Earlier editions: 2026-09
Title 17 — ZONING›Article III — USE AND ZONE DISTRICT REGULATIONS
Colfax Municipal Code § 17.72.030 Residential zone general development standards
Colfax Municipal Code · 2026-10 edition · updated 2026-10-04 · Colfax
Cite as: Colfax Municipal Code § 17.72.030 · Text as of 2026-10-04
17.72.010 - Purpose.¶
This chapter provides regulations applicable to primary uses in the residential zoning districts established by Section 17.16.010 (zoning districts established). The residential zoning districts are as follows:
A. Single-Family Residence District. The purpose of the single-family residence district (R-1) is to provide for areas in appropriate locations where quiet, low density residential neighborhoods may be established, maintained and protected. The regulations of this district are designed to promote and encourage a suitable environment for families, many of whom will have children. To this end the regulations permit the establishment of single-family dwellings and also permit, with proper controls, those public and quasi-public activities, such as schools, libraries, churches, parks and playgrounds, which serve the needs of families. The regulations are intended to prohibit the establishment or operation of any activity which would be inimical to such a residential environment.
B. Multi-Family Residence District. The purpose of the multi-family residence district (R-M) is to provide for areas in appropriate locations where apartments, condominiums, townhouses, and other types of attached and detached housing in neighborhoods of varying degrees of density may be established, maintained and protected. The regulations of this district are designed to promote and encourage an intensively developed residential environment within walking distance of downtown. To this end the regulations permit, in accordance with the respective density district, multiple dwellings ranging from garden apartments to multi-story apartment houses, in addition to small-lot subdivisions and attached and detached for-sale housing with necessary public services and activities subject to proper controls.
C. Residential Mobilehome Subdivision District. The purpose of the residential mobilehome subdivision district (R-MHS) is to permit and regulate the development of mobilehome parks within the city, as well as the design and placement of mobilehomes within such mobilehome parks. The provisions of this article shall apply to new mobilehome parks and to the expansion of existing mobilehome parks and shall be in addition to the applicable rules and regulations of the state for mobilehome parks.
(Ord. No. 519, 8-8-2012; Ord. No. 555, § 1(Exh. A), 10-11-2023)
17.72.020 - Residential zone districts permitted uses.¶
Primary uses are permitted in residential zones subject to the requirements of this title as designated below:
A. Principally permitted use, designated as "P";
B. Conditionally permitted use, designated as "CUP"; and
C. Administratively permitted use, designated as "AP."
Primary use types not listed or designated by a dash (-) are not permitted in that zone district.
Accessory uses and structures are permitted in residential zones subject to the requirements set forth in Chapter 17.96.
SEE CHAPTER 17.32 "PERMIT AND VARIANCE REQUIREMENTS" FOR INFORMATION ON USE PERMITS AND OTHER TYPES OF PERMITS THAT MAY BE REQUIRED, REGARDLESS OF HOW A USE IS CLASSIFIED IN THIS CHART.
| OPEN SPACE USE TYPE | R-1 | R-M | R-MHS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Animal Keeping | AP (8) | - | - |
| Resource Protection and Restoration | P | P | P |
| Resource Related Recreation | P | P | P |
| CIVIC USE TYPES | R-1 | R-M | R-MHS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Community Assembly (7) | AP | AP | AP |
| Community Services | P | P | P |
| Essential Services | P | P | P |
| Libraries and museums | - | AP | - |
| Power Generating Facilities (1) | |||
| Emergency | P | P | P |
| Passive Power | P | P | P |
| Public Parking Services | - | CUP | - |
| Schools, Elementary and Secondary | AP | AP | - |
| Schools, Private Elementary and Secondary | AP | AP | - |
| RESIDENTIAL USE TYPES | R-1 | R-M | R-MHS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accessory Dwelling Unit (see also Junior ADU) | P | P | - |
| Community Care Facilities, Small | P | P | P |
| Dwelling (6) | Dwelling (6) | Dwelling (6) | Dwelling (6) |
| Multi-Family | - | P | - |
| Single-Family | P | P | P |
| Employee Housing | P | P | P |
| Family Day Care Homes, Small | P | P | P |
| Family Day Care Homes, Large (3) | AP | AP | AP |
| Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit | P | P | - |
| Low-Barrier Navigation Centers | - | P (10) | - |
| Mobilehome Park | - | - | CUP |
| Rooming and Boarding House | - | P | - |
| Supportive and Transitional Housing | P | P | P |
| Single Room Occupancy (SRO) | - | CUP | - |
| COMMERCIAL USE TYPES | R-1 | R-M | R-MHS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial Recreation, Residential Recreation Facilities | CUP | CUP | CUP |
| Community Care Facility | - | P | - |
| Lodging services (4) | AP | AP | - |
| Long-Term Care Facility | - | CUP | - |
| Neighborhood Commercial | - | CUP | - |
| TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUNICATION USE TYPES | R-1 | R-M | R-MHS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Telecommunication Facilities (5) | AP | AP | AP |
Notes:
(1) Additional requirements are contained in Chapter 17.180.
(2) See Chapter 17.196 for second dwelling unit regulations.
(3) See Chapter 17.160 for large family day care home regulations.
(4) Bed and Breakfast establishments only, with five or fewer rooms.
(5) Additional requirements are contained in Chapter 17.136.
(6) Supportive and transitional housing are considered residential use types.
(7) Food service or distribution facilities are allowed in conjunction with this use with approval of an admin permit.
(8) Subject to the limitations set forth in Colfax Municipal Code Chapter 6.20 (Limitations on Number of Animals).
(9) Employee housing serving six or fewer persons is considered single-family.
(10)(a) Low-barrier navigation centers requires that it offers services to connect people to permanent housing through a services plan that identifies services staffing;
(b) It is linked to a coordinated entry system, so that staff in the interim facility or staff who co-locate in the facility may conduct assessments and provide services to connect people to permanent housing. "Coordinated entry system" means a centralized or coordinated assessment system developed pursuant to Section 576.400(d) or Section 578.7(a)(B), as applicable, of Title 24 of the Code of Federal Regulations, as those sections read on January 1, 2020, and any related requirements, designed to coordinate program participant intake, assessment. and referrals;
(c) It complies with Chapter 6.5 (commencing with Section 8255) of Division 8 of the Welfare and Institutions Code;
(d) It has a system for entering information regarding client stays, client demographics, client income, and exit destination through the local homeless management information system defined by Section 578.3 of Title 24 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
(Ord. No. 519, 8-8-2012; Ord. No. 555, § 1(Exh. A), 10-11-2023; Ord. No. 559, § 1(Exh. A), 12-11-2024)
17.72.030 - Residential zone general development standards.¶
A. Residential Development Standards. Permitted uses and associated structures shall comply with the following development standards, in addition to any other applicable requirements of this title:
RESIDENTIAL ZONE GENERAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
| Requirement by Zoning District | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R-1 | R-1 | R-M-1 (1) | R-M-2 (1) | R-MHS (2) | |
| Minimum Site Area | - | - | - | - | 10 acres |
| Minimum Parcel Area | R-1-5 | 5,000 sq. ft. | 4,500 sq. ft. | 2,000 sq. ft. | 3,000 sq. ft. |
| Minimum Parcel Area | R-1-10 | 10,000 sq. ft. | 4,500 sq. ft. | 2,000 sq. ft. | 3,000 sq. ft. |
| Minimum Parcel Area | R-1-15 | 15,000 sq. ft. | 4,500 sq. ft. | 2,000 sq. ft. | 3,000 sq. ft. |
| Minimum Parcel Area | R-1-20 | 20,000 sq. ft. | 4,500 sq. ft. | 2,000 sq. ft. | 3,000 sq. ft. |
| Minimum Parcel Area | R-1-40 | 40,000 sq. ft. | 4,500 sq. ft. | 2,000 sq. ft. | 3,000 sq. ft. |
| Minimum Width | R-1-5 | 50 ft. | - | - | 30 ft. |
| Minimum Width | R-1-10 | 80 ft. | - | - | 30 ft. |
| Minimum Width | R-1-15 | 80 ft. | - | - | 30 ft. |
| Minimum Width | R-1-20 | 100 ft. | - | - | 30 ft. |
| Minimum Width | R-1-40 | 125 ft. | - | - | 30 ft. |
| Residential Density | R-1-5 | 1 dwelling per lot (9) | 4 to 10 units per gross acre | 10 to 29 units per gross acres | 8 lots per gross acre |
| Residential Density | R-1-10 | 1 dwelling per lot (9) | 4 to 10 units per gross acre | 10 to 29 units per gross acres | 8 lots per gross acre |
| Residential Density | R-1-15 | 1 dwelling per lot (9) | 4 to 10 units per gross acre | 10 to 29 units per gross acres | 8 lots per gross acre |
| Residential Density | R-1-20 | 1 dwelling per lot (9) | 4 to 10 units per gross acre | 10 to 29 units per gross acres | 8 lots per gross acre |
| Residential Density | R-1-40 | 1 dwelling per lot (9) | 4 to 10 units per gross acre | 10 to 29 units per gross acres | 8 lots per gross acre |
| Setbacks: (See Chapter 17.96.030 for setbacks for accessory structures) | |||||
| Minimum Front (4) | R-1-5 | 20 ft. | 10 percent of the parcel depth but no more than 10 ft. | 10 percent of the parcel depth but no more than 10 ft. | 10 ft. extending the entire width of the mobilehome space (5) |
| Minimum Front (4) | R-1-10 | 20 ft. | 10 percent of the parcel depth but no more than 10 ft. | 10 percent of the parcel depth but no more than 10 ft. | 10 ft. extending the entire width of the mobilehome space (5) |
| Minimum Front (4) | R-1-15 | 20 ft. | 10 percent of the parcel depth but no more than 10 ft. | 10 percent of the parcel depth but no more than 10 ft. | 10 ft. extending the entire width of the mobilehome space (5) |
| Minimum Front (4) | R-1-20 | 30 ft. | 10 percent of the parcel depth but no more than 10 ft. | 10 percent of the parcel depth but no more than 10 ft. | 10 ft. extending the entire width of the mobilehome space (5) |
| Minimum Front (4) | R-1-40 | 30 ft. | 10 percent of the parcel depth but no more than 10 ft. | 10 percent of the parcel depth but no more than 10 ft. | 10 ft. extending the entire width of the mobilehome space (5) |
| Minimum Sides (4) | R-1-5 | 6 ft. | 5 ft. at the ground floor and an average of 8 ft. at the second floor. | 5 ft. at the ground floor and an average of 8 ft. at the second floor. | 3 ft. on one side and 10 feet on the other along the entire length of the lot |
| Minimum Sides (4) | R-1-10 | 8 ft. | 5 ft. at the ground floor and an average of 8 ft. at the second floor. | 5 ft. at the ground floor and an average of 8 ft. at the second floor. | 3 ft. on one side and 10 feet on the other along the entire length of the lot |
| Minimum Sides (4) | R-1-15 | 8 ft. | 5 ft. at the ground floor and an average of 8 ft. at the second floor. | 5 ft. at the ground floor and an average of 8 ft. at the second floor. | 3 ft. on one side and 10 feet on the other along the entire length of the lot |
| Minimum Sides (4) | R-1-20 | 10 ft. | 5 ft. at the ground floor and an average of 8 ft. at the second floor. | 5 ft. at the ground floor and an average of 8 ft. at the second floor. | 3 ft. on one side and 10 feet on the other along the entire length of the lot |
| Minimum Sides (4) | R-1-40 | 15 ft. | 5 ft. at the ground floor and an average of 8 ft. at the second floor. | 5 ft. at the ground floor and an average of 8 ft. at the second floor. | 3 ft. on one side and 10 feet on the other along the entire length of the lot |
| Minimum Rear | R-1-5 | 20 ft. | 10 ft. | 10 ft. | 5 ft. along the entire width of the lot |
| Minimum Rear | R-1-10 | 30 ft. | 10 ft. | 10 ft. | 5 ft. along the entire width of the lot |
| Minimum Rear | R-1-15 | 30 ft. | 10 ft. | 10 ft. | 5 ft. along the entire width of the lot |
| Minimum Rear | R-1-20 | 40 ft. | 10 ft. | 10 ft. | 5 ft. along the entire width of the lot |
| Minimum Rear | R-1-40 | 40 ft. | 10 ft. | 10 ft. | 5 ft. along the entire width of the lot |
| Maximum Site Coverage (6) | - | - | RM-1 | 40% | 75% |
| Maximum Site Coverage (6) | - | - | RM-2 | 75% | 75% |
| Minimum Usable Open Space per Dwelling Unit (7) | - | - | RM-1 | 400 sq. ft. | - |
| Minimum Usable Open Space per Dwelling Unit (7) | - | - | RM-2 | 200 sq. ft. | - |
| Maximum Building Height (8) | 2½ stories or 30 ft. | 2½ stories or 30 ft. | 2½ stories or 30 ft. | 2½ stories or 30 ft. | 30 ft. |
| Additions greater than 700 sq. ft. in area | May only be permitted upon approval of an administrative permit | May only be permitted upon approval of an administrative permit | May only be permitted upon approval of an administrative permit | May only be permitted upon approval of an administrative permit | May only be permitted upon approval of an administrative permit |
Notes:
(1) These requirements shall be observed in the multi-family residence district (R-M), except where increased for conditional uses. All single-family dwellings in the R-M district shall conform to the height, area, lot width and yard requirements specified for the R-1-5 district.
(2) The general development standards for the R-MHS district may be modified through approval of a design review permit.
(3) Front setback (and side setback where adjacent to street) measured from back of walk. Fence side yard setback is five feet from back of walk where facing a street. In the absence of sidewalk, setbacks measured from the edge of right-of-way. In the case of corner lots, the shorter of the two frontages shall be deemed to be the front of the lot for the purposes of computing yard requirements. In the case of a lot having equal frontages or an irregularly shaped lot, the planning director shall determine the front of the lot in such a manner as to best promote the orderly development of the immediate area.
(4) Measured from the nearest element of the mobilehome to the closest edge of the street.
(5) Maximum coverage is a function of lot size, required setbacks and usable open space.
(6) The rear and side yards may be utilized to meet the minimum usable open space provided the minimum dimension, measured perpendicular to the applicable rear or side yard is ten (10) feet. A minimum usable open space of five hundred (500) square feet may be applied where a front porch is provided with minimum dimensions of six feet x six feet exclusive of entry way.
(7) Measured from any foundation location horizontal to a point parallel to the highest point of the building.
B. Clear Vision Triangle, Residential. The following standards shall apply to the installation of structures on corner parcels:
On a corner parcel, no fence, wall, hedge, sign or other structure, shrubbery, mounds of earth, or other visual obstruction between a height of two and one-half feet and ten (10) feet above the center line grades of the intersecting streets shall be erected, placed, planted, or allowed to grow within a residential clear vision triangle (see Chapter 17.12.030, definitions).
The foregoing provision shall not apply to public utility poles; trees trimmed (to the trunk) to a line at least eight feet above the elevation of the intersection; saplings or plant species of open growth habits and not planted in the form of a hedge, which are so planted and trimmed as to leave, at all seasons, a clear and unobstructed crossview; supporting members of appurtenances to permanent structures existing on the date that the ordinance codified in this section becomes effective; and official warning signs or signals.
The clear vision triangle standards are subject to mandatory code enforcement for health and safety reasons and discretionary code enforcement for aesthetic reasons.
C. Exceptions to Height Limits. Notwithstanding the requirements of subsection 17.72.030A., the following structures are permitted to exceed the maximum height limits, as follows:
- Architectural Features, Mechanical Equipment. Chimneys, vents, and other architectural or mechanical appurtenances on buildings may be a maximum of fifteen (15) percent higher than the height limit of the applicable zone.
D. Exceptions to Setbacks. Notwithstanding the requirements of subsection 17.72.030A., the following structures are permitted to encroach into the required development setbacks, as follows:
Architectural features, such as, but not limited to, cornices, eaves, canopies and similar features, but not any flat wall or addition creating living space, may encroach up to two and ½ feet into any required setback.
Bay windows, small balconies and chimneys may project into the required yard setback a distance not to exceed two and ½ feet, provided, however, such features shall not occupy in the aggregate more than one-fourth of the length of the wall of the building on which they are located. Large structures such as decks, second story decks, widow's walks, etc., are addressed in Chapter 17.96 (accessory uses and structures).
Mechanical units such as air conditioning, heat pumps and power generating units may encroach up to three feet into a required side or rear yard setback.
Uncovered stairs, landings and porches may encroach up to six feet into any yard setback; provided, however, such projections shall not extend above the entrance floor of the building, except for a railing, which shall not exceed the maximum height established by the California Building Code, as amended from time to time.
Fire escapes may project into the required yard setback a distance not exceeding four and ½ feet.
Side Yards—Projections. The projections set forth in subsections D.1—4. of this section shall be permitted in side yards; provided, however, they shall not extend nearer than three feet to a side lot line.
Front Yards with Existing Buildings. In any residential district where twenty-five (25) percent or more of the lots in any block, exclusive of the frontage along the side of a corner lot, has been improved with buildings on or before August 24, 1967, the front yard required on each lot in such block shall be of a depth not less than the average depth of the front yards on the lots on which such existing buildings are located; provided, however, where a lot is between adjoining developed lots, the required front yard shall be not less than the average of the front yards existing on such adjoining lots or where a corner lot adjoins a developed lot fronting on the same street, the required front yard shall be equal to that existing on the adjoining developed lot, except that the front yard on a corner lot shall in no case be less than ten (10) feet. Detached garages or accessory buildings shall not be considered in determining such existing front yards. In any case, the required front yard shall not be greater than that required by the regulations for the district in which such lot is located.
E. Manufactured Homes. Manufactured homes are permitted in residential zones provided they are certified as complying the California Building Code requirements for high fire severity zones and meet the following architectural standards:
The manufactured home shall be covered with exterior material customarily used on conventional dwellings within the subdivision. The exterior covering material shall extend to the ground as close to grade as allowed by the manufacturer's recommendation;
The manufactured home shall have a minimum of sixteen (16) inch roof overhangs and roofing material on the manufactured home shall be compatible with other dwellings existing in the area and shall consist of materials customarily used on conventional dwellings. The roof shall have a minimum two and one-half in twelve (12) pitch.
F. All uses in the residential districts (R) must comply with any applicable requirements set forth in Article IV - general development regulations and Article V - special area and specific use regulations.
(Ord. No. 519, 8-8-2012; Ord. No. 555, § 1(Exh. A), 10-11-2023)
17.72.040 - Supplemental development standards in the residential mobilehome subdivision (R-MHS) district.¶
The following development standards shall apply in the residential mobilehome subdivision district (R-MHS):
A. General. The planned mobilehome subdivision development shall be designed and developed in a manner compatible with and complementary to existing and potential residential developments in the immediate vicinity of the project site.
Site Area. Each planned mobilehome subdivision development shall be not less than ten (10) acres in area.
Fences and Walls. Each planned mobilehome subdivision development shall be entirely enclosed at its exterior boundaries by appropriate decorative screening or landscaping material; provided, however, such screening, when located within a front yard, shall be constructed at or behind the required setback.
Perimeters. Site planning on the perimeters shall give consideration to the protection of the property from adverse surrounding influences, as well as to the protection of the surrounding areas from potentially adverse influences within the development.
A setback of at least fifty (50) feet from the center line shall be maintained by any mobilehome, building or structure, except a wall or fence, from any street along an exterior boundary of the development; provided, however, when such street has a right-of-way width greater than sixty (60) feet, a setback of twenty (20) feet from the nearest edge of the right-of-way of such street shall be maintained. Otherwise a setback of not less than fifteen (15) feet from an exterior boundary shall be maintained.
Common Open Space. At least one substantial common open space having a minimum of two hundred fifty (250) square feet per lot and a minimum dimension of one hundred (100) square feet and a slope of not more than two and one-half percent shall be provided. Completely enclosed indoor recreation facilities shall be provided and shall consist of not less than ten (10) square feet for each lot. Outdoor recreational facilities shall provide for both active and passive recreation. Such recreation area shall be landscaped, improved and maintained.
Storage Areas. Common storage areas shall be provided within an enclosed fenced area for the residents of the planned mobilehome development for the storage of recreational vehicles, trailers, travel trailers and other licensed or unlicensed vehicles. Such area shall be not less than fifty (50) square feet for each lot.
Parking. Parking spaces in planned mobilehome subdivision developments shall be as follows:
a. Two spaces on each lot with dimensions of no less than nine feet by twenty (20) feet for each space. Such spaces may be in tandem;
b. In addition to the spaces required by subsection A.6.a. of this section, one guest space for each five lots located within four hundred (400) feet of the farthest lot shall be provided; and
c. In addition to those spaces required by subsections A.6.a. and b. of this section, one vehicle parking space for each ten (10) lots, and one class I bicycle parking space for every fifteen (15) lots, shall be provided at the recreation center.
Sewers and Water. Each lot in a planned mobilehome subdivision development shall be provided with water and sewer connections in accordance with the regulations set forth in Title 25 of the California Administrative Code. Water shall be provided by a water company having a valid permit from the department of health of the state or the department of public health of the county. Public sewers shall be provided by a public agency which has obtained discharge requirements approved by the appropriate regional water quality control board. Individual sewage disposal systems shall be approved by the department of public health of the county.
Undergrounding. All sewer and water facilities and electric, gas, telephone and television signal distribution systems shall be placed underground.
Antennas. Television reception shall be by means of cable television or a master antenna system. No other exterior television antennas shall be permitted.
Landscaping. All areas in a planned mobilehome subdivision development not used for parking, circulation, buildings and service areas shall be completely and permanently landscaped. The planned mobilehome development shall relate harmoniously to the topography of the site and, where feasible, make suitable provisions for the preservation of watercourses, wooded areas, rough terrain and similar natural features and areas and shall otherwise be so designed as to use such natural features and amenities to their best advantage.
Fire Protection. Fire protection systems shall be as required by the commission.
Lighting. Artificial light should be provided and maintained for walks, driveways, parking areas and other facilities, as set forth in Title 25 of the California Administrative Code, to assure safe and convenient nighttime use.
Signs. Signs shall conform to the provisions of Chapter 17.112 of this title.
Architectural Control. All mobilehomes will be subject to architectural approval via design review. Natural colors and textures in materials shall be encouraged. Only nonglare siding and roofing will be allowed. Complete skirting shall be required and shall match or blend with the exterior siding of the mobilehome.
B. Streets. All streets within the planned mobilehome development shall be improved to county road standards for the particular classification of street and all such streets shall be offered for dedication to the public. Dead-end or cul-de-sac streets shall be limited to two hundred (200) feet in length.
C. Modification of Requirements. Modifications of the development criteria set forth in this section may be granted by the planning director when it determines that such modifications will not be detrimental to the subject development, adjacent properties or the public interests; provided, however, no modification shall be granted from the density requirements nor from the total open space area requirements set forth in this section.
D. Occupancy Guidelines. The following occupancy guidelines shall apply in mobilehome parks:
Lot Maintenance. All spaces shall remain under the direct control of the management. Residents shall maintain their spaces in a clean, well-kept and attractive fashion, including the front, sides and back. If a space is neglected, the management shall reserve the right to take over its care and bill the resident for such services. All trash, debris, boxes, barrels, tools, ladders and the like shall be out of sight. Only patio, lawn and barbecue furniture and equipment may be on the outside of the mobilehome. When a space is vacated, all structures, awnings and footings shall be removed and the lot left in its original condition. Residents may not make any structural change to the lot or alter or paint any park property, including curbs, driveways, trees and utility islands.
Lot Usage. No repairing or minor servicing of cars shall be permitted in driveways, carports or streets. Any car dripping gasoline or oil shall be fixed to avoid damage to the paving. Driveways shall be kept clean of oil stains. Storage under mobilehomes shall not be permitted.
Landscaping. The full front, side and rear yards shall be landscaped within ninety (90) days following occupancy. Landscaping should consist of plantings and groundcover. Rock, bark, gravel or artificial groundcover may be used with approval. It shall be the residents' responsibility to provide an entry walk from the street to the mobilehome raised deck. Residents shall maintain landscaping at all times. Residents shall obtain internal management approval prior to installing irrigation systems or digging below twelve (12) inches so as not to damage underground utilities.
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