Article VII — Single-Family Lot Subdivisions

This article applies to urban dwellings in single-family zones in accordance with Government Code Section 65852.21 .

(Ord. 1199-23 § 4)

For the purposes of this article, the following terms, phrases, words and their derivations shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section.

"Single-family zone" means any parcel of land that is zoned R-1.

"Urban dwelling unit" means a second unit permitted pursuant to SB 9. An urban dwelling unit shall not mean an accessory dwelling unit or a junior accessory dwelling unit.

"Urban lot split" means a parcel map subdivision permitted pursuant to SB 9 which creates two parcels.

(Ord. 1199-23 § 4)

A property owner seeking approval of an urban dwelling unit shall comply with all of the following general requirements:

• A. The maximum size of an urban dwelling unit shall not exceed eight hundred square feet in size.

• B. The minimum size of an urban dwelling unit shall not be less than five hundred square feet.

• C. Both units shall conform to all the development standards and design guidelines of the Lawndale Municipal Code.

• D. The urban dwelling unit shall be designated an affordable unit of very low, or low affordability level.

• E. Demolition and Alteration. A proposed urban dwelling may not require demolition or alteration of any of the following types of housing:

  1. Housing that is subject to a recorded covenant, ordinance, or law that restricts rents to levels affordable to persons and families of moderate, low, or very low income.

  2. Housing that is subject to any form of rent or price control through a public entity's valid exercise of its police power.

  3. Housing that has been occupied by a tenant in the last three years.

• F. The rental of any urban dwelling must be for a term longer than thirty days.

• G. The parcel for the proposed urban dwelling must contain no more than two units after construction of any urban dwelling. Existing and proposed ADUs and JADUs will be counted toward the maximum number of units. An urban dwelling development contains two residential units if the development proposes no more than two new units or if it proposes to add one new unit to one existing unit.

• H. Setbacks.

  1. Existing Structures. No setback is required for an existing, permitted structure or a structure constructed in the same location and to the same dimensions as an existing, permitted structure.

  2. New Structures and Additions. The minimum setback from the side and rear property line is four feet.

• I. Height. Sixteen-foot height limit.

• J. Parking. A parking space within a garage is required for all new dwellings under the urban lot split.

• (Ord. 1199-23 § 4)

The community development director may deny an application for an urban dwelling unit upon making both of the following findings in writing based upon a preponderance of evidence.

• A. The proposal would have significant, adverse impact upon the public health and safety or the physical environment as defined and determined in Government Code Section 65589.5(d)(2) .

• B. There is no feasible method to satisfactorily mitigate or avoid the specific impact. (Ord. 1199-23 § 4)