National City Municipal Code Ch. 18.21 Residential Zones

This section lists the land uses allowed within the residential zones. The purposes of the individual residential zones and the manner in which they are applied are as follows:

A. Large Lot Residential (RS-1). The purpose of the RS-1 zone is to provide for areas of single-family detached residences on large lots (ten thousand square feet minimum and a density of up to five dwelling units per acre).

B. Small Lot Residential (RS-2). The purpose of the RS-2 zone is to provide for areas of single-family detached residences on small lots (five thousand square feet minimum and a density of six to nine dwelling units per acre).

C. Medium-Low Density Residential (RS-3). The purpose of the RS-3 zone is to provide for low-rise, medium-low density (ten to fifteen units per acre) single-family attached and multiple family residential areas. The RS-3 zone is intended to retain characteristics found in the single-family zones, such as private yards and patios and privately maintained open space.

D. Residential Single-Family (RS-4). The purposes of the RS-4 zone are to provide for areas of single-family attached and detached homes on minimum lot sizes of two thousand five hundred square feet; and provide for small lot single-family development within the Westside Specific Plan area. The RS-4 zone permits one attached or detached single-family dwelling for each full two thousand five hundred square feet of lot area provided there is no more than one single-family residence for each two thousand five hundred square feet of lot area. It also allows for the continuation of the existing mixture of housing types and encourages infill with single-family zones on vacant properties and where existing parcels may be further subdivided as provided herein.

E. Medium Density Multi-Unit Residential (RM-1). The purpose of the RM-1 zone is to provide for low-rise, medium density (sixteen to twenty-three dwelling units per acre) multiple family residential areas. The RM-1 zone is a transitional zone between higher density residential uses and lesser intensity single-family areas.

F. High Density Multi-Unit Residential (RM-2). The purpose of the RM-2 zone is to provide for low- to mid-rise, high density (twenty-four to forty-eight dwelling units per acre) multiple family residential.

G. Very High Density Multi-Unit Residential (RM-3). The purpose of the RM-3 zone is to provide for mid- to high-rise, very high density (forty-nine to seventy-five dwelling units per acre) multiple family residential.

(Ord. No. 2024-2529, 4-2-2024)

A. Residential Land Uses.

1. Table 18.21.020 identifies the uses of land allowed in each residential zone.

2. Table 18.21.020 does not apply to the RS-4 zone. See Appendix A, Land Use Table, within the Westside Specific Plan for the list of permitted uses in the RS-4 zone.

3. Within the RS-4 zone, existing multi-family and duplexes may continue as a permitted use. Existing churches and religious services may continue as a permitted use whereas new churches and religious facilities and expansions to existing churches and religious facilities are permitted pursuant to approval of a conditional use permit. Parks and open space are permitted uses.

_____

TABLE 18.21.020 Allowed Land Uses Residential Zones

(Ord. No. 2024-2529, 4-2-2024)

_____

A. Home Occupations. A home occupation permit granted by the planning division pursuant to Section 18.12.090 (Home Occupation Permits) shall be required. The home occupation shall comply with the provisions included within the definition as provided in the glossary.

B. Roomers and Boarders. In a dwelling unit occupied as a private residence, one or two rooms may be rented and table board provided for a maximum of two paying guests in all residential zones. Renting to more than two paying guests in a private residence is considered a rooming or boarding house and is subject to approval of a conditional use permit.

C. Limitations on Accessory Uses and Structures.

1. Accessory uses and structures are prohibited without a permissible main building.

2. Each accessory structure is allowed no more than one half bath unless it has been converted into an accessory dwelling unit as stipulated in Section 18.30.380.

D. Recreational Facilities. Recreational facilities serving a multi-unit residential development may be permitted. Typical facilities include:

1. Swimming pools, gymnasiums/fitness centers, and hut tubs/spas;

2. Tennis, badminton, volleyball, croquet, and similar courts;

3. Playgrounds, sitting areas, and picnic/barbeque areas.

(Ord. No. 2024-2529, 4-2-2024)

Development standards for residential zones are set forth in Table 18.21.040.

Table 18.21.040 Development Standards Residential Zones

Notes:

(a) Stoops and porches may extend into the front yard up to the front property line or in the case of a corner parcel, to the side property line. Garages shall maintain a fifteen-foot front yard setback.

(b) A zero foot minimum side yard, for one side yard on the parcel, is permitted provided that there is a six-foot separation to the adjacent residential structure and that there is a minimum three-foot side yard setback on the opposite side.

(c) Except for stoops and porches, accessory structures shall not be located in the front yard setback. Porches or stoops should be at least six feet deep.

(d) No single accessory structure shall have a footprint greater than that of half of the primary structure excluding area dedicated to an ADU.

(Ord. No. 2024-2529, 4-2-2024)