Title 19 — Zoning›Division 4 — Multi-Family Residential Zones

Chapter 19.408 — Intensity of Use and Site Requirements

Buena Park Zoning Code · 2026-06 edition · ingested 2026-07-06 · Buena Park

§ 19.408.010. Residential Densities.

The base density table below refers to the maximum number of units per net acre permitted under the corresponding zoning district. Additional density may be achievable in the form of a density bonus (Lot Consolidation Bonus, Affordable Housing Bonus, and Senior Housing Bonus). Before any density bonuses are applied, the number of dwelling units permitted in a multi-family residential development shall not exceed the base density specified below.

Zone Base Density
(dwelling units per net acre)
(3)
RMH 12.0
RM-10 10.0
(1)
RM-20 20.0
(2)
Notes:
In the RM-10 zone, a minimum 100 ft. lot width and a minimum 12,500 sq. ft. lot area is required
for more than 1 dwelling unit on a lot.
(1)
In the RM-20 zone, special density requirements apply for lots with less than 100 feet in width
and/or less than 12,500 sq. ft. in lot area. See Section19.448.020.
(2)
For standards on density bonus, see Section19.408.020for Lot Consolidation Bonus and
Section19.408.030for Affordable Housing Bonus.
(3)

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.408.020. Lot Consolidation Bonus — Multi-Family Zones.

  • A. Before any other density bonus is applied, for the RM-10 Zone, a site area bonus shall be granted for up to 16 dwelling units per net acre when multiple parcels are combined into a single development with a minimum lot size of 12,500 square feet.

  • B. Before any other density bonus is applied, for the RM-20 Zone, a site area bonus shall be granted for up to 24 dwelling units per acre when multiple parcels are combined into a single development with a minimum lot size of 12,500 square feet.

  • C. The Housing Opportunity Overlay (HOO) encourages parcel aggregation by permitting increased density and flexible development standards for consolidated properties in multi-family zones. This promotes the creation of higher density affordable multi-family housing, facilitating efficient land use and enabling more impactful affordable housing projects to address housing needs effectively within the designated overlay area.

  • (Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.408.030. Affordable Housing Bonus.

State Density Bonus Law (Government Code Sections 65915 — 65918 ) provides that local governments shall grant density bonuses and regulatory concessions and incentives to developers of housing, childcare facilities, or for donation of land for housing, where the developer agrees to construct a specified percentage of housing for lower-income households, very low-income households, moderate-income households or qualifying residents. This section adopts the State Density Bonus Law by reference. Where a provision contained in the Municipal Code does not discuss a specific condition or situation that arises, the provisions set forth in State Density Bonus Law shall apply. In the event of a conflict between these provisions and the provisions of State Density Bonus Law, whichever is stricter shall prevail. (Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.408.040. Fractional Results.

  • A. Regardless of the maximum density calculated pursuant to this chapter, at least one (1) dwelling unit shall be permitted on any lawfully established lot in a residential zone if such lot has a net area of at least 2,500 square feet.

  • B. In other cases, in determining the maximum number of dwelling units permitted on a site, any fraction of dwelling unit in the calculated result, after applying all density factors, shall not be construed as allowing an additional dwelling unit if such fraction is less than 0.5.

  • (Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.408.050. Site Dimensions.

  • A. The minimum size and dimensions of lots created in the various zones shall be as shown in Table 19.408.050.

  • B. Notes.

    1. Certain specific uses of property require site areas and dimensions greater than the minimum site requirements for the zone. See Chapter 19.448 , Special Requirements for Certain Uses.

  • C. Site Non-Conformity.

    1. RM-10 Zone. Pursuant to Section 19.204.090 for site non-conformities, any property located in the RM-10 zone shall be fully conforming as to lot area and lot width for the development of any multi-family dwellings.

    2. RM-20 Zone. For any multi-family development on a lot in the RM-20 zone with nonconformity as to lot width and/or lot area set forth in Table 19.408.050, the special requirements of Section 19.448.020 shall apply.

  • D. Where property is also located in the PD Overlay Zone, the minimum site area for development shall be 5 acres (217,800 square feet).

Table 19.408.050
MINIMUM SITE DIMENSIONS		 Table 19.408.050
MINIMUM SITE DIMENSIONS		 Table 19.408.050
MINIMUM SITE DIMENSIONS
Zone Minimum Lot
Area
(square feet)		 Minimum Street
Frontage
(feet)		 Minimum Lot
Width
(feet)		 Minimum Lot
Depth
(feet)
RMH 200,000 — — —
RM-10
(2)		 12,500 50 100 —
Table 19.408.050
--- --- --- --- ---
MINIMUM SITE DIMENSIONS
Minimum Lot
Minimum Street		 Minimum Lot Minimum Lot
Area
Frontage		 Width Depth
Zone (square feet)
(feet)		 (feet) (feet)
RM-20 (1)(2) 12,500
50		 100 —

Notes:

(1) In the RM-20 zone, lots with less than 100 feet in width and/or less than 12,500 sq. ft. in lot area shall refer to Section 19.448.020 .

(2) For housing developments that consist of three (3), but not more than ten (10) units are permitted in the RM-10 and RM-20 zones are permitted without meeting the minimum lot size requirements. Refer to California Government Code Section 65913.11 .

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)