§ 16.001

The RS Single-Family Residential Districts are intended to provide for individual homes on separate lots, each for the occupancy of one family, at various minimum lot sizes (indicated in parentheses after the "RS" designation) to provide for a range of yard and lot sizes which are based on the location, density and topographical considerations of the General Plan of the City of Claremont, and to provide for other uses that are associated and compatible with the residential uses.

No building, structure or land shall be used, and no building or structure shall be erected or altered in the RS Districts except in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. (08-05)

Only the following uses and development shall be conducted or constructed as a matter of right in the RS Districts:

• A. One single-family dwelling unit per lot for occupancy by no more than one family.

• B. Accessory buildings and structures, including fences and recreation courts, and accessory uses, located on the same lot as a single-family dwelling unit subject to the development standards and requirements of this chapter and Chapter 16.133 . Accessory buildings shall have a maximum floor area of 300 square feet plus an additional 400 square feet may be permitted for required parking.

• C. The renting of no more than one sleeping room per dwelling unit for occupancy by no more than two persons. Meals may be provided in connection with such renting, or the dwelling's kitchen facilities may be shared with tenants.

  1. Rental Rooms

Rental rooms shall not contain kitchens. Rental rooms shall not be rented for a period of less than 30 days, unless as otherwise allowed under Chapter 16.110 (Short-Term Rentals).

2. Rental Permit

Prior to the renting of any room in a Single-Family Residential District, a rental permit shall be obtained from the Department of Community Development. A permit shall be issued by the Department of Community Development only after the Director of Community Development has determined that the following criteria are satisfied:

• a. The proposed room rental meets all building and health requirements.

• b. There is sufficient parking.

• c. The proposed rental will not result in an adverse impact on the single-family character of the neighborhood. The number of such rentals in the neighborhood shall be a factor in determining adverse impact.

The fee for this permit shall be determined by resolution of the City Council. The permit shall be valid for a period of three years, provided the permit may be revoked if the Director of Community Development determines that the above criteria are no longer satisfied.

• D. Home occupations, subject to approval pursuant to Chapter 16.327 .

• E. The keeping of animals as pets (not for commercial purposes), subject to Title 6 of the Claremont Municipal Code.

• F. The growing of crops and fruits.

• G. Parks.

• H. Accessory second units subject to the development standards of this chapter and requirements of Chapter 16.333 , Accessory Second Units.

(08-05; 2025-04, 5/13/2025)

Uses and developments listed in Chapter 16.306 as permitted subject to the issuance of a special use and development permit are allowed in the RS Districts if not contrary to the intent of this chapter. (08-05)

The following uses and developments are permitted in RS Districts subject to the issuance of a conditional use permit pursuant to Chapter 16.303 :

• A. Wholesale plant nurseries, and similar commercial/agricultural uses.

• B. Other uses listed in Chapter 16.303 , as permitted in RS Districts or any district subject to the issuance of a conditional use permit if not contrary to the intent of this chapter.

• (08-05; 14-04)

The following property development standards shall apply to all land and structures in the RS Districts. For exceptions to and explanatory description of these standards and for standards for accessory structures, fences, recreation courts, signs, parking, off-site improvements and dedication requirements, visual screening, solar energy systems, community art, and undergrounding utilities, see Chapters 16.130 through 16.151 .

• A. Minimum Lot Area and Dimensions

  1. RS (20,000) District

     • a. Size – 20,000 sq. ft.

     • b. Width – 90 ft.

     • c. Depth – 120 ft.

In the RS (20,000) District, all new development and grading shall be subject to the new development and grading standards of Chapter 16.010 .

2. RS (13,000) District

   • a. Size – 13,000 sq ft.

   • b. Width – 90 ft.

   • c. Depth – 120 ft.

3. RS (10,000) District

   • a. Size – 10,000 sq. ft.

   • b. Width – 75 ft.

   • c. Depth – 100 ft.

4. RS (8,000) District

   • a. Size – 8,000 sq ft.

   • b. Width – 65 ft.

   • c. Depth – 100 ft.

For existing lots not meeting these standards, see Chapter 16.400 .

• B. Maximum Lot Size

  1. Lots in the RS Districts shall not exceed the maximums listed below except as otherwise permitted by this subsection.

     • a. RS (20,000) District – 30,000 square feet

     • b. RS (13,000) District – 19,500 square feet

     • c. RS (10,000) District – 15,000 square feet

     • d. RS (8,000) District – 12,000 square feet

  2. Two or more contiguous parcels that have been held by the same owner and developed, and continually used from the time of their development, as one residential property may be merged to create a single lot exceeding the above maximum lot sizes if one of the following requirements is met:

     • a. No more than one of the affected parcels has ever been developed with a structure other than accessory structures, or a structure other than an accessory structure, for which a building permit was issued or for which a building permit was not required at time of construction, that is also partially sited on a contiguous parcel.

     • b. No more than one parcel has legal access which is adequate for vehicular and safety equipment access and maneuverability.

3. All existing lots that exceed the above maximums and which were created pursuant to the ordinances and regulations in effect at the time of their creation shall be considered conforming lots not subject to the provisions of Chapter 16.400 .

(Note: Existing subsections 16.001.040.B and 16.001.040.C are renumbered as 16.001.040.C and 16.001.040.D to accommodate the above addition.)

• C. Minimum Setbacks

  1. RS (20,000) District

     • a. Front – 15 ft. Except that a vehicle entrance of a garage or carport that directly faces onto the street shall be set back 18.5 ft.

     • b. Interior Side if not adjacent to slope – 8 ft.

     • c. Interior Side if adjacent to slope – 5 ft. from property line or 8 ft. from mid-point of slope, which ever is greater

     • d. Street Side if reversed corner lot – 15 ft.

• e. Street Side if standard corner lot – 10 ft.

  - f. Rear – 8 ft. 
  

  2. RS (13,000) District

     • a. Front – 30 ft.

     • b. Interior Side – 8 ft.

     • c. Street Side if reversed corner lot – 15 ft.

     • d. Street Side if standard corner lot – 10 ft.

     • e. Rear – 8 ft.

  3. RS (10,000) District

     • a. Front – 25 ft.

     • b. Interior Side – 8 ft.

     • c. Street Side if reversed corner lot – 15 ft.

     • d. Street Side if standard corner lot – 10 ft.

     • e. Rear – 8 ft.

  4. RS (8,000) District

     • a. Front – 25 ft.

     • b. Interior Side – 8 ft.

     • c. Street Side if reversed corner lot – 15 ft.

     • d. Street Side if standard corner lot – 10 ft.

     • e. Rear – 8 ft.

For description, clarification and exceptions to minimum setbacks, see Chapter 16.130 .

For additional garage or carport setback requirements and standards for driveways and parking spaces, see Chapter 16.136 , Parking, Loading, and Transportation Demand Management Measures.

• D. Maximum Lot Coverage

  1. RS (20,000) District – 30%

  2. RS (13,000) District – 35%

  3. RS (10,000) District – 35%

  4. RS (8,000) District – 40%

Calculation shall include all areas of the lot covered by any buildings including carports, and covered patios and decks, and balconies and decks more than three feet above grade. Lot coverage shall not include uncovered outdoor recreation courts and equipment, uncovered patios, walkways and driveways, pools, and uncovered decks and balconies no more than three feet above grade.

• E. Maximum Floor Area of Main Residential Structure (All RS Districts)

The total floor area of the main residential structure shall not exceed a maximum of 2000 square feet plus 15 percent of the square footage of the net lot area, or the maximum floor area as set forth in the following table for each RS District, whichever is less:

For purposes of this section, the calculation of the floor area shall include the floor areas of all floors of the main residential structure including the area of an upper level not separated from a lower level by a floor/ceiling assembly including the upper and lower areas of any stairwell, floor areas of attached garages, carports, covered patios, and any open inner courtyard/patio area that is bounded on more than 80 percent of its perimeter by exterior walls of the main residential structure. Floor area calculation shall not include the floor area of detached accessory structures, except as noted below, uncovered patios, decks or balconies, basements where the finished floor level directly above is less than six feet above grade at any point, or uncovered courtyard area that is not bounded on more than 80 percent of its perimeter by exterior walls of the main residential structure.

e. Floor area calculation shall not include the floor area of detached accessory structures, except as noted below, uncovered patios, decks or balconies, basements where the finished floor level directly above is less than six feet above grade at any point, or uncovered courtyard area that is not bounded on more than 80 percent of its perimeter by exterior walls of the main residential structure.

When any accessory building is located less than six feet from a main residential building, the floor area of such accessory building shall be included in the floor area calculation of the main residential building. The accessory building shall still be subject to all accessory building standards.

All existing structures that exceed the above maximums and which were constructed pursuant to the ordinances and regulations in effect at the time of their construction shall be considered conforming buildings not subject to the provisions of Chapter 16.400 .

• F. Maximum Floor Area of Second Story of Main Residential Structure

The total floor area of a second story of the main residential structure shall not exceed 40 percent of the maximum permitted floor area of the main residential structure.

• G. Minimum Floor Area Per Main Dwelling Unit

  1. RS (20,000) District – 1200 sq. ft.

  2. RS (13,000) District – 1200 sq. ft.

  3. RS (10,000) District – 1200 sq. ft.

  4. RS (8,000) District – 1000 sq. ft.

• H. Maximum Number of Stories (All RS Districts)

  1. Main Building – 2 stories

Two-story buildings, buildings with a height of more than 18 feet, and second-story additions are permitted only if the architectural criteria in Chapter 16.300 are met.

2. Accessory Buildings – 1 story

• I. Maximum Height (All RS Districts)

  1. Main Building – 25 feet

  2. Accessory Buildings and Structures – 15 feet

  3. Athletic Apparatus and Children's Play Equipment – 13 feet

For measurement of height and exceptions to height limits, see Chapter 16.130 . All accessory buildings and structures are subject to requirements of Chapter 16.133 .

• J. Minimum Number of Covered Parking Spaces – 2 spaces

Required spaces shall be covered and in a garage or carport. For design standards of parking spaces, see Chapter 16.136 .

(08-05; 09-11)