Skip to content

Title 18 — ZONING1

Larkspur Municipal Code § 18.22.030 Lot Area, Width, and Access Required

Larkspur Municipal Code · 2026-09 edition · updated 2026-10-02 · Larkspur

Cite as: Larkspur Municipal Code § 18.22.030 · Text as of 2026-10-02

Sections: 18.19.010 Purpose. 18.19.020 Definitions. 18.19.025 Exemptions. 18.19.030 H Combining Heritage Preservation District. 18.19.035 Projects Subject to Historic Preservation Review. 18.19.040 Action by the Heritage Preservation Board. 18.19.050 Action by Planning Commission or Zoning Administrator. 18.19.060 Unsafe Conditions. 18.19.070 Appeals. 18.19.080 Fees.

18.20.060 Yards Required for Main Structure. 18.20.070 Location of Accessory Structures. 18.20.080 Repealed. 18.20.085 Design Review, Objective Standards and Heritage Preservation Board Review. 18.20.090 Signs. 18.20.100 Structural Alterations – Change in Parking Space Requirement. 18.20.110 Slope and Hillside Development. 18.20.120 Maximum Floor Area. 18.20.130 Circulation Assessment Permit.

18.19.010 Purpose.

The purpose of this chapter is to provide for the health, safety and general welfare through preservation of historic resources. The intent is to provide for the review, evaluation, enhancement, protection and preservation of natural phenomena, structures, sites and areas that possess unique character, special architectural appearance, historical value or which generate special aesthetic or cultural interest. The quality of life within the community will be enhanced through the development and maintenance of appropriate settings and environments for historic resources. (Ord. 1030 § 2(12), 2018; Ord. 975 § 3, 2011; Ord. 592 § 5 (part), 1978)

Exceptions & meaning →

18.19.020 Definitions.

“Historic district” means one or more properties zoned H, containing a number of structures and sites that meet the above definitions, or a collection of structures that individually may not be of major architectural or historic importance but as a group contribute to the overall historic and architectural character of the community.

“Historic resource” means structures, sites, areas and natural phenomena which have one or more of the following characteristics:

1. A reminder of past years, events and persons important in local, state or national history;

2. An example of once common structure with a design that specifically relates to its now rare or
nonexistent first use or business;

3. A unique or irreplaceable asset to the City or a neighborhood, which asset enriches human life and/or
serves an educational benefit by providing future generations examples of the physical surroundings of the
past;

4. An example essential to maintaining the overall historic character of a larger area;

5. A structure having architectural significance. A structure determined to have architectural significance
shall be one which is valuable as an example of:

a. Architectural design that is attributable to an historic period;

b. A commonly identified architectural style or method of construction;

c. Architectural design that is unusual, beautiful or ingenious;

d. A notable work of a major builder or designer;

e. Unusual quality of workmanship;

f. Unusual use of construction materials.

“Historic resources inventory” means a list of officially designated historic resources, as adopted by resolution of the City Council. (Ord. 1030 § 2(12), 2018; Ord. 975 § 3, 2011; Ord. 592 § 5 (part), 1978)

Exceptions & meaning →

18.19.025 Exemptions.

Ordinary maintenance and interior improvements that do not impact the exterior of the resource, and work necessary to correct unsafe conditions pursuant to Larkspur Municipal Code Section 18.19.060, shall be exempted from the requirements of this chapter. (Ord. 1030 § 2(12), 2018; Ord. 975 § 3, 2011)

Exceptions & meaning →

18.19.030 H Combining Heritage Preservation District.

The Heritage Preservation Board may recommend to the Planning Commission or City Council that the reclassification of a zoning district be initiated to include the Combining Heritage Preservation District H designation pursuant to Larkspur Municipal Code Chapter 18.80. The H District shall be applied as follows:

A. The H District shall be applied to property in combination with the base zoning districts established by Larkspur Municipal Code Chapters 18.18 through 18.56 .

B. The provisions of this chapter shall apply to the property in addition to the provisions of the base district which establish permitted uses, lot area, setbacks, etc.

C. In the event that only a portion of a property is worthy of historic preservation, the requirements of this chapter may be limited to the portion. To accomplish the limitation, the portion shall be identified as a historic resource and described in the ordinance adopting H District zoning for the property. (Ord. 1030 § 2(12), 2018; Ord. 975 § 3, 2011; Ord. 592 § 5 (part), 1978)

Exceptions & meaning →

18.19.035 Projects Subject to Historic Preservation Review.

Except for work that meets the provisions of Larkspur Municipal Code Sections 18.19.025 and 18.19.060, a discretionary land use permit, building permit, grading or demolition permit for properties listed on the official historic resources inventory, determined to be eligible for inclusion on the historic resources inventory, or located within the H District shall be subject to the requirements of this chapter. (Ord. 1030 § 2(12), 2018; Ord. 975 § 3, 2011)

Exceptions & meaning →

18.19.040 Action by the Heritage Preservation Board.

The Heritage Preservation Board shall review and make a recommendation for all projects subject to this chapter.

A. In reviewing applications, the Board shall determine whether the application meets the following standards:

  1. The proposed work will be compatible with the exterior architectural character of the historic resource and neighboring historic resources.

  2. The proposed work will maintain the integrity of the historic resource.

  3. The proposed work will not significantly diminish public view of the historic resource.

  4. The proposed work will not adversely affect the historic, architectural, or aesthetic character of the neighborhood.

  5. The proposed work will comply with federal, state, and City standards for the rehabilitation or modification of historic resources.

B. Following review, and within thirty (30) days of acceptance of the application by the City, the Board shall take one of the following actions:

1. Recommend that the application be approved when the standards of subsection (A) of this section are
found to be satisfied;

2. Recommend that certain conditions of approval be considered where conditions are found necessary to
satisfy the standards of subsection (A) of this section;

3. Continue the application to a specified date to allow the applicant the opportunity to modify the
proposal to satisfy the standards of subsection (A) of this section; or

4. Recommend that the application be denied when it is found that the standards of subsection (A) of this
section cannot be met;

5. For demolition permit applications, the Heritage Preservation Board may stay the application approval or
issuance for a determination whether an environmental analysis pursuant to the California Environmental
Quality Act is required, and to perform any required analysis and/or request an investigation of alternatives
to the proposed demolition, such as, but not limited to, seeking a new owner who is willing to preserve the
historic resource, or seeking an alternate site for the resource, or seeking an adaptive reuse of the structure.
(Ord. 1030 § 2(12), 2018; Ord. 975 § 3, 2011; Ord. 953 § 1(22), 2007; Ord. 857 § 5 (part), 1993; Ord. 782 § 1,
1989; Ord. 592 § 5 (part), 1978)

Exceptions & meaning →

18.19.050 Action by Planning Commission or Zoning Administrator.

As stated in Larkspur Municipal Code Section 18.64.020, all exterior work proposed on properties listed on the City’s historic resources inventory, determined to be eligible for inclusion on the historic resources inventory, or property zoned H shall also be subject to design review unless exempted by Larkspur Municipal Code Sections 18.19.025 and 18.19.060. In considering approval of the application, the Zoning Administrator or Planning Commission shall use the recommendation of the Heritage Preservation Board and the standards stated in Larkspur Municipal Code Sections 18.19.040 and 18.64.050 in addition to all other applicable regulations and findings of this code. (Ord. 1030 § 2(12), 2018; Ord. 975 § 3, 2011; Ord. 953 § 1(23), 2007; Ord. 933 § 3, 2004; Ord. 857 § 5 (part), 1993; Ord. 592 § 5 (part), 1978)

Exceptions & meaning →

18.19.060 Unsafe Conditions.

If the Chief Building Official or their designee considers any measures of construction, alteration, or demolition necessary to correct an unsafe condition of any structure within the designated historic district, and/or listed on Larkspur’s historic resources inventory, nothing in this chapter shall prevent those measures. If any structure or other feature is damaged by fire or other calamity to the extent where it cannot be reasonably repaired or restored, as determined by the Heritage Preservation Board, it may be removed in conformity with normal permit procedures and applicable laws. Rebuilding of such a structure must conform to the criteria of that district. (Ord. 1094 § 5, 2026; Ord. 1030 § 2(12), 2018; Ord. 975 § 3, 2011; Ord. 592 § 5 (part), 1978)

Exceptions & meaning →

18.19.070 Appeals.

Any person aggrieved by any action of the Heritage Preservation Committee may appeal that action pursuant to provisions of Larkspur Municipal Code Chapter 2.50. (Ord. 1030 § 2(12), 2018; Ord. 975 § 3, 2011; Ord. 853 § 5 (part), 1993; Ord. 592 § 5 (part), 1978)

Exceptions & meaning →

18.19.080 Fees.

Applications for historic preservation review shall be made on forms provided by the Planning Department together with the required fee. A schedule of fees shall be determined by resolution of the City Council.

In the event that the Board or staff requires assistance in the review of a historic preservation application, the services of a historic architect may be requested by the City, at the applicant’s expense, to determine whether the project meets the findings as outlined within this chapter and applicable Secretary of the Interior standards. (Ord. 1030 § 2(12), 2018; Ord. 975 § 3, 2011)

Chapter 18.20

R-1 FIRST RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT REGULATIONS

Exceptions & meaning →

18.20.005 Purpose.

The purpose of the First Residential Zoning District is:

A. To provide for the low-density residential areas as set forth in the Larkspur General Plan.

B. Protect existing single-family dwellings and encourage the development of new single-family neighborhoods in an environment free from excessive levels of noise, illumination and glare, air pollution, heat, vibration and other objectionable impacts.

C. Ensure that each dwelling has sufficient access to light, air, open space, and insolation and is provided with adequate privacy.

D. Accommodate community facilities, schools, religious institutions, recreation facilities, open space and public services needed to complement the residential uses of the district.

E. Ensure that the density of proposed developments is compatible with the capacity of existing utilities and road systems serving the area.

F. Ensure that the size and scale of proposed structures are compatible with adjacent structures and the physical setting. (Ord. 1030 § 2(12), 2018; Ord. 640 § 1, 1980)

Exceptions & meaning →

18.20.010 Regulations Established.

The regulations in this chapter are applicable to properties zoned First Residential and are in addition to the regulations set forth in Larkspur Municipal Code Chapter 18.16. (Ord. 1030 § 2(12), 2018; Ord. 295 § 40, 1962)

Exceptions & meaning →

18.20.020 Permitted Uses.

The following uses are permitted in the R-1 District:

A. One-family dwellings.

B. Accessory structures and uses (including home occupations).

C. Public parks and playgrounds, including recreation, refreshment and service buildings.

D. Group homes.

E. Transitional and supportive housing.

F. Residential care facilities.

G. Accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units, subject to the provisions of Larkspur Municipal Code Chapter 18.23.

H. Family day care homes.65863.2

I. Housing development projects, as defined in California Government Code Section 65589.5, meeting the criteria of California Government Code Section 65913.16, the Affordable Housing on Faith and Higher Education Lands Act of 2023, so long as Section 65913.16 remains in effect. (Ord. 1077 § 5, 2024; Ord. 1071 § 9, 2023; Ord. 1030 § 2(12), 2018; Ord. 1012 § 4, 2016; Ord. 921 § 2, 2003; Ord. 855 § 9, 1993; Ord. 538 § 1, 1975; Ord. 392 § 1, 1970; Ord. 295 § 41, 1962)

Exceptions & meaning →

18.20.025 Conditional Uses.

The following uses are permitted in the R-1 District subject to securing a use permit in each case:

A. Churches.

B. Colleges and schools (not including riding schools and riding academies) and the operation of necessary facilities and required equipment.

C. Community clubhouses.

D. Reserved.

E. Public utility or public service uses or public buildings.

F. Day care center.

G. Mobilehome park as defined in California Health and Safety Code Section 18214.

H. Repealed by Ord. 921.

I. Bed-and-breakfast inns, incidental to the residential use, for maximum accommodation of four (4) guests in two (2) rooms; provided, that:

1. The structure is a minimum of two thousand five hundred (2,500) square feet, excluding garages, and
has been determined to be a significant historic resource, as defined by Larkspur Municipal Code Section
18.19.020. Any proposed exterior building improvements must receive prior approval from the Heritage
Preservation Committee and the Planning Commission pursuant to Larkspur Municipal Code Sections
18.19.040 and 18.19.050. All such improvements shall be completed prior to issuance of an occupancy
permit.

2. All required parking shall be provided on site.

3. The property must take access from a major vehicular thoroughfare and be sufficiently large to provide
adequate internal vehicular circulation and safe ingress and egress.

4. The property must be situated within three hundred (300) feet of a commercial zone.

5. Adequate sound and light buffering must be provided between the subject structure/parking areas, and
contiguous residential structures, as determined by the Planning Commission.

6. Site illumination shall be kept to a safe minimum and shall receive Planning Commission approval prior
to installation.

7. On-site signing shall be limited to that provided for residential home occupations as specified in Larkspur
Municipal Code Section 18.60.090.

8. A bed-and-breakfast use permit shall be voided upon the sale or transfer of the property ownership.

9. Occupancy by owner:

a. The property in question must be the principal residence of the owner. Said owner-occupant shall
be the record owner of no less than fifty (50) percent interest of the property in question.

b. When application is made for a business license to operate the bed-and-breakfast inn, the applicant
must prove to the satisfaction of the City that they hold at least a fifty (50) percent interest in the
property. The business license shall be conditioned upon the property owner maintaining at least a fifty
(50) percent interest in the property. The business license and the use permit may be revoked by the City
if this condition is violated or if there is a transfer of the title.

10. Special Gatherings. Renting of bed-and-breakfast facilities for a special gathering (e.g., wedding reception,
party) shall be prohibited in the R-1 and R-2 zoning districts. Such gatherings will be allowed in the R-3 zone
subject to Planning Commission approval in each case.

J. Having, keeping, maintaining, or boarding of four (4) or more dogs over four (4) months of age. (Ord. 1071 § 9, 2023; Ord. 1069 § 6, 2023; Ord. 1062 § 14, 2022; Ord. 1030 § 2(12), 2018; Ord. 921 § 3, 2003; Ord. 855 §§ 8, 9 (part), 1993; Ord. 787 § 1, 1989; Ord. 703 § 2, 1983; Ord. 698 § 3, 1983; Ord. 538 § 2, 1975)

Exceptions & meaning →

18.20.030 Lot Area Required.

A. Each permitted use, other than an accessory use, shall be located on a lot having an area of no less than seven thousand five hundred (7,500) square feet and an average width of not less than sixty (60) feet; except that a permitted use may be located on a lot of record provided that all other regulations of the district shall be met.

B. No building shall be constructed on a lot unless said lot abuts for at least twenty (20) feet on a public street or has vehicular access to a public street by way of an easement not less than twenty (20) feet in width. (Ord. 1030 § 2(12), 2018; Ord. 313 § 6, 1965; Ord. 295 § 42, 1962)

Exceptions & meaning →

18.20.040 Building Height Limit.

No main structure shall be erected to a height in excess of thirty (30) feet. No accessory structure shall be erected to a height in excess of fifteen (15) feet. (Ord. 1030 § 2(12), 2018; Ord. 824 § 2, 1992; Ord. 295 § 43, 1962)

Exceptions & meaning →

18.20.050 Percentage of Lot Coverage.

A. Structures shall not cover more than forty (40) percent of the area of the lot on which they are situated. See also Larkspur Municipal Code Section 18.34.080, Preservation of Natural and Permeable Areas, for lots with an average slope of ten (10) percent or greater.

B. Pursuant to California Government Code Section 66321(b)(3), the limit on lot coverage shall not apply to an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) or junior accessory dwelling unit (JADU) that meets the standards in Larkspur Municipal Code Section 18.23.050. However, if an application for an ADU or JADU that meets the standards in Larkspur Municipal Code Section 18.23.050 is combined with an application to construct or expand the primary residence for purposes other than the ADU or JADU, or if such an ADU or JADU is constructed before the application to construct or expand the primary residence for unrelated reasons, the lot coverage added by the ADU or JADU would be counted in determining whether to allow the proposed new construction or expansion of the primary residence that is unrelated to the ADU or JADU. The resulting limit on construction and expansion of the primary residence would potentially discourage an application for and construction of an ADU or JADU. To instead encourage the construction of ADUs and JADUs, the maximum lot coverage for a lot based on the regulations for the zoning district (and not including any additional lot coverage granted by any exceptions or variances) may be increased by the number of square feet of the qualifying ADUs or JADUs, up to a maximum of eight hundred (800) square feet, for the purpose of constructing or expanding the primary residence, only under the conditions set forth in the following subsection. The foregoing shall not be applied in a way that would result in the applicable lot coverage standard limiting the size of an ADU or JADU that meets the standards in Larkspur Municipal Code Section 18.23.050; it shall limit the increase in size of the newly constructed or expanded primary structure on the same lot only.

C. To increase the lot coverage of a lot by the number of square feet of a qualifying ADU or JADU, up to a maximum of eight hundred (800) square feet, for the purpose of constructing or expanding the primary residence only, all of the following must be true:

  1. The ADU or JADU must comply with the requirements of California Government Code Section 66321(b) and Larkspur Municipal Code Section 18.23.050.

  2. The ADU or JADU must be constructed after July 1, 2023.

  3. An application to construct or expand the primary residence on the lot must be submitted after the ADU or JADU is constructed or at the same time as the application for the ADU or JADU.

D. In the event that an ADU or JADU is modified so that it no longer complies with the requirements under Larkspur Municipal Code Section 18.23.050 or this section (e.g., removal of the kitchen) any necessary permits shall be obtained to remove or legalize the additional lot coverage of the primary residence. (Ord. 1090 § 3, 2025; Ord. 1077 § 15, 2024; Ord. 1066 § 3, 2023; Ord. 1030 § 2(12), 2018; Ord. 953 § 1(24), 2007; Ord. 295 § 44, 1962)

Exceptions & meaning →

18.20.060 Yards Required for Main Structure.

A. Front Yard. Minimum depth of front yard shall be twenty (20) feet.

B. Side Yards. The street side of a corner lot shall have a width of not less than ten (10) feet. Other side yards shall each have a minimum width of six (6) feet, except that lots with an average width of less than sixty (60) feet shall have side yards of at least five (5) feet.

C. Rear Yard. Minimum depth of rear yard is fifteen (15) feet. (Ord. 1030 § 2(12), 2018; Ord. 313 § 7, 1965; Ord. 295 § 45, 1962)

Exceptions & meaning →

18.20.070 Location of Accessory Structures.

Accessory structures may be built within yards as follows:

A. Front Yard. On other than the street side of a corner lot; in steep terrain, either a one-story carport or one- story residential garage (neither a part of the main building) not closer than three (3) feet to either the front lot line or the side lot line, with design review approval by the Zoning Administrator pursuant to Larkspur Municipal Code Section 18.64.020.

B. Side Yards. Not closer than ten (10) feet to the street side lot line of a corner lot. On other than street side of corner lots, not closer than five (5) feet to the side lot line.

C. Rear Yards. Not nearer than three (3) feet to any rear lot line. (Ord. 1030 § 2(12), 2018; Ord. 953 § 1(25), 2007; Ord. 929 § 19, 2004; Ord. 857 § 12, 1993; Ord. 295 § 46, 1962)

Exceptions & meaning →

18.20.080 Floor Area Required.

18.20.085 Design Review, Objective Standards and Heritage Preservation

Board Review.

All proposed new structures, additions, and other modifications to the exterior of a building shall be subject to the provisions of Larkspur Municipal Code Chapter 18.64, Design Review, and for those parcels in the Combining Heritage Preservation District, or for any building listed on the National Register or Larkspur’s Inventory of Historic Resources, review and recommendation by the Heritage Preservation Board, per Larkspur Municipal Code Chapter 18.19. All proposed new one (1) family dwellings that are exempt from the provisions of Larkspur Municipal Code Chapter 18.64 shall comply with Larkspur Municipal Code Title 20, Objective Design and Development Standards. (Ord. 1091 § 2, 2025; Ord. 1030 § 2(12), 2018; Ord. 953 § 1(26), 2007; Ord. 933 § 1, 2004)

Exceptions & meaning →

18.20.090 Signs.

Signs shall be permitted only in accordance with Larkspur Municipal Code Chapter 18.60. (Ord. 1030 § 2(12), 2018; Ord. 352 § 2, 1968; Ord. 295 § 48, 1962)

Exceptions & meaning →

18.20.100 Structural Alterations – Change in Parking Space Requirement.

When a new dwelling is constructed, or a main building is structurally altered or the use is substantially changed, the minimum number of off-street parking spaces to be provided on the lot shall be as indicated in Larkspur Municipal Code Chapter 18.56. (Ord. 1030 § 2(12), 2018; Ord. 953 § 1(27), 2007; Ord. 313 § 2, 1965; Ord. 295 § 49, 1962)

Exceptions & meaning →

18.20.110 Slope and Hillside Development.

Any property or properties having an average percent of slope (as calculated pursuant to Larkspur Municipal Code Section 18.34.030) equal to or exceeding ten (10) percent shall be subject to the regulations set forth in Larkspur Municipal Code Chapter 18.34. (Ord. 1030 § 2(12), 2018; Ord. 471 § 1 (part), 1973)

Exceptions & meaning →

18.20.120 Maximum Floor Area.

The maximum gross floor area for all properties in this district shall be as set forth in Larkspur Municipal Code Chapter 18.35, Residential Floor Area Ratios. (Ord. 1030 § 2(12), 2018; Ord. 687 § 1, 1983)

Exceptions & meaning →

18.20.130 Circulation Assessment Permit.

The provisions of the circulation assessment permit, Larkspur Municipal Code Chapter 18.14, are applicable to properties in this zoning district. (Ord. 1030 § 2(12), 2018; Ord. 737 § 2, 1986)

Chapter 18.21

(Recodified)

Editor’s Note: Former Chapter 18.21, Residential Second Units, previously codified herein and containing portions of Ordinance Nos. 698, 921, 953 and 992 was amended and renumbered to Chapter 18.23 by Ordinance No. 1012.

Chapter 18.22

T-R TIDELANDS RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT

Sections: 18.22.010 Purpose. 18.22.020 Permitted Uses. 18.22.025 Conditional Uses. 18.22.030 Lot Area, Width, and Access Required. 18.22.040 Building Height Limit. 18.22.050 Maximum Lot Coverage. 18.22.060 Yards Required for Main Structures. 18.22.070 Yards Required for Accessory Structures. 18.22.080 Repealed. 18.22.090 Signs. 18.22.100 Off-Street Parking – Exempted. 18.22.110 Grading, Excavation and Fills. 18.22.120 Soils Investigation Required.

Exceptions & meaning →

18.22.130 Engineered Foundations Required.

Exceptions & meaning →

18.22.010 Purpose.

To establish a district and regulations to:

A. Preserve the natural resources of a tidal marsh.

B. Maintain the existing architectural scale of buildings in the district.

C. Allow for the residential development and maintenance of new and existing structures in this district in a manner consistent with subsections (A) and (B) of this section. (Ord. 1030 § 2(12), 2018; Ord. 532 § 1 (part), 1975)

Exceptions & meaning →

18.22.020 Permitted Uses.

The following uses are permitted in the T-R District:

A. Single-family dwellings.

B. Accessory structures.

C. Accessory uses, including home occupations that do not normally require visitation by the public.

D. Open space maintained in its natural state.

E. Group homes.

F. Transitional and supportive housing.

G. Family day care homes.

H. Accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units, subject to the provisions of Larkspur Municipal Code Chapter 18.23. (Ord. 1071 § 9, 2023; Ord. 1030 § 2(12), 2018; Ord. 855 § 9, 1993; Ord. 532 § 1 (part), 1975)

Exceptions & meaning →

18.22.025 Conditional Uses.

The following uses are permitted in the T-R District subject to securing a use permit in each case:

A. Having, keeping, maintaining, or boarding four (4) or more dogs over four (4) months of age. (Ord. 1030 § 2(12), 2018; Ord. 787 § 2, 1989)

Exceptions & meaning →

18.22.030 Lot Area, Width, and Access Required.

Each single-family dwelling shall be located on a lot meeting the following standards, except that a permitted use may be located on a lot of record; provided, that all other regulations of the T-R District are met:

A. Each lot shall have an area of not less than seven thousand five hundred (7,500) square feet.

B. There is no minimum lot width requirement in the T-R District.

C. Each lot shall abut for at least twenty (20) feet on a public street or boardwalk or have access to same by way of an easement not less than ten (10) feet in width. (Ord. 1030 § 2(12), 2018; Ord. 532 § 1 (part), 1975)

Exceptions & meaning →

18.22.040 Building Height Limit.

No structure shall be erected with more than one story nor be higher than fifteen (15) feet. The height of the structure shall be measured from the lowest point of the floor joists to the peak of a gable or mansard roof or to the coping of a flat roof or roof parapet. The finish floor elevation shall not be significantly higher than eight (8) feet above mean sea level (USGS 1929 datum) plus the additional height determined by the City Engineer as required to maintain this elevation after thirty (30) years of soil subsidence. (Ord. 1030 § 2(12), 2018; Ord. 694 § 1, 1983; Ord. 532 § 1 (part), 1975)

Exceptions & meaning →

18.22.050 Maximum Lot Coverage.

Structures shall not cover more than either forty (40) percent or three thousand five hundred (3,500) square feet of the lot on which they are situated, whichever is more restrictive. Boardwalks four (4) feet or less in width used solely for access are excluded from the lot coverage calculation. (Ord. 1030 § 2(12), 2018; Ord. 953 § 1(29), 2007; Ord. 532 § 1 (part), 1975)

Exceptions & meaning →

18.22.060 Yards Required for Main Structures.

A. Front Yard. Minimum depth of the front yard shall be twenty (20) feet.

B. Side Yard. Minimum width of the side yard shall be six (6) feet, except that lots with an average width of less than sixty (60) feet shall have a side yard of at least five (5) feet.

C. Rear Yard. The minimum depth of the rear yard shall be six (6) feet.

D. In no case shall these requirements be interpreted to supersede more restrictive limitations (which would include navigation and flood control easements) as to the location of the main structure. (Ord. 1030 § 2(12), 2018; Ord. 532 § 1 (part), 1975)

Exceptions & meaning →

18.22.070 Yards Required for Accessory Structures.

Yards for accessory structures are the same as provided for main structures in Larkspur Municipal Code Section 18.22.060 with the following exceptions:

A. Decks, uncovered balconies, porches, outside stairways, and piers may extend into a required side yard by no more than three (3) feet but shall be no closer than three (3) feet to a side property line and may extend into a required front or rear yard by no more than six (6) feet.

B. Boardwalks used solely for access may have a zero-foot setback from either front or side property lines. (Ord. 1030 § 2(12), 2018; Ord. 532 § 1 (part), 1975)

Exceptions & meaning →

18.22.080 Floor Area Required.

18.22.090 Signs.

Signs shall be permitted only in accordance with Larkspur Municipal Code Chapter 18.60. (Ord. 1030 § 2(12), 2018; Ord. 532 § 1 (part), 1975)

Exceptions & meaning →

18.22.100 Off-Street Parking – Exempted.

Due to the physiographic features of the district, the provision of off-street parking as required by Larkspur Municipal Code Chapter 18.56 shall not be required in the T-R District unless the Planning Commission finds it is physically possible to provide off-street parking and vehicular access to a parcel, and that the requirement of such parking is necessary. (Ord. 1030 § 2(12), 2018; Ord. 532 § 1 (part), 1975)

Exceptions & meaning →

18.22.110 Grading, Excavation and Fills.

A. Grading and excavating in the T-R District for other than the provision of required foundations, public utilities, and soils investigation is not allowed.

B. The filling of any portion of the tidal marsh area in the T-R District is not allowed. (Ord. 1030 § 2(12), 2018; Ord. 532 § 1 (part), 1975)

Exceptions & meaning →

18.22.120 Soils Investigation Required.

A. A soils investigation report may be required by either the City Engineer or Chief Building Official or their designee whenever a structure intended for human habitation is erected, or when such existing structures are to be replaced or rehabilitated at a cost equal to or more than fifty (50) percent of its assessed valuation, or enlarged by more than one hundred (100) square feet, requiring additional foundations, or for an extension of the public portion of the boardwalk. This section shall not be interpreted as limiting the ability of other City officials or departments to require soils reports as may be otherwise legally required.

B. The report may be either a site recognizance or a detailed report (based on borings, laboratory tests and other investigations); this selection is to be made by the City Engineer.

C. The soils report shall be performed by a registered geologist or civil engineer specializing in soils and shall contain the following:

  1. A description of the site’s soils and the soil’s engineering characteristics; this shall be supported by boring logs, boring site map and laboratory findings when required;

  2. Recommendations for foundation and structural design based on the above findings; and

  3. Recommendations for the need and scope of additional studies. (Ord. 1094 § 5, 2026; Ord. 1030 § 2(12), 2018; Ord. 532 § 1 (part), 1975)

Exceptions & meaning →

18.22.130 Engineered Foundations Required.

A. All foundations shall be designed so as to:

1. Provide for the safety of the inhabitants and the structural integrity of the buildings;

2. Allow a maximum of free flow of tidal waters beneath the structure;

3. Prevent ponding of water.

B. A foundation designed by a registered civil or structural engineer is required for all structures intended for human habitation when they are to be erected, replaced or rehabilitated at a cost equal to or more than fifty (50) percent of their assessed valuation or enlarged by more than one hundred (100) square feet and require additional foundation.

C. The engineered foundation plans and specifications shall be submitted to the City Engineer for their approval and recommendations. (Ord. 1062 § 14, 2022; Ord. 1030 § 2(12), 2018; Ord. 532 § 1 (part), 1975)

Exceptions & meaning →

18.22.140 Width of Boardwalk.

A. That portion of the boardwalk located in the twenty-foot vehicular easement and serving as the common pedestrian way shall have a minimum width of four (4) feet and a maximum width of six (6) feet.

B. Private boardwalks shall have a maximum width of four (4) feet. (Ord. 1030 § 2(12), 2018; Ord. 532 § 1 (part), 1975)

Exceptions & meaning →

18.22.150 Sanitary Sewer Joints, Connections and Materials.

A. All connections between sanitary mains and lateral sewers and all joints in main and lateral sewers shall be of a mechanical type approved by the Chief Building Official or their designee. No concrete or pour joints or connections are allowed;

B. The materials of sanitary mains and lateral sewers shall be approved by the City Engineer. (Ord. 1094 § 5, 2026; Ord. 1030 § 2(12), 2018; Ord. 532 § 1 (part), 1975)

Exceptions & meaning →

18.22.160 Retaining Walls and Bulkheads Permitted.

A. Retaining walls, bulkheads, or other structures constructed for the purpose of maintaining the existing creek bank configurations shall be permitted.

B. Such structures shall be designed with the shortest functional length and whenever possible (1) allow for a maximum free flow of water over or through the wall and (2) prevent the ponding of water. (Ord. 1030 § 2(12), 2018; Ord. 532 § 1 (part), 1975)

Exceptions & meaning →

18.22.170 Circulation Assessment Permit.

The provisions of the Circulation Assessment Permit, Larkspur Municipal Code Chapter 18.14, are applicable to properties in this zoning district. (Ord. 1030 § 2(12), 2018; Ord. 737 § 3, 1986)

Exceptions & meaning →

Explained in plain English

Larkspur guides that cite this page.

Get a plain-English answer with a citation back to this text.

Ask AI about this code
▸Contents — Larkspur Municipal Code

GoCodebook provides public access, search, citation, multilingual explanation, and practical interpretation of legally adopted building regulations. It is not a substitute for the official ICC or California code publications.