Chapter 21.18 — RESIDENTIAL COASTAL ZONING DISTRICTS (R-A, R-1, R-BI, R-2, AND RM)

The purposes of the individual residential coastal zoning districts and the manner in which they are applied are as follows:

A. R-A (Residential-Agricultural) Coastal Zoning District. The R-A Coastal Zoning District
is intended to provide for areas appropriate for detached single-family residential dwelling
units and light farming uses, each located on a single legal lot, and does not include
condominiums or cooperative housing.

B. R-1 (Single-Unit Residential) Coastal Zoning District. The R-1 Coastal Zoning District is
intended to provide for areas appropriate for a range of detached single-family residential
dwelling units, each located on a single legal lot, and does not include condominiums or
cooperative housing.

C. R-BI (Two-Unit Residential, Balboa Island) Coastal Zoning District. The R-BI Coastal
Zoning District is intended to provide for a maximum of two residential dwelling units (i.e.,
duplexes) located on a single legal lot on Balboa Island.

D. R-2 (Two-Unit Residential) Coastal Zoning District. The R-2 Coastal Zoning District is
intended to provide for areas appropriate for a maximum of two residential dwelling units
(i.e., duplexes) located on a single legal lot.

E. RM (Multiple Residential) Coastal Zoning District. The RM Coastal Zoning District is
intended to provide for areas appropriate for multi-unit residential developments containing
attached or detached dwelling units.
(Ord. 2016-19 § 9 (Exh. A)(part), 2016)

A. Allowed Land Uses.

1. Table 21.18-1 indicates the uses allowed within each residential coastal zoning
district.

2. Residential uses represent the primary allowed use, and only those additional uses
that are complementary to, and can exist in harmony with, the residential character of
each coastal zoning district may be allowed as accessory, conditionally permitted,
and/or temporary uses.

B. Prohibited Land Uses. A table cell with “—” means that the listed land use is prohibited in
that coastal zoning district.

C. Applicable Regulations. The last column in the table (“Specific Use Regulations”) may
include a reference to additional regulations that apply to the use.

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 21.18.020 NEWPORT BEACH CODE § 21.18.020

Residential Coastal Zoning Districts
TABLE 21.18-1
A Allowed
ALLOWED USES
— Not Allowed*

Land Use
See Part 7 of this
Implementation
Plan for land use definitions. R-BI
See Chapter 21.12 for unlisted R-1 R-2 RM Specific Use
uses. R-A R-1-6,000 R-2-6,000 RM-6,000 Regulations

Residential Uses

Home Occupations A A A A

Single-Unit Dwellings—Attached — — A A

Single-Unit Dwellings—Detached A A A A

Multi-Unit Dwellings — — — A

Two-Unit Dwellings — — A A

Accessory Dwelling Units and A A A A Section 21.48.200
Junior
Accessory Dwelling Units

Visitor Accommodations,
Residential

Bed and Breakfast Inns — — A A

Short-Term Lodging — — A A Chapter 5.95 and
Section 21.48.115

Care Uses

Adult Day Care

Small (6 or fewer) A A A A

Large (7 to 14) A A A A

Child Day Care

Small (8 or fewer) A A A A

Large (9 to 14) A A A A

Day Care, General — — A A

Residential Care Facilities

Limited (6 or fewer) Licensed A A A A

Limited (6 or fewer) Unlicensed — — — A

General (7 or more) Licensed — — — A

General (7 or more) Unlicensed — — — A

Integral Facilities/Integral Uses — — — A

Parolee-Probationer Home — — — —

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 21.18.020 LOCAL COASTAL PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION § 21.18.030

Residential Coastal Zoning Districts
TABLE 21.18-1
A Allowed
ALLOWED USES
— Not Allowed*

Land Use
See Part 7 of this
Implementation
Plan for land use definitions. R-BI
See Chapter 21.12 for unlisted R-1 R-2 RM Specific Use
uses. R-A R-1-6,000 R-2-6,000 RM-6,000 Regulations

Other Uses

Parking Facility A A A A

Convalescent Facilities — — — A

Utilities, Minor A A A A

Utilities, Major A A A A

Wireless Telecommunication A A A A Chapter 21.49
Facilities

Accessory Structures and Uses A A A A

Animal-Keeping

Animal, Domestic Farm A — — —

Animal, Domestic Pet A A A A

Animal, Wild A A A A

Personal Property Sales A A A A

Special Events A A A A

Temporary Uses A A A A

Notes:

* Uses Not Listed. Land uses that are not listed in the table above, or are not shown in a particular coastal
zoning district, are not allowed, except as provided by Chapter 21.12 (Interpretation of Implementation
Plan Provisions).

(Ord. 2016-19 § 9 (Exh. A)(part), 2016; Ord. 2019-1 § 1, 2019; Ord. 2021-28 § 11, 2021; Ord.
2022-6 § 2, 2022)

New development (i.e., new land uses and structures, and alterations to existing land uses and structures) shall be designed, constructed, and/or established in compliance with the requirements in Tables 21.18-2, 21.18-3, and 21.18-4 in addition to the development standards in Part 3 of this Implementation Plan (Site Planning and Development Standards).

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 21.18.030 NEWPORT BEACH CODE § 21.18.030

TABLE 21.18-2
DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR SINGLE-UNIT RESIDENTIAL COASTAL ZONING DISTRICTS

Development Additional
Feature R-A R-1 R-1-6,000 Requirements

Lot Dimensions Minimum dimensions required for each newly created lot.

Lot Area (1)(6):

Corner lot 87,120 sq. ft. 6,000 sq. ft. 6,000 sq. ft.

Interior lot 87,120 sq. ft. 5,000 sq. ft. 6,000 sq. ft.

Lot Width:

Corner lot 125 ft. 60 ft. 60 ft.

Interior lot 125 ft. 50 ft. 60 ft.

Lot Depth N/A N/A 80 ft.

Density/Intensity Each legal lot shall be allowed one single-unit detached dwelling. In addition, one accessory
dwelling unit may be allowed.

Setbacks The distances below are minimum setbacks required for primary structures. See Section

projections into setbacks, and exceptions. The following setbacks shall apply, unless different requirements are identified on the setback maps in which case the setback maps shall control. (See Part 8 of this Implementation Plan.) Side and rear setback areas shown on the setback maps shall be considered front setback areas for the purpose of regulating accessory structures.

Front 20 ft. 20 ft. 20 ft. Section 21.30.110

Side (interior, each): Section 21.30.110
Section 21.38.040(I)

Lots 40 ft. wide or 5 ft. 3 ft. (3) 6 ft. (7)
less

Lots wider than 40 5 ft. 4 ft. 6 ft. (7)
ft.

Side (street side): Section 21.30.110
Section 21.38.040(I)

Lots 40 ft. wide or 5 ft. 3 ft. 6 ft. (7)
less

Lots wider than 40 5 ft. 4 ft. 6 ft. (7)
ft.

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 21.18.030 LOCAL COASTAL PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION § 21.18.030

TABLE 21.18-2
DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR SINGLE-UNIT RESIDENTIAL COASTAL ZONING DISTRICTS

Development Additional
Feature R-A R-1 R-1-6,000 Requirements

Rear 25 ft. 10 ft. 6 ft. Lots abutting a 10 ft. alley or less that are Abutting Alley: directly across the 10 ft. wide or less N/A 5 ft. N/A alley from the side 15 ft. wide or less N/A 5 ft. N/A yard of a lot abutting an alley shall provide 15'1" to 19'11" N/A 3'9" N/A a setback for the first 20 ft. wide or more N/A 0 N/A floor of at least 10 ft. from the alley.

Bluff edge setback As provided in Section 21.28.040 (Bluff (B) Overlay District).

Canyon face setback As provided in Section 21.28.050 (Canyon (C) Overlay District).

Bulkhead setback Structures shall be set back a minimum of 10 ft. from the bulkhead in each coastal zoning
district.

Waterfront lots Setbacks on waterfront lots may be increased to avoid coastal hazards through the approval
of a coastal development permit. See Sections 21.30.015(D) (Waterfront Development) and
21.30.015(E) (Development in Shoreline Hazardous Areas).

Site Coverage: Maximum percentage of the total lot area that may be covered by structures.

Lots 40 ft. wide or N/A N/A 60%
less

Lots wider than 40 40% N/A 60%
ft.

Floor Area Limit N/A 2.0 (4)(5) N/A
(gross floor area)
Citywide

Corona del Mar 1.5 (4)(5)

Height (2) Maximum height of structures without discretionary approval. See Section 21.30.060(C)
(Increase in Height Limit) for possible increase in height limit.

Flat roof 24 ft. 24 ft. 24 ft. See Sections 21.30.060(C)(2) Sloped roof; 29 ft. 29 ft. 29 ft. (Height Limit Areas) minimum 3/12 pitch and 21.30.060(B) (Height of Structures and Measurement)

Bluffs See Section 21.28.040 (Bluff (B) Overlay District).

Canyons See Section 21.28.050 (Canyon (C) Overlay District).

Fencing See Section 21.30.040 (Fences, Hedges, Walls, and Retaining Walls).

Landscaping See Sections 21.30.075 (Landscaping) and 21.30.085 (Water Efficient Landscaping).

Lighting See Section 21.30.070 (Outdoor Lighting).

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 21.18.030 NEWPORT BEACH CODE § 21.18.030

TABLE 21.18-2
DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR SINGLE-UNIT RESIDENTIAL COASTAL ZONING DISTRICTS

Development Additional
Feature R-A R-1 R-1-6,000 Requirements

Parking See Chapter 21.40 (Off-Street Parking).

Signs See Section 21.30.065 (Signs).

Notes:

(1) All development and the subdivision of land shall comply with the requirements of Section 21.30.025 (Coastal
Zone Subdivisions).

(2) On the bluff side of Ocean Boulevard, the maximum height shall not exceed the elevation of the top of the
curb abutting the lot.

(3) Side setback areas for lots designated Special Fire Protection Areas shall be a minimum of five feet unless
reduced by the Fire Marshal.

(4) The floor area of a subterranean basement is not included in the calculation of total gross floor area.

(5) The maximum gross floor area for a residential structure is determined by multiplying either 1.5 or 2.0 times
the buildable area of the lot.

(6) Lots may be subdivided so that the resulting lot area and dimensions for each new lot are less than that identified in this table in compliance with the provisions of Title 19 (Subdivisions). The minimum lot size shall not be less than the original underlying lots on the same block face and in the same coastal zoning district. Lot width and length may vary according to the width and depth of the original underlying lots. New subdivisions that would result in additional dwelling units beyond what the original underlying lots would allow are not permitted unless authorized by an amendment of the General Plan (GPA).

(7) An addition to the principal structure shall be allowed to be constructed to the side yard setback in effect at
the time the principal structure was constructed provided the addition meets applicable building and fire code
standards.

TABLE 21.18-3
DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR TWO-UNIT RESIDENTIAL COASTAL ZONING DISTRICTS

Additional
Development Feature R-BI R-2 R-2-6,000 Requirements

Lot Dimensions Minimum dimensions required for each newly created lot.

Lot Area (1)(2)(3)(6):

Corner lot 2,375 sq. ft. 6,000 sq. ft. 6,000 sq. ft.

Interior lot 2,375 sq. ft. 5,000 sq. ft. 6,000 sq. ft.

Lot Width:

Corner lot 60 ft. 60 ft. 60 ft.

Interior lot 50 ft. 50 ft. 60 ft.

Lot Depth N/A N/A 80 ft.

Site Area per Dwelling Unit Minimum required site area per dwelling unit based on net area of the lot.

1,000 sq. ft. 1,000 sq. ft. 3,000 sq. ft.

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 21.18.030 LOCAL COASTAL PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION § 21.18.030

TABLE 21.18-3
DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR TWO-UNIT RESIDENTIAL COASTAL ZONING DISTRICTS

Additional
Development Feature R-BI R-2 R-2-6,000 Requirements

No more than 2 units per lot

Site Coverage Maximum percentage of the total lot area that may be covered by structures.

N/A N/A 60%

Floor Area Limit (4) (gross 1.5 plus 200 sq. 2.0 Citywide (5) N/A
floor area) ft. 1.5 Corona del
Mar (5)

Setbacks The distances below are minimum setbacks required for primary structures. See Section 21.30.110 (Setback Regulations and Exceptions) for setback measurement, allowed projections into setbacks, and exceptions. The following setbacks shall apply, unless different requirements are identified on the setback maps in which case the setback maps shall control. (See Part 8 of this Implementation Plan.) Side and rear setback areas shown on the setback maps shall be considered front setback areas for the purpose of regulating accessory structures.

Front 20 ft. 20 ft. 20 ft.

Side (interior, each):

Lots 40 ft. wide or less 3 ft. 3 ft. 6 ft. (7) Section 21.38.040(I)

Lots 40'1" wide to 49'11" 4 ft. 4 ft. 6 ft. (7)
wide

Lots 50 ft. wide and greater N/A 4 ft. 6 ft. (7)

Side (street side):

Lots 40 ft. wide or less 3 ft. 3 ft. N/A Section 21.38.040(I)

Lots 40'1" wide to 49'11" 4 ft. 4 ft. N/A
wide

Lots 50 ft. wide and greater N/A N/A 6 ft. (7)

Rear 10 ft. 10 ft. 6 ft. Lots abutting a 10 ft. alley
or less that are directly
Abutting Alley:
across the alley from the
10 ft. wide or less 5 ft. 5 ft. N/A side yard of a lot abutting
15 ft. wide or less 5 ft. 5 ft. N/A the alley shall provide a
setback for the first floor
15'1" to 19'11" 3'9" 3'9" N/A
of at least 10 ft. from the
20 ft. wide or more 0 0 N/A alley.

Waterfront 10 ft. 10 ft. N/A

Bluff edge setback As provided in Section 21.28.040 (Bluff (B) Overlay District).

Canyon face setback See Section 21.28.050 (Canyon (C) Overlay District).

Bulkhead setback Structures shall be set back a minimum of 10 ft. from the bulkhead in each coastal zoning district.

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 21.18.030 NEWPORT BEACH CODE § 21.18.030

TABLE 21.18-3
DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR TWO-UNIT RESIDENTIAL COASTAL ZONING DISTRICTS

Additional
Development Feature R-BI R-2 R-2-6,000 Requirements

Waterfront lots Setbacks on waterfront lots may be increased to avoid coastal hazards through the
approval of a coastal development permit. See Sections 21.30.015(D) (Waterfront
Development) and 21.30.015(E) (Development in Shoreline Hazardous Areas).

Height (3) Maximum height of structures without discretionary approval. See Section
21.30.060(C) (Increase in Height Limit) for possible increase in height limit.

Flat roof 24 ft. 24 ft. 24 ft. See Section 20.30.060(C)
(Increase in Height Limit)
Sloped roof; minimum 3/12 29 ft. 29 ft. 29 ft.
pitch

Bluffs See Section 21.28.040 (Bluff (B) Overlay District).

Canyons See Section 21.28.050 (Canyon (C) Overlay District).

Fencing See Section 21.30.040 (Fences, Hedges, Walls and Retaining Walls).

Landscaping See Sections 21.30.075 (Landscaping) and 21.30.085 (Water Efficient
Landscaping).

Lighting See Section 21.30.070 (Outdoor Lighting).

Parking See Chapter 21.40 (Off-Street Parking).

Signs See Section 21.30.065 (Signs).

Notes:

(1) All development and the subdivision of land shall comply with the requirements of Section 21.30.025 (Coastal
Zone Subdivisions).

(2) On a site of less than five thousand (5,000) square feet that existed prior to March 10, 1976, a two-family
dwelling may be constructed; provided, that there shall be not less than one thousand (1,000) square feet of
land area for each dwelling unit.

(3) On the bluff side of Ocean Boulevard, the maximum height shall not exceed the elevation of the top of the
curb abutting the lot.

(4) The floor area of a subterranean basement is not included in the calculation of total gross floor area.

(5) The maximum gross floor area for a residential structure is determined by multiplying either 1.5 or 2.0 times
the buildable area of the lot.

(6) Lots may be subdivided so that the resulting lot area and dimensions for each new lot are less than that identified in this table in compliance with the provisions of Title 19 (Subdivisions). The minimum lot size shall not be less than the original underlying lots on the same block face and in the same coastal zoning district. Lot width and length may vary according to the width and depth of the original underlying lots. New subdivisions that would result in additional dwelling units beyond what the original underlying lots would allow are not permitted unless authorized by an amendment of the General Plan (GPA).

(7) An addition to the principal structure shall be allowed to be constructed to the side yard setback in effect at
the time the principal structure was constructed provided the addition meets applicable building and fire code
standards.

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 21.18.030 LOCAL COASTAL PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION § 21.18.030

TABLE 21.18-4
DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR MULTI-UNIT RESIDENTIAL COASTAL ZONING DISTRICTS

Additional
Development Feature RM RM-6,000 Requirements

Lot Dimensions Minimum dimensions required for each newly created lot.

Lot Area (1)(2)(8):

Corner lot 6,000 sq. ft. 6,000 sq. ft.

Interior lot 5,000 sq. ft. 6,000 sq. ft.

Lot Width:

Corner lot 60 ft. 60 ft.

Interior lot 50 ft. 60 ft.

Lot Depth N/A 80 ft.

Site Area per Dwelling Unit (7) Minimum required site area per dwelling unit based on net area of the lot
unless the maximum number of units is shown on the Coastal Zoning Map.

1,200 sq. ft. (6) 1,500 sq. ft.

Site Coverage Maximum percentage of the total lot area that may be covered by structures.

N/A 60%

Floor Area Limit (gross floor area) 1.75 (3) N/A

Setbacks The distances below are minimum setbacks required for primary structures. See Section 21.30.110 (Setback Regulations and Exceptions) for setback measurement, allowed projections into setbacks, and exceptions. The following setbacks shall apply, unless different requirements are identified on the setback maps in which case the setback maps shall control. (See Part 8 of this Implementation Plan.) Side and rear setback areas shown on the setback maps shall be considered front setback areas for the purpose of regulating accessory structures.

Front 20 ft. 20 ft.

Side (interior, each):

Lots 40 ft. wide or less 3 ft. 6 ft. (9)

Lots 40'1" wide to 49'11" wide 4 ft. 6 ft. (9) Section 21.38.040(I)

Lots 50 ft. wide and greater 8% of the average lot 6 ft. (9)
width (4)

Side (street side):

Lots 40 ft. wide or less 3 ft. N/A

Lots 40'1" wide to 49'11" wide 4 ft. N/A Section 21.38.040(I)

Lots 50 ft. wide and greater 8% of the average lot 6 ft. (9)
width (4)

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 21.18.030 NEWPORT BEACH CODE § 21.18.030

TABLE 21.18-4
DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR MULTI-UNIT RESIDENTIAL COASTAL ZONING DISTRICTS

Additional
Development Feature RM RM-6,000 Requirements

Rear 10 ft. 6 ft. Lots abutting a 10 ft. alley or less that are Abutting Alley: directly across the alley 10 ft. wide or less N/A N/A from the side yard of a 15 ft. wide or less 5 ft. N/A lot abutting the alley shall provide a setback 15'1" to 19'11" 3'9" N/A for the first floor of at 20 ft. wide or more 0 N/A least 10 ft. from the alley. Waterfront 10 ft. N/A

Bluff edge setback As provided in Section 21.28.040 (Bluff (B) Overlay District).

Canyon face setback As provided in Section 21.28.050 (Canyon (C) Overlay District).

Bulkhead setback Structures shall be set back a minimum of 10 ft. from the bulkhead in each
zoning district.

Waterfront lots Setbacks on waterfront lots may be increased to avoid coastal hazards through
the approval of a coastal development permit. See Sections 21.30.015(D)
(Waterfront Development) and 21.30.015(E) (Development in Shoreline
Hazardous Areas).

Height (5) Maximum height of structures without discretionary approval. See Section
21.30.060(C) (Increase in Height Limit) for possible increase in height limit.

Flat roof 28 ft. 28 ft. See Section
21.30.060(C) (Increase
in Height Limit).

Sloped roof; minimum 3/12 pitch 33 ft. 33 ft.

Open Space Minimum required open space (applicable to 3 or more unit developments).

Common: 75 square feet/ The minimum dimension is for length and width. unit. Minimum dimension shall be 15 feet. Private: 5% of the gross floor area for each unit. Minimum dimension shall be 6 feet.

Bluffs See Section 21.28.040 (Bluff (B) Overlay District).

Canyons See Section 21.28.050 (Canyon (C) Overlay District).

Fencing See Section 21.30.040 (Fences, Hedges, Walls, and Retaining Walls).

Landscaping See Sections 21.30.075 (Landscaping) and 21.30.085 (Water Efficient
Landscaping).

Lighting See Section 21.30.070 (Outdoor Lighting).

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 21.18.030 LOCAL COASTAL PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION § 21.18.030

TABLE 21.18-4
DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR MULTI-UNIT RESIDENTIAL COASTAL ZONING DISTRICTS

Additional
Development Feature RM RM-6,000 Requirements

Parking See Chapter 21.40 (Off-Street Parking).

Signs See Section 21.30.065 (Signs).

Notes:

(1) All development and the subdivision of land shall comply with the requirements of Section 21.30.025 (Coastal
Zone Subdivisions).

(2) On a site of less than five thousand (5,000) square feet that existed prior to March 10, 1976, a two-family
dwelling may be constructed; provided, that there shall be not less than one thousand (1,000) square feet of
land area for each dwelling unit.

(3) The total gross floor area contained in all buildings and structures on a development site shall not exceed 1.75
times the buildable area of the site or 1.5 times the buildable area of the site in Corona del Mar; provided, that
up to two hundred (200) square feet of floor area per required parking space devoted to enclosed parking shall
not be included in calculations of total gross floor area.

(4) Interior and street side setback areas are not required to be wider than fifteen (15) feet; however, the side
setback area on the street side of a corner lot, where the abutting lot has a reversed frontage, shall not be less
than the front setback area required on the abutting reversed frontage.

(5) On the bluff side of Ocean Boulevard, the maximum height shall not exceed the elevation of the top of the curb abutting the lot.

(6) Portions of legal lots that have a slope greater than two-to-one (2:1) or that are submerged lands or tidelands
shall be excluded from the land area of the lot for the purpose of determining the allowable number of units.

(7) Density bonuses may be granted in compliance with Chapter 21.32 (Density Bonus).

(8) Lots may be subdivided so that the resulting lot area and dimensions for each new lot are less than that
identified in this table in compliance with the provisions of Title 19 (Subdivisions). The minimum lot size
shall not be less than the original underlying lots on the same block face and in the same coastal zoning
district. Lot width and length may vary according to the width and depth of the original underlying lots. New
subdivisions that would result in additional dwelling units beyond what the original underlying lots would
allow are not permitted unless authorized by an amendment of the General Plan (GPA).

(9) An addition to the principal structure shall be allowed to be constructed to the side yard setback in effect at
the time the principal structure was constructed provided the addition meets applicable building and fire code
standards.

(Ord. 2016-19 § 9 (Exh. A)(part), 2016; Ord. 2019-1 § 2, 2019; Ord. 2021-16 § 1, 2021; Ord.
2021-26 §§ 1—3, 2021; Ord. 2024-22 § 1 (Exh. A §§ 1—6), 2024; Ord. 2024-21 § 1 (Exh.
A(5)), 2024; Ord. 2025-14 § 1 (Exh. A § 4), 2025)

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City of Newport Beach, CA