Encinitas Municipal Code § 6.5 Single Family Residential Zones ("er-SFR3," "er-SFR3V" & "er-SFR5" Zones)

Three single family residential zones are established within the Encinitas Ranch Specific Plan Area; the Encinitas Ranch single family residential zone with a maximum density of 3.0 dwelling units per acre ("ER-SFR3"), the Encinitas Ranch single family residential zone with a maximum density of 5.0 dwelling units per acre ("ER-SFR5"), and the Encinitas Ranch single family residential zone with an aggregate maximum density (as defined in this Plan) of 3.0 dwelling units per acre as described in Section 6.5.3B, below ("ER-SFR3V"). The ER-SFR3V Zone permits a variety of lot sizes within the residential portion of the South Mesa Planning Area, subject to the maximum limit of dwelling units within the South Mesa Planning Area and the allowed density (3.0 DU/AC) for all ER-SFR3 Zones permitted under this Plan.

A. Permitted Uses. The following uses shall be permitted in all Single Family Residential Zones ("ER-SFR3," "ERSFR3V" and "ER-SFR5" Zones) located within the Encinitas Ranch Specific Plan Area.

Notes

B. Major Use Permit. The following uses are permitted in the "ER-SFR3," "ER-SFR3V" and "ER-SFR5" Zones, provided a Major Use Permit is approved pursuant to the Municipal Code.

C. Major Use Permit – "ER-SFR3" and "ER-SFR3V" Zones Only. The following uses are permitted in only the "ER-SFR3" and "ER-SFR3V" Zones, provided a Major Use Permit is approved pursuant to the Municipal Code.

D. Minor Use Permit. The following uses are permitted in the "ER-SFR3," "ER-SFR3V" and "ER-SFR5" Zones, provided a Minor Use Permit has been approved pursuant to the Municipal Code.

E. Permitted Accessory Use. Any use that is not specifically listed in Subsections A, B, C and D, above, may be considered a permitted accessory use, provided that the Director of Community Development finds that the proposed accessory use is substantially the same in character and intensity as those listed in the designated subsections. Accessory uses are necessarily and customarily associated with, and are appropriate, incidental, and subordinate to the primary use(s).

Unless specific exceptions are noted below, the following Development Standards shall apply to all Single Family Residential Zones (the "ER-SFR3," "ER-SFR3V" & "ER-SFR5" Zones) within the Encinitas Ranch Specific Plan Area.

A. Building Height Limits: Twenty-two feet (measured from finished grade in conformity with the final subdivision map approved by the City) or two stories, whichever is less, subject to the following exceptions:

1. The following projections may extend no more than eight feet above the maximum permitted height; provided, however, that in no case shall these projections extend above a 30 foot maximum building height: radio and television antennas, flagpoles, chimneys, towers, hips and gables, roofs sloped at 4 and 12 or greater, spires and sundecks.

2. The "ER-SFR5" Zone within the Sidonia East Planning Area shall be subject to the provisions of City of Encinitas Municipal Code Section 30.16.01B7.

B. Specific Single Family Residential Zone Standards:

Table added 3/18/98 (Reso. 98-17)

Table added 3/18/98 (Reso. 98-17)

Table added 3/18/98 (Reso. 98-17)

Encinitas Ranch Single-Family Density Transfer

Table added 3/18/98 (Reso. 98-17)

C. Auxiliary Structures/Equipment and Utilities. In the Single Family Residential Zones, the following development standards related to auxiliary structures/equipment and utilities shall apply:

1. All roof appurtenances including, but not limited to air conditioning units and mechanical equipment, shall be shielded and architecturally screened form ground level views from on-site parking areas, adjacent public streets, and adjacent properties.

2. All ground mounted mechanical equipment, including heating and air conditioning units, and trash receptacle areas and adequate areas for collecting and loading recyclable materials, shall be completely screened from surrounding properties by use of a wall, fence, landscaping, or combination thereof, or shall be enclosed within a building or other acceptable screening devices. The requirement for adequate areas for collecting and loading recyclable materials only applies to developments that utilize trash bins/dumpsters.

3. 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 the appropriate screening treatment. All new and existing utility connections within the boundaries of the project shall be placed underground, where reasonable and feasible, in accordance with City of Encinitas, Public Utilities Commission, and local utility company standards. Transformer, terminal boxes, meter cabinets, pedestals ducts and other facilities may be placed above ground provided they are screened with landscaping or other appropriate screening devices.

4. Outdoor storage areas shall be entirely enclosed by solid masonry walls not less than six feet in height to adequately screen such areas from view. Reasonable substitutions such as masonry, wood, or metal pilasters with wrought iron or tubular steel may be used in place of a solid masonry wall if approved during Design Review.

D. Accessory Structures. Accessory structures shall conform to the standards set forth in Section 30.16.010E of Title 30, Zoning, of the City of Encinitas Code, except as otherwise superseded under Section 6.5.2.B., Specific Single Family Residential Zone Standards, in these Development Standards.

E. Walls and Fences. In the Single Family Residential Zones, the development standards related to walls and fences contained in Section 30.16.010F, Fences and Walls, of the City's Municipal Code shall apply.

F. Off-Street Parking Requirements. The number of off-street parking spaces required for automobiles in the Single-Family Residential Zones shall be:

1. Two enclosed garage spaces for each unit up to 2,500 square feet gross floor area. Three spaces are required for dwelling units in excess of 2,500 square feet (excluding remodels, renovations, and additions pursuant to Government Code Section 65863.3, and as amended). At least two of the three spaces must be provided in a garage. Access drives that fall within the required setback may be counted toward any parking required in excess of the first two spaces.

2. One off-street parking space shall be provided for each accessory unit in addition to any off-street parking requirements for the principal unit. The parking space for the accessory unit may be located in the required front yard setback or in a driveway.

G. Natural Open Space Buffer. A minimum 50 foot wide landscape buffer shall be required as a building setback between the edge of any residential building which directly abuts a natural open space area and the natural open space area. This buffer shall be landscaped with native and drought tolerant plant materials, as appropriate. In addition, a minimum 42-inch high wall or fence shall be erected on the residential property line boundary. The wall or fence shall be either constructed as a solid masonry wall or as a minimum 18-inch high masonry wall with wrought iron above. Wooden fencing and chain link fencing are prohibited. A similar wall or fence with a minimum height of 42 inches shall be erected on the property line of any residential lot that directly abuts the golf course. The purpose of the wall or fence shall be to minimize human intrusion into the open space area and the golf course, while permitting visibility.

H. Accessory Residential Units. Accessory residential units are permitted on parcels zoned either "ER-SFR3," "ER-SFR3V," or "ER-SFR5" as specified in Section 30.48.010W, Accessory Units, of the City's Municipal Code.

List amended 3/18/98 (Reso. 98-17); paragraph added 3/18/98 (Reso. 98-17); paragraph amended 3/18/98 (Reso. 98-17); (Reso. 98-1; Ord. 2017-03; Ord. 2019-14; Ord. 2026-01, 3/11/2026)