Lancaster Municipal Code § 17.08.040 Applicability of standards

The purpose and intent of the residential zones are to implement the city's general plan, and land use designations as set forth in the text of the general plan and as delineated on the general plan map. The adopted general plan specifies goals, objectives, policies, and specific actions with regard to residential uses and development.

It shall not be the intent of this title to render previously legally created building lots or legally constructed buildings which do not comply with the property development regulations of this title to be nonconforming where these lots or buildings complied with the ordinances in effect at the time of their creation or construction.

(Ord. No. 989, § 1, 4-9-2013)

A. Non-Urban Residential or RR Zones. These zones are intended to provide for single-family dwellings in a non-urban environment with minimal urban services. The primary difference between the zones is the minimum lot size. Only those additional uses that are complementary to and exist in harmony with a rural residential neighborhood are allowed.

1. The RR-2.5 (rural residential) zone implements the "non-urban residential, rural residential" designation. This zone is intended for rural single-family residential use, allowing one dwelling unit per minimum net area of one hundred thousand (100,000) square feet;

2. The RR-1 (rural residential) zone implements the "non-urban residential, low density" designation. This zone is intended for low density single-family residential use, allowing one dwelling unit per minimum net area of forty thousand (40,000) square feet; and

3. The SRR (semi-rural residential) zone implements the "non-urban residential, transitional density" designation. This zone is intended for transitional density between the rural and urban land uses, allowing one dwelling unit per minimum net area of twenty thousand (20,000) square feet.

B. Urban Residential or R Zones. These zones are intended to provide for single-family dwellings in an urban environment with full urban services. Only those additional uses that are complementary to and exist in harmony with an urban residential neighborhood are allowed.

1. The R-15,000 zone implements the "urban residential, transitional density" land use designation. This zone is intended for single-family dwellings, allowing one dwelling unit per minimum net area of fifteen thousand (15,000) square feet;

2. The R-10,000 zone implements the "urban residential, transitional density" land use designation. This zone is intended for single-family dwellings, allowing one dwelling unit per minimum net area of ten thousand (10,000) square feet; and

3. The R-7,000 zone implements the "urban residential, low density" land use designation. This zone is intended for single-family dwellings, allowing one dwelling unit per minimum net area of seven thousand (7,000) square feet.

C. Medium and High Density Residential Zones. These zones are intended to provide for medium to high density multiple-family dwellings in an urban environment with full urban services. Only those additional uses that are complementary to and exist in harmony with such residential developments are allowed.

1. The MDR zone implements the "medium density residential" land use designation. This zone includes lower intensity residential dwelling units, with a density range of 6.6 to fifteen (15) dwelling units per acre; and

2. The HDR zone implements the "high density residential" land use designation. This zone includes higher density residential dwelling units, with a density range of 15.1 to thirty (30) dwelling units per acre.

(Ord. No. 989, § 1, 4-9-2013)

A person shall not use any premises in the residential zones, except as hereafter permitted in this title and subject to all regulations and conditions enumerated in this title. Development and new land uses proposed within the residential zones shall comply with the standards in this section for the applicable zones, as follows:

A. Use. Only the land uses allowed by Section 17.08.050 shall be established in the applicable zone. In the instance when an applicant proposes a use that is not specifically listed in Section 17.08.050, the planning director shall make a determination on whether it is allowed or not, based on the finding that the proposed use would complement and be able to exist in harmony with other permitted uses in the same zone.

B. Site Specifications and Building Placement. Each proposed structure shall comply with the build-to line, setback, and buildable area requirements in Section 17.08.060 as required for the applicable zone.

C. Building Size and Massing. Each proposed structure shall adhere to size, massing, and height standards established by Section 17.08.060 for the applicable zone.

D. Parking. On-site parking shall be provided, located, and designed in compliance with Section 17.08.060 for the applicable zone.

E. Development and Building Types. All developments shall substantially resemble one of the development and building types listed in Section 17.08.060, or feature primary characteristics of the development and building types. All residential developments which meet the objective development standards in Section 17.08.060 and the objective design standards in Chapter 17.41, Article IV, shall be deemed to meet this requirement.

F. Other Design Requirements. All other requirements listed in Section 17.08.060, Section 17.08.070, and all applicable guidelines in the city design guidelines shall apply. All residential developments which meet the objective development standards in Section 17.08.060 and the objective design standards in Chapter 17.41, Article IV, shall be deemed to have met the discretionary design standards in Section 17.10.070 and applicable guidelines.

(Ord. No. 989, § 1, 4-9-2013; Ord. No. 1106, § 4(Exh. A), 10-10-2023)

A. Uses and permit requirements. The uses and permit requirements applicable to the residential zones are identified in the Uses Matrix below. Uses which do not fall into any other category, and are not temporary uses, uses subject to director's review, or uses subject to permit in these zones, shall be subject to interpretation of the director. The requirement for site plan review in Section 17.08.050.B applies to all uses, except permitted (P) uses and uses subject to director's review (D) unless otherwise indicated below.

Residential Zones — Uses Matrix

Notes:

1 R-7,000 and R,10-000 zones only

2 Use, development standards and permit requirements shall be determined by the director when compatible with existing and surrounding areas and adjacent properties

3 RR-1 and RR-2.5 zones only

4 RR-2.5 zones only

5 In conjunction with a non-residential use, such as a church, school, etc.

6 Subject to the provisions of Chapter 9.46

7 In accordance with Section 1250 of the Health and Safety Code

8 In accordance with Section 1502 of the Health and Safety Code

9 In compliance with California Health and Safety Code Section 17021.6, Employee Housing is permitted as an agricultural use.

B. Site Plan Review. Except as specified in subsection C, a site plan (with vicinity map) and building elevations, drawn to scale and reflecting the accurate dimensions of the buildings and property, shall be required of any person seeking to erect new buildings or structures, make additions to any existing buildings or structures, site temporary commercial coaches, or otherwise grade, improve or develop any lot or portion thereof for a permitted use prior to the issuance of any grading or building permit. The site plan shall be accompanied by an appropriate development application and both shall be filed with the community development department. The director or his designated representative shall review the site plan for conformance with the provisions of this title. The site plan shall demonstrate conformance with height regulations, property development regulations, sign regulations or a sign program required by the city for multiple-tenant projects, off-street parking requirements, the adopted City of Lancaster Design Guidelines, any other requirements established for the adopted zoning designation in which the property(ies) is (are) located, and any other applicable city ordinances, standards, guidelines or policies.

In addition to the conditions and requirements imposed by the ordinance codified in this title and other city ordinances, standards, guidelines and policies, the director may place conditions on the approval of the site plan where the director finds that such action is necessary to protect the public health, safety and welfare. At such time as the site plan complies with the requirements of the ordinance codified in this title and other city ordinances, standards, guidelines or policies, the site plan shall be approved by the director or his designated representative.

The site plan approval shall be valid for 2 years from the date of approval. A site plan shall be considered "used" when the slab of a major building in the project is poured and inspected, although circumstances in each case may vary and the final determination as to "use" of a site plan review shall be made by the director. Three one-year extensions of the approval may be granted by the director provided such written request for an extension is received not less than 60 days prior to expiration, and any significant environmental changes which have occurred since the original approval have been addressed. Any extension granted shall be conditioned to comply with the city's current design guidelines as adopted by the city council, unless the applicant can demonstrate to the director's satisfaction that such compliance will impose an undue hardship on the project. In the event the site plan or an extension thereof is denied, the applicant may appeal the decision in accordance with Section 17.36.030. All projects constructed in accordance with an approved site plan shall be permanently maintained as approved. Any desired subsequent changes shall be submitted for approval as an amendment to the site plan. Prior to occupancy the site shall be inspected for compliance with the site plan. All improvements shall be installed and functioning before occupancy will be allowed.

When the appropriate development application is filed per subsection A of this section it shall be accompanied by the filing fee established by resolution of the city council.

C. Exempt From Site Plan Review.

1. Site plan review is not required for permitted (P) uses and uses subject to director's review (D) unless otherwise indicated in the uses matrix above.

2. Where the director determines that the requirements of site plan review surpass the city's need for project review of a particular development proposal, the director may exercise discretion and apply the provisions of Article VI of Chapter 17.32, Director's Review, in its place.

(Ord. No. 989, § 1, 4-9-2013; Ord. No. 999, § 3, 8-26-2014; Ord. No. 1070, § 4(Exh. A), 1-14-2020; Ord. No. 1106, § 4(Exh. A), 10-10-2023; Ord. No. 1130, § 4(Exh. A), 5-27-2025)

A. Single-Family House on Rural Residential Lot. A single-family house on a rural residential lot is a residence for one household, with its primary entrance accessed through the front yard, on a lot ranging from 20,000 to 100,000 square feet or greater.

1. Development Standards.

Rural Residential Development Standards

Diagram for Single-family House on Rural Residential Lot — Perspective View

[Figure]

Diagram for Single-Family House on Rural Residential Lot — Site Plan View

[Figure]

B. Single-Family House or Duplex on Residential Lot.

1. Development Standards.

Development Standards

Notes:

1 Corner lots featuring side yard driveway access require a minimum 20-foot driveway and street side yard setback.

C. Small Apartment/Condominium Building/Complex (3 to 15 units).

1. Development Standards.

Development Standards*

a. On-site management shall be provide for apartments 4 units or greater.

b. Required amenities for units in a small apartment include in-unit laundry hook-ups.

c. Other site amenities may include a barbeque area, pool, recreation courts, and shall be centrally located and easily accessible for residents.

d. Trash enclosures shall meet the following requirements:

1. Trash enclosures shall be located or screened so that they are not visible from primary entrances drive or streets;

2. Trash enclosure shall be a minimum of 165 square feet;

3. Source separation of recyclable materials shall be accommodated in accordance with state requirements;

4. Trash enclosures shall be constructed with a non-combustible, overhanging, trellis or roof cover; and

5. Trash enclosures shall be separated from adjacent parking by at least a 6-foot wide planter.

D. Large Apartment/Condominium Building/Complex (16 or more units).

1. Development Standards.

Development Standards

a. On-site management and security shall be provided for all large apartment complexes. at a minimum, specific security provisions shall include cameras and alarms or active security guard surveillance.

b. Required amenities for units in a large apartment include in-unit laundry hook-ups, and community pool and recreation room.

c. Other amenities for units in a large multi-family complex may include courts for basketball, tennis or other sports, indoor gym, outdoor dog park, or daycare center.

d. All amenities shall be centrally located and easily accessible for residents.

e. Trash enclosures shall meet the following requirements:

1. Trash enclosures shall be located or screened so that they are not visible from primary entrances drive or streets;

2. Trash enclosure shall be a minimum of 165 square feet;

3. Source separation of recyclable materials shall be accommodated in accordance with state requirements;

4. Trash enclosures shall be constructed with a non-combustible, overhanging, trellis or roof cover; and

5. Trash enclosures shall be separated from adjacent parking by at least a 6-foot wide minimum planter.

(Ord. No. 989, § 1, 4-9-2013; Ord. No. 1020, § 4, 2-14-2017; Ord. No. 1070, § 4(Exh. A), 1-14-2020; Ord. No. 1106, § 4(Exh. A), 10-10-2023; Ord. No. 1130, § 4(Exh. A), 5-27-2025)

Developers shall take the following actions in meeting specific design and performance measures in residential zones. Residential development which meets the objective design standards in Chapter 17.41, Article IV shall be deemed to have met these measures.

A. Site Design. Develop projects that enhance the sense of place and reflect a commitment to functional efficiency, quality, and neighborhood context.

1. Develop innovative designs for new subdivisions that feature pedestrian connections, open spaces, enhanced landscaping, architecture, and streetscapes.

2. Develop innovative designs for residential lot layouts, including wide corner lots, varied setbacks, and minimized visual presence of garages.

3. Design neighborhoods to have distinct entryway features that help define neighborhood character and provide a sense of arrival.

4. Design neighborhoods using "safe by design" techniques to reduce opportunities for criminal activity.

B. Pedestrian Connections and Amenities. Develop residential neighborhoods with safe and attractive pedestrian and bicycle connections to trails, parks, schools, public transit, and other daily uses.

1. Design neighborhoods with street patterns that minimize the walking distance between residential homes and neighborhoods amenities, such as trails, parks and schools.

2. Design open-ended cul de sacs with paseos for pedestrian and bicycle access.

3. Design pedestrian and bicycle paths separated from vehicular paths, to ensure safety and ease of use.

4. Where appropriate, use traffic calming measures to reduce automobile speed within residential developments, including corner bulbouts, tree plantings, enhanced paving at crosswalks, and round-a-bouts.

C. Building Architecture and Form. Provide enhanced elevations for residential structures that contribute to an attractive neighborhood streetscape.

1. Articulate building façades by including variation in massing, roof form, and wall planes.

2. Use multiple colors, materials, textures, and applied finishes to help break up wall massing.

3. Provide distinctive entries, porches, balconies, and window treatment, oriented toward the street.

4. Residential buildings shall use high-quality, tile roofing (concrete, ceramic, etc.), providing aesthetic value and appropriate for withstanding the city's varied climate conditions; asphalt shingle or other roofing material shall be permitted when compatible with existing and surrounding areas and adjacent properties.

5. Garage door shall provide aesthetic value to the home. Roll-up garage door types are permitted, whereas wooden, swing-out garage doors are prohibited.

6. Builders of new single-family residential subdivisions shall ensure architectural variation by providing a minimum of the following combinations, dependent on the proposed number of residential units in the development:

In no instance should two homes of the same model and floor plan be built adjacent to each other or across the street from each other.

D. Transitions and Buffering. Encourage transitions between proposed higher intensity developments and adjacent, less intensive uses to keep disturbance to a minimum.

1. Step down the heights of structures at the edge of developments to match or complement those in adjacent properties.

2. Enhance buffers with additional width or increased landscaping. Plant trees and shrubs in voids created by wall variations, at an appropriate scale.

3. Vary building setbacks and wall alignments to soften the edge of the development.

4. Provide a clear distinction between public and private spaces, through the use of height separation, fencing, berm, or a combination of these elements.

5. Offset windows from one another between residential units.

E. Open Space and Common Areas. Provide open space and common areas to enhance quality of life, and to encourage opportunities for social gathering and interaction.

1. For single-family residential developments, create centralized pocket parks, connected by trails and pedestrian paths, to serve the neighborhood.

2. For multi-family residential developments, provide centralized open space and community facilities, to serve residents of the development.

3. Create recognizable focal points by using community amenities in public open spaces and other commonly used community spaces.

F. Parking and Access. Minimize the dominant appearances of parking areas and structures, while ensuring functional vehicular access.

1. For multi-family residential developments, locate parking behind residential structures. For developments facing arterial streets, a builder may design a wide, enhanced landscape buffer between the street and parking areas, in circumstances where it is difficult to achieve rear parking placement. Wherever possible, design parking lots by dividing a large parking lot into a series of smaller, connected lots.

2. Decorate and define parking areas with plants, shrubs, trees, light fixtures, and textured paving to minimize the negative impact of large expanses of asphalt.

3. Provide defined pedestrian pathways between parking areas and residential building entrances.

4. Permanent parking for recreation vehicles (RVs), boats and other similar large items shall be located behind the front plane of the house.

5. In no instance shall flat, paved surfaces, including driveways, cover more than 50% of a single-family front yard.

(Ord. No. 989, § 1, 4-9-2013; Ord. No. 1070, § 4(Exh. A), 1-14-2020; Ord. No. 1106, § 4(Exh. A), 10-10-2023)

A. Purpose and Intent. The purpose of this section is to implement the city general plan 2030, policy 18.2.1, which encourages appropriate infill development, and specific action 18.2.1(c). Under the guidance of the specific action, a developer may build up to eight residential units per net acre on land zoned R-7,000, provided the developer makes the findings that the proposed infill development would integrate with the surrounding area.

B. Qualification Criteria for Infill Residential Development. Properties zoned R-7,000 and meeting one of the following criteria qualify for infill residential development of up to eight units per acre:

1. The project site is located within the area bounded by Avenue I, 20th Street East, Avenue L and 30th Street West; or

2. The project site is surrounded by existing development (fully improved with paving, landscaping, curb and gutter, etc.) on all adjoining sides; or

3. The project site is located adjacent to property zoned commercial, office professional, mixed use or light industrial development; or

4. The project site combines four or more adjoining parcels, combining for a minimum project size of five acres.

C. Findings for Infill Residential Development. The following findings shall be made when recommending approval for an infill residential development:

1. The project reduces overall land use fragmentation in the city.

2. The project uses existing infrastructure and minimizes extension of new services and resources.

3. The project is compatible with adjacent land uses and would not adversely affect the health, peace, comfort or welfare of persons residing or working at the adjacent properties.

D. Infill Residential Development Standards. In addition to all other applicable development standards listed in this chapter, infill residential single-family lots shall adhere to the following additional standards specific for small-lot single-family homes:

1. Site Design.

a. Maximize usability of property by minimizing "dead spaces," which can often be found in narrow side yards with limited access.

b. Create privacy by designing windows that minimizes view into an adjacent residential home. Also, design windows of a façade along a zero-lot line facing a neighboring side yard to be small, with a high sill height, typically six feet above the finished floor, or provide windows with translucent glazing.

c. For alley-access small-lot single-family parcels, the developer shall provide a four-foot-wide pedestrian pathway to connect the building entrance to the street sidewalk.

2. Building Design.

a. A proposed small-lot subdivision must have homes that are distinguished from one another, following the minimum number of model and floor plan combinations as listed in subsection 17.08.070.C.6.

b. Blank, flat wall planes are prohibited. Varied and articulated façades that create visually appealing elevations are required.

c. Provide at least two different rooflines to provide visual interest to the residential structure.

d. Roof-mounted equipment is not allowed, with the exception of solar and wind generation systems. Photo-voltaic panels facing the street shall be designed integrated with the house rooftop.

3. Transitions and Buffering.

a. In infill situations, new buildings shall be located in a manner that complements the location of existing buildings on adjacent lots; and not in a manner that would diminish their appearance or that would create a streetscape with dramatically uneven building setbacks.

b. All residential buildings, including detached garages, shall maintain a minimum five-foot separation distance from any other structure to ensure adequate clearance area around the structures.

c. Adjacent homes shall not vary more than one-story in height.

4. Patios, Private Yards, Open Space and Common Areas.

a. Each small-lot single-family home shall have a porch area with minimum dimensions as listed in subsection 17.08.060.B.

b. Each small-lot single-family parcel shall provide a minimum of four hundred (400) square feet of usable private yard space with no dimensions less than twelve (12) feet.

c. The City may grant a reduction of usable private yard space to two hundred (200) square feet, with no dimensions less than twelve (12) feet, if the developer provides common open space or park elsewhere in the neighborhood that is no further than ¼ mile from the residence, or if there is an existing park within the same distance.

5. Parking and Access.

a. For alley-access small-lot single-family parcels, a garage entrance facing an alley shall ensure a minimum of twenty-six (26) feet from the opposite edge of the alley, for adequate vehicle backup space.

(Ord. No. 989, § 1, 4-9-2013; Ord. No. 1070, § 4(Exh. A), 1-14-2020)

Density increases and other incentives to encourage the creation of housing affordable to moderate-, low-, and very low-income households, seniors, and other qualifying households in accordance with Section 65915 et seq. of the California Government Code are subject to Chapter 17.41, Article II.

(Ord. No. 989, § 1, 4-9-2013; Ord. No. 1106, § 4(Exh. A), 10-10-2023)