial to lessen the transmission of vibration and
noise. Soundproofng between units shall be in accordance with the building
code.
H. Public
Easements		 In accordance with the city zoning and division of land ordinances, the
applicant shall make provisions for the dedication of land or easements for
street widening, public access or other public purposes in connection with the
project where necessary and in accordance with established and planned
improvements.
I. Underground
Utilities		 All utility service laterals to new developments shall be constructed
underground.

1Front porches with a maximum width of 20 feet may encroach into the required front yard setback up to 20 percent of the setback area. In no instance shall a front setback be less than 10 feet.

2Residential additions may continue a nonconforming side yard setback provided the addition does not encroach any more than three feet into the required setback, the addition does not expand the existing nonconforming setback by more than 50 percent, and all building division requirements are complied with.

3A trellis or other roof connection shall not deem two detached structures as one; to avoid distance requirements, structures must share common walls; hallway connections shall not be considered common walls.

4With the exception of required garage or carport spaces, which are regulated by the number of required spaces.

Note: All standards are given in feet and address minimum requirements unless otherwise stated.

Figure 9.10

Site Development Standards – R-1 Residential Zone

==> picture [462 x 403] intentionally omitted <==

  • (Ord. 806 § 1, 2007; Ord. 813 § 1, 2009; Ord. 893 § 3, 2020)