Brea Municipal Code Ch. 20.216 R-2 Multiple Family Residential Zone

The R-2 Multiple Family Residential Zone is established to provide for the development of low density multiple family housing.

(Ord. 425, 10-14-1968)

A. Uses permitted in R-2 Zone are contained in Chapter 20.11 of this Title.

B. Keeping of animals.

1. Up to six (6) dogs and/or cats. Animals that are less than our (4) months of age shall not be counted.

2. Other household pets which are neither farm animals, exotic nor wild animals, such as domestic mice and rats, hamsters, guinea pigs, turtles, tropical fish, canaries, birds of the psittacine family, and other similar animals commonly sold in pet stores and kept as household pets, may also be kept, so long as animals are not maintained for commercial purposes, do not constitute a nuisance, are adequately provided with food, care and sanitary facilities, and do not exceed a total of six (6) animals (fish being exempt). Their offspring shall not be counted until four (4) months from birth.

3. Any animal not specifically classified within this section shall be classified by the Community Development Director as necessary, based upon a determination as to the probable negative impact of the health, safety or general welfare upon the community.

(Ord. 425, 10-14-1968; Ord. 467, 7-13-1970; Ord. 594, 6-29-1976; Ord. 674, 4-3-1979; Ord. 841, 4-19-1988; Ord. 920, 5-19-1992; Ord. 1025, 7-20-1999; Ord. 1203, 2-20-2018; Ord. 1220, 3-16-2021; Ord. 1241, 8-15-2023)

Uses prohibited in R-2 Zone are contained in Chapter 20.11 of this Title.

(Ord. 425, 10-14-1968; Ord. 920, 5-19-1992; Ord. 926, 8-18-1992; Ord. 1191, 3-21-2017; Ord. 1241, 8-15-2023)

The following property development standards shall apply to all land and buildings in the R-2 Zone:

A. Lot area.

1. Each lot shall have a minimum area of nine thousand (9,000) square feet; except that a lot approved for single-family residential use, only, either by subdivision or lot split, may have a minimum area of four thousand five hundred (4,500) square feet.

2. In Planned Unit and Cluster Development, the size of the lots may vary, provided the overall density provisions of the zone are maintained within the project and all other requirements of this section are complied with.

B. Lot dimensions.

1. Width.

a. Interior lots shall have a minimum width of sixty (60) feet; except that an interior lot approved for single-family residential use, only, either by subdivision or lot split, with a minimum area of less than nine thousand (9,000) square feet, may have a minimum width of not less than fifty (50) feet.

b. Corner lots shall have a minimum width of seventy (70) feet except that a corner lot approved for single-family residential use, only, either by subdivision or lot split, with a minimum area of less than nine thousand (9,000) square feet, may have a minimum width of not less than sixty (60) feet.

c. Reversed corner lots shall have a minimum width of seventy-five (75) feet; except that a reversed corner lot approved for single family residential use only, either by subdivision or lot split, with a minimum area of less than nine thousand (9,000) square feet, may have a minimum width of not less than sixty-five (65) feet.

2. Depth. Each lot shall have a minimum depth of one hundred thirty-five (135) feet; except that a lot approved for single-family residential use only, either by subdivision or lot split, with a minimum area of less than nine thousand (9,000) square feet, may have a minimum depth of ninety (90) feet.

3. In Planned Unit and Cluster Development the lot width and depth may be modified to conform to the buildings and structures proposed, provided said dimensions permit conformity with all other provisions of this section.

C. Dwelling unit density. Maximum dwelling unit density shall not exceed 18 dwelling units per acre (one unit per 2,420 square feet).

D. Building height.

1. Buildings and structures shall have a height no greater than thirty-five (35) feet, except any detached accessory structures, including but not limited to, patios, pool houses, and garages shall have a height no greater than eighteen (18) feet.

2. Structures permitted above height limit. Roof structures for the housing of elevators, stairways, tanks, ventilating fans or similar equipment required to operate and maintain the buildings and fire or parapet walls, skylights, flagpoles, chimneys, domestic radio and television masts, or similar structures may be erected above the maximum height permitted in each zone. No structure shall be allowed for purposes of providing additional floor space.

E. Yards.

1. Front Yard.

a. A minimum 23 foot front yard shall be required; except that a lot approved for single family residential use, only, either by subdivision or lot split, with a minimum area of less than 9,000 square feet, may have a minimum front yard of 15 feet.

b. The entire front yard area shall be maintained as required in § 20.208.040E.1.b of this title.

c. Recreational vehicles, as defined in § 20.00.070B of this title, may be located within front yard setback areas twice per calendar month for a continuous period of time not to exceed 48 hours for housekeeping and loading purposes only.

2. Side Yards.

a. Interior lots shall have a side yard on each side of not less than five feet. The side yard may be reduced to zero feet on one of the interior lot lines on a lot approved for single-family residential use, only, by lot split or subdivision, with a minimum area of less than 9,000 square feet. When a zero foot side yard is utilized, the following shall apply:

i. The total width of the two side yards shall be not less than 10 feet.

ii. No eave shall project over a lot line.

iii. The minimum distance between eaves shall not be less than seven feet.

iv. The minimum distance between walls of buildings shall be not less than 10 feet.

v. The maximum eave projection shall be not more than three feet.

vi. A masonry or concrete block wall seven feet in height shall be erected and maintained on the rear and side property lines; except within the required front yard.

vii. An additional two and one-half feet shall be required for side yards adjacent to a main building 20 feet or more in height.

b. A side yard on the street side of a corner lot shall be not less than 15 feet; except that a corner lot approved for single-family residential use, only, either by subdivision or lot split, with a minimum area of less than 9,000 square feet, may have a minimum street side yard of 10 feet and a zero foot side yard on the interior lot line.

c. A side yard on the street side of a reversed corner lot shall be not less than 20 feet, except that a reversed corner lot approved for single-family residential use, only, either by subdivision or lot split, with a minimum area of less than 9,000 square feet, may have a minimum side yard of 15 feet and a zero foot side yard on the interior lot line.

d. An opening of a minimum width of not less than four feet shall be provided for access to the rear yard on one of the side yards of a lot. The opening may be provided with a gate, but shall not be fenced or walled.

3. Rear Yards. Each lot shall have a rear yard of not less than 10 feet; except that a lot approved for single-family residential use, only, either by lot split or subdivision, with a minimum area of less than 9,000 square feet, shall have a minimum rear yard of not less than 15 feet.

4. Storage of Materials in Side and Rear Yards in Residential Zones.

a. Any storage of materials including, but not limited to, trash and trash receptacles, newspapers, building and automotive materials, landscape maintenance tools, debris, inoperable motor vehicles, camper shells not mounted on motor vehicles, or boats and trailers, within rear yards, shall be substantially screened with a combination of open or solid fencing, and landscaping, or enclosed within an openwork structure such as wood or metal lattice, so as to substantially minimize views as seen from adjacent private and public streets, and public right-of-way (excluding alleys).

b. Stored materials shall not cover an area greater than 50% of the total square footage of the rear yard.

5. Location of Accessory Buildings in Required Yards. The provisions of § 20.08.020 of this title shall apply.

6. Projections into Required Yards. Except as provided herein, the provisions of § 20.08.020 of this title shall apply.

7. Garage and Carport Street Setback. Except as provided herein, the provisions of § 20.08.020 of this title shall apply.

F. Outdoor living space.

1. Each lot shall contain outdoor living space of not less than five hundred (500) square feet for each dwelling unit.

2. The provisions of § 20.08.030 of this title shall apply.

G. Fences, walls, and landscaping. The provisions of § 20.08.015 of this title shall apply.

H. Distance between buildings. The following minimum distances between walls of buildings and structures on a lot in the R-2 Zone shall apply:

1. Distance between buildings across a court. The minimum distance between opposing buildings or portions of buildings which create a court shall be not less than 20 feet plus a distance equal to one-half the combined heights of such walls.

2. Distance between main buildings which do not form a court.

a. If there are windows or entrances along either or both walls of opposing buildings (not facing a court), the distance between such walls shall not be less than 15 feet or a distance equal to one-half the combined height of both walls whichever is greater. A minimum of 10 feet between buildings shall be free of any building projections.

b. If there are no windows or entrances along either wall of opposing buildings (not facing a court), the distance between said walls shall not be less than 10 feet.

I. Minimum dwelling area. Dwelling units shall have a minimum gross floor area of not less than eight hundred (800) square feet.

J. Coverage by structures. No more than fifty percent (50%) of the lot area shall be covered by buildings or structures.

K. Off-street parking. The provisions of § 20.08.040 of this title shall apply.

L. Access.

1. All lots shall have a vehicular access from a dedicated street or alley.

2. Driveway access to garages or carports shall be of permanent construction material, concrete or asphalt or other material approved by the City Engineer.

M. Signs. The provisions of Chapter 20.28 of this title shall apply.

N. Lighting. All lighting, interior and exterior, shall be designed and located so as to confine all direct rays to the premises.

(Ord. 425, 10-14-1968; Ord. 447, 8-11-1969; Ord. 478, 12-14-1970; Ord. 708, 1-20-1981; Ord. 741, 6-21-1983; Ord. 770, 3-19-1985; Ord. 841, 4-19-1988; Ord. 873, 9-5-1989; Ord. 1241, 8-15-2023; Ord. 1247, 3-19-2024; Ord. 1254, 3-18-2025; Ord. 1269, 12/2/2025; Ord. 1276, 6/16/2026)

The provisions of § 20.408.040 of this title shall apply to all developments in the R-2 Zone that are listed in § 20.408.040.B.

(Ord. 425, 10-14-1968; Ord. 963, 1-17-1995; Ord. 1254, 3-18-2025)