Chapter 19.416 — Development Standards—Building Form

• A. All activities and facilities, where permitted by other provisions of this Division, shall be enclosed within permanently constructed buildings.

• B. Outdoor activities, storage, and display may be permitted in accordance with Sections 19.412.010 and 19.424.020 , and the regulations and limitations of Division 10 , Title 19 .

• C. Where a use is permitted by conditional use permit, temporary use permit, or special permit (see Division 10 , Title 19 ), outdoor activities and temporary facilities may be authorized by the terms of such permit notwithstanding the provisions of this section.

• (Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

Every building shall be designed or remodeled to accommodate its use in accordance with applicable building codes and other laws. A residential building pursuant to this Division shall not be occupied by a nonresidential primary use. (Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

• A. The maximum height of any building or structure shall be as shown in Table 19.416.030.

Note:

(1) See Section 19.448.010 for height limits and additional development standards for RMH zones.

• B. For multi-family units on a lot in the RM-20 zone with non-conforming lot width and/or lot area, special height requirements of Section 19.448.020 shall apply.

• C. For a single-family dwelling (one dwelling unit on a lot) in the RM zones, the height limits of Section 19.316.030 of Division 3 shall apply.

• (Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

• A. Building entries shall face the primary public street with pedestrian access provided from sidewalks to all building entries, parking areas, and publicly accessible open spaces. For larger sites with multiple buildings, buildings not sited adjacent to a public street may also be oriented to face internal streets, open spaces, paseos, and recreation amenities.

• B. Each entry to a dwelling unit shall be emphasized and differentiated through architectural elements such as porches, stoops, dooryards, roof canopies, and detailing that provides ground level space. The space next to the porch shall be used for landscaping.

• C. Parking areas, covered and uncovered, shall be screened from public street frontages. Screening may be accomplished through building placement, landscaping, fencing, or some combination thereof.

• D. For multi-family projects located across the street from a single-family residential zone, parking lot areas and carports shall not be located along the single-family neighborhood street frontages, unless screened by landscaping or a block wall.

• E. Buildings shall be arranged to provide functional common outdoors spaces (such as courtyards, paseos, or parks) for the use of residents.

• F. Massing Breaks. Large building massing shall be articulated to reduce apparent bulk and size. All street-facing facades must include at least one (1) change in wall-plane (projection or recess) at least four (4) feet in depth, or two (2) changes in wall-plane at least two (2) feet in depth, for every 50 linear feet of wall. Such features shall extend the full height of the respective façade of single-story buildings, at least half of the height of two-story buildings, and at least two-thirds of the height of buildings that are three (3) or more stories in height.

• G. Horizontal Building Stepback. Buildings exceeding three (3) stories in height shall provide a minimum horizontal stepback of six (6) feet for all stories above the 3rd level on all street-facing elevations (including front and side yard façades and alley) and any elevation adjacent to a residential zone or use.

• H. Privacy Considerations for Adjacent Single-Family Residential Zones. When a building is adjacent to a single-family residential zone, windows, balconies, or similar openings shall be designed to prevent direct line-of-sight into adjacent residential units, private patios, or backyards. This can be achieved through one (1) or more of the following strategies:

  1. Incorporating the required upper-story stepbacks.

  2. Strategic window placement.

  3. Utilizing clerestory windows, frosted or opaque glass.

  4. Integrating mature landscaping within the rear or side setback areas.

I. Rooflines. Rooflines shall be segmented and varied within an overall horizontal context. Roofline ridges and parapets shall not run unbroken for more than 100 feet. Variation may be accomplished by changing the roof height, offsets, direction of slope, and by including elements such as dormers.

• J. Antennae. Notwithstanding the restrictions of Section 19.416.030 , radio antennae permitted under FCC regulations, and similar equipment shall be subject to the following regulations:

  1. Ground-mounted antennae which are incidental or accessory uses are permitted to a height of sixty feet, unless permitted higher by a conditional use permit.

  2. Roof-mounted antennae, which shall include dishes to a maximum of twenty-four inches in diameter, may be used but may not be more than 25 feet higher than the highest point of the building to which they are attached, excluding chimneys and like projections, unless permitted higher by the issuance of a conditional use permit.

  3. Any antenna that is primary to the use shall be subject to the height limit established under a conditional use permit.

• K. Flagpoles. Flag poles shall be permitted within front, side or rear yards provided they are set back a minimum of 5 feet from property line, and shall be limited to no more than 30 feet in height subject to issuance of a building permit.

• L. Other Structures. Any free-standing structure, not specifically referenced in this Title shall be limited to no more than 8 feet in height from grade and may only be located outside of any front, side or rear yard setback areas.

• M. Accessory Dwelling Units. See Section 19.348.010 for height limits for Accessory Dwelling Units.

• (Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

§ 19.416.050. Space Between Buildings.

• A. The minimum distance between buildings located on the same lot, shall be as shown in Table 19.416.050. The minimum distance is measured from the exterior faces of nearest exterior walls between buildings.

• B. Single-Family Dwelling. For a single-family dwelling in the RM zones, the minimum building separation requirements for the single-family zones in Section 19.316.060 of Division 3 shall apply.

Notes: (1) Wall openings which are only for utility access or emergency exit are not considered to be windows or doorways for the purposes of these requirements. (2) See special requirements, Section 19.448.010 . (3) Windows that directly face each other on adjacent properties shall be either staggered or designed so as not to have a direct line of sight between them, to ensure privacy and minimize visual intrusion between neighboring structures.

ess or emergency exit are not considered to be windows or doorways for the purposes of these requirements. (2) See special requirements, Section 19.448.010 . (3) Windows that directly face each other on adjacent properties shall be either staggered or designed so as not to have a direct line of sight between them, to ensure privacy and minimize visual intrusion between neighboring structures.

• C. Multi-family residential developments with two (2) or more buildings shall be designed around a common open space, public open space (e.g., a linear park/paseo), or community amenities such as swimming pools or other recreational facilities with a horizontal distance of no less than fifteen (15) feet. Pedestrian walkways shall be provided and connect open space areas to a public right-of-way and/or building entrance.

• D. Permitted Projections from Buildings. Projecting elements on all floors may project a maximum of three (3) feet from the façade into the minimum required space between buildings. Building projections may include:

  1. Building Features.

     • a. Cantilevered eaves, awnings, and shading devices.

     • b. Architectural features such as sills, cornices, buttresses, Juliet balconies, bay windows, etc.

     • c. Chimneys not exceeding 8 feet in length.

     • d. Mechanical equipment cantilevered from building.

  2. Uncovered, cantilevered balconies, with a minimum 10-foot separation in all horizontal directions from any balcony or wall in the opposing structure.

  3. Uncovered stairways and walkways.

• (Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

• A. For any multi-family residential development, the minimum floor area of each dwelling unit shall be as shown in Table 19.416.060, titled Minimum Dwelling Unit Floor Area.

  1. In the RM zones, up to 15 percent of the minimum required gross floor area may be in private balconies, porches, and patios which meet the minimum requirements of Section 19.420.030 .

  2. Attic and basement space, where the ceiling height is less than 6.5 feet, and garages and accessory buildings shall not be included as part of the required dwelling unit floor area.

• B. The minimum bedroom size shall be 80 square feet of clear floor space without obstructions, with a minimum of 8 feet in one (1) direction.

• C. The square footage of the common indoor living areas of a dwelling unit, such as the living room, dining room, kitchen, family room, etc., must be equal to, or greater than, the square footage of bedrooms provided. The square footage of bathrooms, closets, hallways, garages or other defined storage spaces may not be counted towards common living area square footage to comply with this requirement.

• D. For a single-family dwelling (one dwelling unit on a lot), the minimum floor area requirement shall be governed by Section 19.316.070 of Division 3 for the RS-6 zone.

Notes: * Zero Bedroom Units shall not exceed 20 percent of the total number of units in multi-family developments. (1) Dwelling unit size may be reduced below the square footage specified in Table 19.416.060 with a Conditional Use Permit.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

• A. Maximum Building Coverage. The maximum building coverage for all multi-family residential zones shall be forty-five (45) percent.

• B. Inclusion of Roofed Structures. Building coverage shall include all roofed structures over 6 feet in height, with dimensions measured around the outside bearing walls and/or support columns. Exceptions include trash enclosures or open-sided shading structures that are part of a recreational accessory use in the common usable open area.

• C. Projecting Enclosed Building Floor Areas. Building coverage shall include any enclosed building floor areas above the ground that may project beyond the bearing walls and support columns.

• D. Covered Breezeways and Private Patio Structures. Covered breezeways and private patio structures, whether open-sided or enclosed, trellised or solid-roofed, shall be considered part of the building coverage.

• (Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

• A. Non-habitable accessory structures are covered non-habitable areas which may include storage areas, attached or detached garages, utility and pump houses, restroom facilities, vertical circulation access ways, open air structures such as cabanas, gazebos, trellis and other similar structures.

• B. Any non-habitable accessory structure shall not exceed 400 square feet in floor area and shall not exceed 1 story or 15 feet in height, whichever is less. Non-habitable accessory structures shall be located within the side yard or rear yard setback and shall not be visible from the street.

• C. Canopies or vinyl laminate and mesh tarps are prohibited in the Multifamily Residential zones. However, wall-mounted shade sails that meet the following criteria are permitted:

  1. Shade sails shall be architecturally integrated and attached to the building and shade sail poles in a manner that does not compromise structural integrity or appearance.

  2. Shade sails shall not project from the building more than 15 feet and shall not extend beyond the property line or into required setbacks.

  3. Shade sails shall be installed pursuant to the manufacturer's requirements and shall be included as part of the site plan review process.

• (Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

• A. For a mobilehome park in the RMH zone, separate requirements for carports apply pursuant to Sections 19.436.050 and 19.448.010 .

• B. For a single-family dwelling (one dwelling unit on a lot) in the RM zones, the requirements for minimum garage floor area and vehicular openings shall be governed by Chapter 19.336 of Division 3 for the RS-6 zone.

• C. The maximum width of parking areas along street frontages and within the required front setback, including driveways, open parking, carports, and garages, but excluding underground parking and parking located behind buildings, shall not exceed 25 percent of the linear street frontage.

• D. Garage doors shall be recessed into the garage wall a minimum of 4 inches to accentuate shadow patterns and relief.

• E. Parking for residents, visitors, and/or employees shall be accommodated onsite in garages, parking areas, or along internal streets to minimize spillover to adjacent residential neighborhoods. Parking and loading/unloading areas shall not create stacking/queuing issues at ingress/egress points.

• F. For multifamily apartments, garage and/or carport floor areas shall be provided to accommodate the number of required parking spaces as required in Chapter 19.436 .

  1. Each parking space shall have a vehicular door or access opening of a minimum 8-foot width. Two parking spaces may be combined with a vehicular door or access opening of a minimum 16-foot width.

• (Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

• A. Façade Materials. Primary, Secondary and Accent materials are allowed or prohibited as specified in Table 19.416.100, which may be updated periodically by the Community and Economic Development Director as new or amended materials become available. Community and Economic Development Director approval is required for materials not identified in Table 19.416.100 below.

• B. Primary Building Materials. The primary building materials listed in Table 19.416.100 are permitted to make up approximately 50% to 75% of the building design. The primary building materials include the appropriate wall surface materials and visible roofing materials. The primary building materials cover the primary/front façade, secondary/corner side façade, side façade, and rear façade of the entire building.

• C. Accent/Secondary Materials. The accent/secondary building materials listed in Table 19.416.100 are permitted to make up approximately 5% to 50% of the building design. This includes exterior windows, decorative window treatments and balconies, decorative entries, etc.

• D. Variation Between Buildings. For projects with six (6) buildings or more, the colors and materials of exterior walls, doors, and accents such as window trim shall vary and a minimum of two (2) distinct color schemes shall be provided for every six (6) buildings in a project.

• E. Consistency Between Elevations. The materials, colors, and styles of windows, doors, roofs, decks, balconies, exterior staircases, porches, and any façade treatment shall be used on more than one (1) elevation of a building.

• F. Material Transition. Changes in material shall occur at inside corners of intersecting walls or at architectural features that break up the wall plane, such as columns.

• G. Chimneys. Chimneys shall either be painted the same color as the exterior wall or constructed with the same materials present on other accents or elements of the facade.

• H. Accessory structures including attached and detached ADUs, trash enclosures, storage rooms shall be constructed of the same materials, colors, roof type as the primary structure.

• I. Building materials and colors shall be in compliance with the Architectural Styles provided in Section 19.416.110 . If an affordable housing multi-family residential development is proposed, refer to the Architectural Styles Objective Design Standards for a list of applicable building materials and colors.

Notes:

(1) No building shall have a metallic exterior surface such as, but not limited to, galvanized, corrugated or interlocking metal sheets, unless the use of such metallic surface material is approved under the site plan review procedure (Section 19.128.040 ) for the purpose of enhancing the architectural quality of the building while preserving architectural harmony and compatibility with the surrounding area.

• (2) The following structures shall be exempt from the provisions of this section:

• Storage sheds not visible from a public street as an accessory structure to a multi-family dwelling which do not require building permits.

• Storage containers as a permitted temporary use which do not require building permits.

• Patio structures that are not visible from a public street.

(3) The Community and Economic Development Director is authorized to allow deviations of up to 10%.

(4) Flat roof design is permitted if consistent with Spanish Colonial or Modern style architecture

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

The Architectural Styles for new development apply to all new construction pursuant to this Division, except those areas within the boundary of an existing Specific Plan. The Architectural Styles Objective Design Standards identifies six (6) preferred architectural styles, as indicated below. Architectural design elements and materials shall be consistent throughout the project, recognizing that a building is three-dimensional and must be well-designed on all sides. Detailing, choice of materials, and window and door choices shall reinforce the overall project design. Alternative styles may be submitted to review by the Community and Economic Development Department, although discretionary approval may be required by the Planning Commission or Zoning Administrator.

• A. Spanish Colonial Revival. The Spanish Colonial Revival architectural style draws inspiration from Spanish, Mediterranean, and early Californian influences, and it originated during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Typically, buildings with this style exhibit an asymmetrical design. They are characterized by low-pitched roofs with minimal or no overhang, adorned with serpentine roof tiles. This style often incorporates wood framing and is covered with lightcolored stucco siding. The use of arches is prevalent, particularly above doors, porch entries, and main windows.

• B. Craftsman. The Craftsman architectural style originated in the early 20th century as part of the Arts and Crafts movement. Notable design features include exposed rafters and beams beneath the eaves, decorative brackets and fasteners, full or partial-width porches, and prominent columns or piers. While the Craftsman style emphasizes a horizontal emphasis, vertical architectural elements are often incorporated to highlight corners and entrances. Traditional Craftsman homes typically showcased exterior cladding made of wood shingles or clapboard siding, along with details such as extended lintels and decorative lighting with geometric patterns.

• C. Farmhouse. The Farmhouse architectural style is an expression of rural residential designs and materials, with the Contemporary Farmhouse style specifically reflecting the agricultural history and commercial structures found in Southern California. This style incorporates playful elements, such as shed roofs, vibrant color blocking, and contemporary interpretations of traditional farm structures like barns and silos. The roofs of Farmhouse-style buildings are typically medium to high-pitched, and the overall detailing is kept simple.

yle specifically reflecting the agricultural history and commercial structures found in Southern California. This style incorporates playful elements, such as shed roofs, vibrant color blocking, and contemporary interpretations of traditional farm structures like barns and silos. The roofs of Farmhouse-style buildings are typically medium to high-pitched, and the overall detailing is kept simple.

• D. Tuscan. The Tuscan architectural style blends modern and classic elements, incorporating both Spanish Revival and Italian influences. This style draws inspiration from Mediterranean variants found in California, showcasing rustic elements. Key characteristics include the use of stone and stucco, light earthy tones, and red tiled roofs. Classical elements like columns, arches, and decorative ironwork add visual interest and complexity. Squared towers and projections reflect classic Italianate influences. Porches and porticoes are commonly featured, as well as vertically oriented recessed windows.

• E. Modern. The Modern architectural style draws inspiration from utilitarian design principles, featuring block forms, contrasting colors, and eclectic combinations of materials in contemporary compositions. This style embodies a minimalist and clean aesthetic. It utilizes simple rectangular shapes and forms, integrating them within horizontal and vertical planes to create dynamic lines. Flat roofs are commonly used to reinforce the rectangular shapes while also providing opportunities for outdoor deck areas. Accents in the Modern style are understated and unpretentious, often taking the form of trellis elements.

• F. American Traditional. The American Traditional architectural style is a fusion of various traditional American styles such as Cottage, Cape Cod, and Farmhouse. It is characterized by simplicity and classic design elements, including rectangular forms, spacious front porches, decorative shutters, dormers, and wood siding. This style represents a traditional interpretation of rural farmhouses. The color palette used in American Traditional homes is typically subtle, with shades of white or gray for the main body of the house, while light or dark shutters provide contrasting accents.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)