Calexico Municipal Code § 17.03.100 Purposes

In addition to the objectives outlined in Section 17.01.110, Purpose and scope, the residential zones are included in the zoning regulations to achieve the following purposes:

A. To reserve appropriately located areas for family living at a broad range of dwelling unit densities consistent with the general plan and with sound standards of public health, safety and welfare.

B. To ensure adequate light, air, privacy, and open space for each dwelling.

C. To minimize traffic congestion and to avoid the overloading of public services and utilities by preventing the construction of buildings of excessive bulk or number in relation to the land area around them.

D. To protect residential properties from noise, illumination, unsightliness, odors, smoke and other objectionable influences.

E. To facilitate the provision of utility services and other public facilities commensurate with anticipated population, dwelling unit densities, and service requirements.

RR Residential Rural Zone. This zone is intended as an area for very low density residential uses with minimum lot sizes of one acre and maximum densities of one unit per net acre. It is intended to permit the continuation of agricultural and farm uses while allowing the development of single-family residential. Additional uses are permitted that are complimentary to, and can exist in harmony with, a rural residential neighborhood.

R-1 Residential Single-Family Zone. This zone is intended as an area for single-family residential development on minimum lot sizes of six thousand square feet and maximum densities of six units per net acre. Additional uses are permitted that are complimentary to, and can exist in harmony with, a residential neighborhood.

RC Residential Condominium Zone. This zone is intended as an area for the development of residential condominiums with provisions for adequate light, air, open space and landscaped areas at a maximum density of twenty units per net acre. Additional uses are permitted that are complimentary to, and can exist in harmony with, a residential condominium development.

RA Residential Apartment Zone. This zone is intended as an area for the development of residential apartments with provisions for adequate light, air, open space and landscaped areas at a maximum density of thirty units per net acre. Additional uses are permitted that are complimentary to, and can exist in harmony with, a residential apartment development.

R-2 Zone. This zone provides for the development of a mix of residential dwelling units, including single-family detached homes, mobilehomes, patio homes, duplexes and townhomes. The purpose of this zone is to bridge the gap between traditional single-family detached units on large parcels and attached owner-occupied units.

(1992 zoning ord. (part))

(Ord. No. 1108, § 3(Exh. A), 2-2-10)

The following uses shall be permitted uses where the symbol "P" appears and shall be permitted uses subject to a conditional use permit where the symbol "C" appears in the column beneath each zone designation; the symbol "X" indicates prohibition:

1 A second granny flat shall only be permitted in this zone when the lot is larger than 5,000 square feet and developed with a single-family detached home.

(Ord. No. 1108, § 3(Exh. A), 2-2-10; Ord. No. 1072, § 1, 3-4-08; Ord. 1006 § 2, 2003; Ord. 959 § 2, 1996; 1992 zoning ord. (part))

(Ord. No. 1148, § 3, 12-17-13)

Except as otherwise provided, prior to the construction of any building or structure on any lot within the R zones, a development review is required pursuant to Section 17.01.700. The following property development standards shall apply to all land and buildings other than accessory buildings, permitted in their respective residential zones. Any legal lot may be used as a building site, except no building permit shall be issued for a lot size of less than four thousand square feet. Each building site shall have a minimum twenty-foot wide vehicular access to a street.

A. General Requirements. The following requirements are minimum unless otherwise stated.

2 The maximum density permitted may be increased for affordable housing projects that qualify for a density bonus in accordance with state law.

3 Minimum lot sizes may vary in this zone for planned communities and affordable housing projects provided that the lot size shall only be reduced if appropriate amenities or affordability criteria are met.

* In the RC, R-2 and RA zones, approval of projects at the maximum density shall only be given on the basis that the project exceeds the standards of the zone and the general plan. Any density beyond the maximum of 20 units/acre permitted by the zone will require planning commission and city council approval.

B. Special Requirements. In all residential zones the following special requirements are applicable:

1. Street setbacks shall be measured from the ultimate street right-of-way or the maximum required street width if said street or proposed street is to be private.

2. Each lot or parcel on a cul-de-sac, curved street or dead-end street shall meet the minimum lot width requirement at the required front setback of the zone except for RC, R-2 and RA zones (see example as follows):

[Figure]

3. Flag lots shall meet the minimum lot width requirement at the termination of the flag except for the RC, R-2 and RA zones (see example as follows):

[Figure]

4. The flag portion of a flag lot shall not be counted toward the minimum lot area requirement.

5. Lot coverage shall include all buildings, structures and accessory buildings and structures. Patio covers, open on three sides, pools, spas and freestanding open air gazebos and patios shall not count toward the lot coverage requirement.

6. For public and semi-public buildings and uses a minimum of fifty feet landscaped setback shall be maintained from any single-family zone.

7. In RC, R-2 and RA zones, any building exceeding fifteen feet in height shall maintain a minimum setback of fifty feet from any single-family zone; and buildings less than fifteen feet in height shall maintain a minimum setback of twenty-five feet from any single-family zone.

8. New construction of R-1 dwelling units shall include two-car covered garage situated in accordance with zoning setback requirements.

9. Conversion of existing garages into habitable space is permitted when in compliance with the following requirements:

a. Suitable replacement covered off-street parking spaces shall be provided with direct street access;

b. Parking spaces and driveway access shall be improved with asphalt or concrete;

c. Replacement covered parking spaces shall be provided as carport or garage, in compliance with the zoning regulations for yard setbacks.

10. Exceptions to the garage conversion requirements under Section 17.03.120(B)(9)(a), (b) and (c) may be granted in order to allow the construction of a carport within the front yard setback area of single-family residences located in the R-1 zone that:

a. Were originally constructed with single-car garages or carports located behind and adjacent to the front yard setback;

b. Never included garages or carports; or

c. Include single-car garages or carports that were legally converted.

11. Qualifying residences may be allowed to construct carports within the front yard setback area subject to the following conditions:

a. Carport shall encroach no more that one-half the distance into the required front yard setback;

b. Carport shall be attached to the residence and shall be designed to match the architecture of the existing residence;

c. Carport shall be designed and constructed to provide for a minimum of two off-street parking spaces.

C. Second-kitchen dwelling units in R-1 zones shall have the following development standards:

1. Allow second-kitchen dwellings units in the R-1 zone subject to a conditional use permit being issued. Applicable building and other codes, and zoning requirements (building main in building setbacks) except for the density regulation shall apply to accessory apartments.

2. Limit the number of units in a single-family residential lot to not more than two (the main house and the second-kitchen dwelling unit).

3. Require the second unit to be attached to the existing residence and to be located within the living area of the existing dwelling.

4. Whenever an increase in floor area is involved, it shall not exceed ten percent of the existing living area.

5. Limit the second-kitchen dwelling unit to six hundred forty square feet.

6. Limit occupancy to a maximum of two persons.

7. Require the property owner to reside on the site.

8. Require one additional uncovered or covered off-street parking space. Garage conversions are prohibited unless replacement of covered off-street parking is provided concurrently.

9. The accessory apartment unit shall be exclusively for rental occupancy. Separate sale or ownership of said unit from the primary dwelling on a lot or parcel is prohibited. No lot split.

10. The owner/applicant shall sign an affidavit agreeing to accessory apartment occupancy requirements as stipulated. The affidavit shall include provisions stating that:

a. The owner/applicant consents to inspection of the accessory apartment by the code enforcement officer in order to verify occupancy; and

b. That the owner/applicant shall furnish a new affidavit to said officer upon request (yearly).

D. Accessory second-kitchen granny flat units in R-1 zones shall have the following development standards:

1. Allow second-kitchen granny flat units in the R-1 zone subject to a development review permit being issued. Applicable building codes and zoning requirements except for the density regulation shall apply to accessory granny flat units.

2. Limit the number of units in a single-family residential lot to not more than two (the main house and the accessory granny flat unit).

3. Require the accessory granny flat unit to be attached to the existing residence and to be located within the living area of the existing dwelling. Detached structures established by legal permit prior to enactment of this ordinance amendment, may be converted to a granny flat unit.

4. For attached granny flat units, whenever an increase in floor area is involved, it shall not exceed ten percent of the existing living area, or exceed six hundred forty square feet.

5. Limit occupancy to a maximum of two adults:

a. Of which one shall be a minimum of sixty years of age, or have a physical handicap, as defined by the State Health and Safety Code.

b. Of which one is related to property owner by blood, marriage, or adoption.

6. Require the property owner to reside on-site.

7. Require one additional uncovered or covered off-street parking space. Garage conversion is prohibited unless replacement of covered off-street parking is provided concurrently.

8. The accessory granny flat unit may be rented. Separate sale or ownership of said unit from the primary dwelling on a lot or parcel is prohibited. No lot split.

9. The owner/applicant shall sign an affidavit agreeing to accessory granny flat occupancy requirements as stipulated. The affidavit shall include provisions stating that:

a. The owner/applicant consents to inspection of the accessory granny flat unit by the code enforcement officer in order to verify compliance with occupancy requirements; and

b. That the owner/applicant shall furnish a new affidavit to said officer upon request yearly.

(Ord. 1006 § 3, 2003; Ord. 959 § 3, 1996; Ord. 955, 1995; 1992 zoning ord. (part))

(Ord. No. 1072, §§ 2, 3, 3-4-08; Ord. No. 1108, § 3(Exh. A), 2-2-10)

In blocks in the R-1 residence zone wherein forty percent or more of the lots facing such street have been improved, the setbacks on all remaining lots shall be not less than the average setbacks of the improved lots. A building to be placed upon a building site, located between two existing buildings not more than one hundred feet apart, shall observe not less than the average of the two existing buildings.

(Ord. 606 § 2 (part), 1966: prior code § 8152)

(Ord. No. 1108, § 3(Exh. A), 2-2-10)

Lots of no less than five thousand square feet may be considered for development of affordable housing projects provided the following criteria are met:

A. The project is proposed to be developed by a recognized organization that promotes affordable housing;

B. The project developer verifies that all home sales are to below moderate income purchasers;

C. The project developer submits information justifying the need for reduced lot size in order to meet affordability criteria; and

D. The project is consistent with the adopted general plan housing element targeted goals and policies for very-low, low and special needs families.

(Ord. No. 1108, § 3(Exh. A), 2-2-10)

A. In all R zones, the following performance standards shall be met:

1. Air conditioners, antennas, heating, cooling, ventilating equipment and all other mechanical, lighting or electrical devices shall be so operated they do not disturb the peace, quiet and comfort of neighboring residents and shall be screened, shielded and/or sound buffered from surrounding properties and streets. All equipment shall be installed and operated in accordance with all other applicable ordinances. Heights of said equipment shall not exceed the required height of the zone in which they are located.

2. Required front and street side yards shall be landscaped and shall consist predominantly of trees, plant materials, groundcover and decorative rocks, except for necessary walks, drives and fences. All required landscaping shall be permanently maintained in healthy and thriving condition, free from weeds, trash and debris.

3. For second single-family units located on the same lot as an existing single-family dwelling the following standards must be met:

a. A deed restriction shall be recorded which states the lot shall not be further divisible and shall list all requirements contained herein.

b. The second unit shall be attached to the main residence by a sound structural means approved by the building department.

c. The second unit shall not exceed one story in height unless it is contained within or an addition to a two-story structure.

d. The second unit shall not encroach into the yard setback area and no variance shall be granted for encroachment into the setback.

e. Second units shall be restricted to homes built prior to January 1, 1991.

4. All utility connections shall be designed to coordinate with the architectural elements of the site so as not to be exposed except where necessary. Pad-mounted transformers and/or meter box locations shall be included in the site plan with any appropriate screening treatment. Power lines and overhead cables shall be installed underground.

5. The noise level emanating from any residential use or operation shall not exceed 60 dBA CNEL for the RR, R-2 and R-1 zones and 65 dBA CNEL for the RC and RA zones, as the acceptable outdoor noise exposure level when measured at the property line. The interior noise levels shall not exceed 45 dBA CNEL for all residential uses.

6. For schools, libraries, churches, hospitals, nursing homes, parks and recreation areas, the outdoor acceptable exposure level shall not exceed 70 dBA CNEL when measured at the property line.

7. Energy conservation buildings shall be located on the site to provide adjacent buildings adequate sunlight for solar access. All new construction and remodeling shall be preplumbed for solar hot water heating. Buildings shall be designed to minimize energy consumption requirements, and may include, but not necessarily be limited to, the following conservation measures:

a. Cogeneration;

b. South facing windows;

c. Eave coverage for windows;

d. Double glazed windows;

e. Earth berming against exterior walls;

f. Green houses; and

g. Deciduous shade trees.

B. In the RC, R-2 and RA zones, including the conversion of apartments to condominiums where permitted by Section 17.03.110(A)(7), the following performance standards shall be met:

1. Masonry walls six feet in height, from the highest finished grade, shall be required on the rear and side property lines. No walls are required on street side yards unless needed for noise attenuation and/or privacy.

2. Where a lot fronts on more than one street it shall be considered to have multiple frontages and be required to meet the front yard setback requirement on all street frontages.

3. When a RC, R-2 and/or RA lot is adjacent to any single-family zone, a minimum of fifteen feet of landscaping shall be maintained on the RC, R-2 and/or RA lot between such uses.

4. A minimum of two hundred square feet of private open area per ground floor unit shall be provided and a minimum of one hundred fifty square feet of private open space for units contained wholly on the second story shall be provided.

5. A minimum of two hundred fifty cubic feet of lockable, enclosed storage per unit shall be provided in the garage or carport area; substitutions may be approved by the planning director.

6. The following recreation facilities shall be provided at a minimum unless waived by the planning commission:

a. Landscaped park-like quiet area;

b. Children's play area;

c. Family picnic area; and

d. Swimming pool with cabana or patio cover.

7. A minimum of two clothes washers and one clothes dryer per eight dwelling units located conveniently throughout the development.

8. Individual trash areas, screened from view of a roadway, shall be provided for each dwelling unit in the RC zone; conveniently located trash enclosures, per city standards, shall be provided for dwelling units in the R-2 and RA zone.

9. A minimum of thirty-five trees per gross acre shall be required as part of the landscaping requirements; twenty percent shall be twenty-four inch box size or larger, seventy percent shall be fifteen gallon size and ten percent shall be five gallon size. Drought tolerant species with low maintenance requirements shall be utilized, where possible.

10. Recreation vehicle parking areas shall be provided, fully screened from view or the development shall prohibit all parking of recreation vehicles.

(1992 zoning ord. (part))

(Ord. No. 1108, § 3(Exh. A), 2-2-10)

A. Accessory Buildings and Structures. Accessory buildings and structures, attached or detached, used either wholly or in part for living purposes, shall meet all of the requirements for location of the main structure, except as provided in this section:

1. Accessory buildings or structures that are attached to the main building shall be allowed to encroach into the required rear yard setback up to one-half of the distance.

2. A detached accessory structure shall meet the setback requirements of the main building for the front and street side yard areas.

3. A detached accessory structure may be located within an interior side yard or rear yard; provided, that such structure is located no closer than five feet to an interior side or rear lot line and is at least ten feet from the main structure.

B. Canopies, Patios and Breezeways. Canopies, patios and breezeways attached to the main building or connecting the main building with a detached accessory building, may extend into a required rear or interior side yard provided that portions of such structures extending into the yard:

1. Shall not exceed fifteen feet in height or project closer than five feet to an interior side yard or rear lot line.

2. Shall be entirely open on at least three sides for patios and canopies except for necessary supporting columns. A roof connecting main building and an accessory building shall be open on two sides.

C. Other structures, porches, steps, architectural features, such as eaves, awnings, chimneys, balconies, stairways, wing walls or bay windows may project not more than four feet into any required front or rear yard area, nor into any required side yard area more than one-half of said required side yard.

D. Carports. Carports attached or detached from the main building shall be allowed to encroach into the required front yard setback and shall maintain a setback of no less than five feet provided that the proposed carport is open on at least three sides and is used or intended to be used as vehicle storage for the occupants of the premises.

(1992 zoning ord. (part))

(Ord. No. 1108, § 3(Exh. A), 2-2-10; Ord. No. 2023-1233, § 2, 11-1-23)

A. In any required front yard or side yard adjacent to a street, a wall or fence shall not exceed six feet in height, except as provided in this section.

B. A wall or fence not more than six feet in height may be maintained along the interior side or rear lot lines; provided, that such wall or fence does not extend into a required front yard or side yard adjacent to a street except as provided in this section.

C. A wall or fence adjacent to a driveway or street providing vehicular access to an abutting lot or street shall not exceed thirty-six inches in height within fifteen feet of the intersection of said driveway and the street right-of-way. Corner cut-offs may be required in special circumstances for safety and visibility (see example as follows):

[Figure]

D. A wall or fence shall not be constructed in such a manner so as to block or restrict vehicular access to a dedicated or implied dedicated alley, access, or way.

E. A wall or fence may be constructed a minimum distance of five feet from the ultimate right-of-way at a maximum height of five feet when there is no parkway planting area adjacent to the sidewalk. Where there is a parkway planting area adjacent to the curbing no setback is required to construct a fence five feet in height.

F. Fiberglass sheeting, bamboo sheeting or other similar temporary material shall not be permitted as a fencing material on street yard frontages.

(1992 zoning ord. (part))

(Ord. No. 1108, § 3(Exh. A), 2-2-10)

No sign or outdoor advertising structure shall be permitted in any R zone except as provided in Chapter 17.01, Article XI.

(1992 zoning ord. (part))

(Ord. No. 1108, § 3(Exh. A), 2-2-10)