Chapter 18.26 — RULES OF MEASUREMENT

The purpose of this Chapter is to explain how various measurements this Title refers shall be calculated.

• (Ord. 1201, 12/9/2025)

Whenever this Title requires consideration of parking spaces or other aspects of development or the physical environment expressed in numerical quantities, and the result of a calculation contains a fraction of a whole number, the results will be rounded as follows:

• A. General Rounding. Fractions of 0.5 or greater shall be rounded up to the nearest whole number, and fractions of less than 0.5 shall be rounded down to the nearest whole number, except as otherwise provided.

• B. Parking Spaces. Provisions on how to calculate the quantity of parking spaces are detailed in Section 18.19.030 (Parking).

• (Ord. 1201, 12/9/2025)

• A. Measurements Are Shortest Distance. When measuring a required distance, such as the minimum distance between a structure and a lot line, the measurement is made from 90 degrees from the property line at the closest or shortest distance between the two objects.

• B. Measuring Distances Between Land Uses. When a specified land use is required to be located a minimum distance from another land use, the minimum distance is measured horizontally in a straight line between the two closest points of the properties without regard to topography or structures that would interfere with a straight-line measurement.

• C. Measuring Building Separation. Measurements of distance to a structure are measured to and from the closest exterior wall of the structures. Structures or portions of structures that are entirely underground are not included in measuring required distances.

• (Ord. 1201, 12/9/2025)

• A. Lot Width. The lot width is measured between the midpoints of the side lot lines.

• B. Lot Depth. The lot depth is measured between the midpoints of the front and rear lot lines.

• C. Lot Area. The lot area is calculated by multiplying the lot width by the lot depth.

• D. Cul-de-Sacs or Irregular-Shaped Lots. For lots located in a cul-de-sac or that are irregularly shaped, the lot depth and width dimensions shall be considered compliant if the dimensions for the majority of the area of the lot meet the minimum lot width and depth provided in Table 18.11.030.A (Development Standards — Residential Zones), as shown in Figure 18.26.030.A.

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Figure 18.26.030.A Cul-de-Sacs or Irregular-Shaped Lots

(Ord. 1201, 12/9/2025)

• A. Building Height. The height of a structure shall be measured as the vertical distance between the finished grade and the highest point of the structure which shall be the peak of the highest roof.

• B. Height Between Floors. For the ground floor, the height is measured from finished ground floor to the bottom of the finished second floor. Height for all other floors is measured from the bottom to bottom of the finished floors.

• (Ord. 1201, 12/9/2025)

• A. Interior Lots. The street frontage is measured between side property lines of a lot.

• B. Corner Lots. The street frontage is measured in the same manner as interior lots as shown in Figure 18.26.050.A.

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Figure 18.26.050.A Measuring Street Frontage

(Ord. 1201, 12/9/2025)

• A. Front. The front setback shall be measured from the front lot line to the nearest point of the structure along a line at a right angle to the property line, as shown in Figure 18.26.060.A. Front setbacks shall maintain the required depth across the full width of a lot as regulated by each applicable zone provided in Division 3 (Zones and Zone-Specific Standards) of this Title.

• B. Rear. The rear setback shall be measured from the rear lot line to the nearest point of the structure along a line at a right angle to the property line, as shown in Figure 18.26.060.A. Rear setbacks shall maintain the required depth across the full width of a lot as regulated by each applicable zone provided in Division 3 (Zones and Zone-Specific Standards) of this Title.

• C. Side. The side setback shall be measured from the interior or street lot line to the nearest point of the structure along a line at a right angle to the property line, as shown in Figure 18.26.060.A. Side setbacks shall maintain the required depth across the full width of a lot as regulated by each applicable zone provided in Division 3 (Zones and Zone-Specific Standards) of this Title.

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Figure 18.26.060.A Measuring Setbacks

(Ord. 1201, 12/9/2025)

The footprints of all primary and accessory structures, including garages, carports, and enclosed patios and porches shall be summed and divided by the total lot area.

The following structures shall be excluded from the calculation: permitted projections as set forth in Section 18.18.060 (Projections into Setbacks), balconies, roof decks, porte cocheres, unenclosed patios, swimming pools, and trellises and similar structures with roofs that are at least 50% open to the sky.

(Ord. 1201, 12/9/2025)

The maximum building area allowed on any lot shall be determined by the product of the lot area, in square feet, and the floor area ratio (FAR) permitted in the zone in which the site is located as provided in Division 3 (Zones and Zone-Specific Standards) of this Title, and as shown in Figure 18.26.080.A. The maximum building area subject to this calculation includes all habitable living space and excludes garages, carports, and enclosed patios and porches. For example, if the maximum FAR of a zone is 0.5, and the lot is 10,000 square feet, the maximum permitted building area is 5,000 square feet.

(Image not reproduced in this text.)

Figure 18.26.080.A Calculating Floor Area Ratio

(Ord. 1201, 12/9/2025)

The maximum number of dwelling units allowed on any lot shall be determined by dividing the lot area by the number of dwelling units permitted in the zone in which the site is located as provided in Division 3 (Zones and Zone-Specific Standards) of this Title. (Ord. 1201, 12/9/2025)

Title SR

STATUTORY REFERENCES FOR CALIFORNIA CITIES

The statutory references listed below refer the code user to state statutes applicable to California cities. They are current through February 2026. (NOTE: The list of references includes references applicable to cities, generally; certain references may be applicable solely to chartered cities and others may not be applicable to chartered cities.)

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Subject Reference
Accessory dwelling units Gov’t Code § 66310 et seq.
Administrative fines and penalties Gov’t Code § 53069.4
Alternative forms of government Gov’t Code § 34851 et seq.
Authority to adopt, amend, revise or repeal Cal. Const. Art. XI, § 3 et seq.
city charters
Citations for infractions and misdemeanors Penal Code §§ 853.5 – 853.85
Classifications of cities Gov’t Code §§ 34100 – 34102
Code adoption Gov’t Code §§ 50022.1 – 50022.10
Conflict of interest code Gov’t Code § 87100 et seq.
Elections Gov’t Code §§ 34050 and 36503 and Elec.
Code §§ 1301, 9200 et seq., and 10100 et seq.
Expedited judicial review of First Code of Civ. Proc. § 1094.8
Amendment cases
False petitions Gov’t Code § 34093
General powers Gov’t Code § 37100 et seq. and Cal. Const.
Art. XI, § 7
Imprisonment Gov’t Code §§ 36901, 36903 – 36904

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Subject Reference
Initiative and referendum Cal. Const. Art. XI, § 7.5 and Elec. Code
§§ 9200 et seq., and 9235 et seq.
Judicial review of city decisions Code of Civ. Proc. § 1094.6
Ordinances Gov’t Code § 36900 et seq.
Penalties for ordinance violations Gov’t Code § 36900 et seq.
Police power Cal. Const. Art. XI, § 7
Procedure for enactment or revision of city Gov’t Code § 34450 et seq.
charters

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Subject Reference
Chief of police Gov’t Code § 41601 et seq.
City assessor Gov’t Code § 41201 et seq.
City attorney Gov’t Code § 41801 et seq.
City clerk Gov’t Code § 40801 et seq.
City manager Gov’t Code §§ 34851 – 34859
City officers generally Gov’t Code § 36501
City records Gov’t Code §§ 34090 – 34090.7
City treasurer Gov’t Code § 41001 et seq.
Election of legislative body by districts Gov’t Code § 34870 et seq.
Elective mayor Gov’t Code §§ 34900 – 34906
Fire department Gov’t Code § 38611
Legislative body Gov’t Code § 36801 et seq.
Local emergencies Gov’t Code §§ 8630 – 8634
Local planning agencies Gov’t Code § 65100 et seq.
Mayor Gov’t Code §§ 36801 – 36803 and 40601 et
seq.
Meetings (“Ralph M. Brown Act”) Gov’t Code § 54950 et seq.
Peace officer standards and training Penal Code § 13500 et seq.
Personnel system Gov’t Code § 45000 et seq.
Retirement systems Gov’t Code §§ 45300 et seq., and 53060.1
The California Emergency Services Act Gov’t Code § 8550 et seq.

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Subject Reference
Bradley-Burns Bill of Rights Rev. & Tax. Code §§ 7221—7226
Bradley-Burns Uniform Local Sales and Use Rev. & Tax. Code § 7200 et seq., and Gov’t
Tax Law Code § 37101
Chartered city special assessment procedure Gov’t Code § 43240
Claims against public entities Gov’t Code § 900 et seq.
Contracting by local agencies (“Local Agency Pub. Cont. Code § 20100 et seq.
Public Construction Act”)
Development fees Gov’t Code § 66000 et seq.
Financial powers Gov’t Code § 37200 et seq.
Fiscal year in chartered cities Gov’t Code §§ 43120 and 43122
Graffiti prevention tax Rev. & Tax. Code §§ 7287—7287.10
Local agency service fees and charges Gov’t Code § 66012 et seq.
Property tax assessment, levy and collection Gov’t Code § 43000 et seq.
Public works and public purchases Gov’t Code § 4000 et seq.
Special gas tax street improvement fund Sts. & High. Code § 2113
The Documentary Transfer Tax Act Rev. & Tax. Code § 11901 et seq.
Transfer of tax function to county Gov’t Code § 51500 et seq.
Transient occupancy tax Rev. & Tax. Code §§ 7280—7283.51
Unclaimed property Civ. Code § 2080 et seq.
Uniform Public Construction Cost Pub. Cont. Code § 22000 et seq.
Accounting Act

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Subject Reference
Alcoholic beverages—Local authority Bus. & Prof. Code §§ 23790 – 23791
Authority to license businesses Gov’t Code § 37101 and Bus. & Prof. Code
§ 16000 et seq.
Automatic checkout systems Civ. Code § 7100 et seq.
Bingo Penal Code § 326.5
Charitable solicitations Bus. & Prof. Code § 17510 et seq.
Commercial filming Gov’t Code § 65850.1
Community antenna television systems Gov’t Code § 53066 et seq.

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Subject Reference
Gambling Control Act Bus. & Prof. Code § 19800 et seq.
Massage parlors Gov’t Code § 51030 et seq.
Pet Boarding facilities Health & Safety Code § 122380 et seq.
Private Investigator Act Bus. & Prof. Code § 7512 et seq.
Taxicabs and vehicles for hire Veh. Code §§ 16500 et seq., 21100(b) and
21112 and Gov’t Code § 53075 et seq.

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Subject Reference
Animals generally Food & Agric. Code § 16301 et seq.
Cruelty to animals Penal Code § 596 et seq.
Dangerous and vicious dogs Food & Agric. Code § 31601 et seq.
Dogs and dog licenses Gov’t Code § 38792 and Food & Agric. Code
§ 30501 et seq.
Rabies control Health & Safety Code § 121575 et seq.

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Subject Reference
Delinquent garbage fees Gov’t Code §§ 38790.1 and 25831
Fire prevention Health & Safety Code § 13000 et seq.
Fireworks (permits) Health & Safety Code § 12640 et seq.
Fireworks (State Fireworks Law) Health & Safety Code § 12500 et seq.
Garbage and refuse collection and disposal Pub. Res. Code § 49000 et seq., and Gov’t
Code § 38790
Graffiti abatement Gov’t Code §§ 38772 and 53069.3
Hospitals Gov’t Code § 37600 et seq.
Littering Penal Code § 374 et seq.
Local control of cannabis Bus. & Prof. Code § 26200 et seq.
Medical cannabis ordinances Health & Safety Code § 11362.83
Military equipment Gov’t Code § 7070 et seq.
Noise control Health & Safety Code § 46000 et seq. and
Gov’t Code § 65302(f)
Nuisance abatement Gov’t Code § 38771 et seq., and Penal Code
§§ 370, 372 and 373a

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Subject Reference
Oil and Gas, Health Protection Zones Pub. Res. Code § 3280 et seq.
Single-user restrooms Health & Safety Code § 118600
Weed and rubbish abatement Gov’t Code § 39501 et seq.

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Subject Reference
Crimes against property Penal Code § 450 et seq.
Crimes against public health and safety Penal Code § 369a et seq.
Crimes against public justice Penal Code § 92 et seq.
Crimes against the person Penal Code § 187 et seq.
Crimes against the public peace Penal Code § 403 et seq.
Crimes involving sexual assault and against Penal Code § 261 et seq.
public decency
Criminal storage of firearms Penal Code25100 et seq.
Minors Penal Code §§ 853.6a, 858(b); Welf. & Inst.
Code Div. 2 § 100 et seq., 742.10 et seq.
(graffiti)
Weapons Penal Code §§ 12001 et seq., 16000 et seq.,
17500 et seq., and 19910 et seq.

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Subject Reference
Autonomous vehicles Veh. Code §§ 38750—38755
Bicycles, electric bicycles, pedicabs Veh. Code § 231 et seq., 21100(h), 21206 and
(definitions) 39000 et seq.
Bicycles Veh. Code §§ 21100 et seq., 21200 et seq.,
and 39000 et seq.
Curb markings Veh. Code § 21458
Establishment of crosswalks Veh. Code § 21106
Local traffic rules and regulations Veh. Code § 21100 et seq.
One-way street designations Veh. Code § 21657
Pedestrian rights and duties Veh. Code § 21949 et seq.
Penalties Veh. Code § 40000.1 et seq.
Speed limits Veh. Code § 22348 et seq.

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Subject Reference
Stopping, standing, and parking Veh. Code § 22500 et seq.
Through highways Veh. Code §§ 21101(b), 21353 and 21354
Traffic control devices Veh. Code § 21350 et seq.
Traffic signs, signals and markings Veh. Code § 21350 et seq.
Turning movements Veh. Code § 22100 et seq.
Vehicle weight limits Veh. Code § 35700 et seq.
Violations Veh. Code § 40000.1 et seq.

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Subject Reference
Advertising displays; signs Gov’t Code §§ 38774 and 65850(b); Bus. &
Prof. Code § 5200 et seq.
Constructions of sidewalks and curbs Sts. & High. Code § 5870 et seq.
Improvement Act of 1911 Sts. & High. Code § 5000 et seq.
Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972 Sts. & High. Code § 22500 et seq.
Municipal parks Pub. Res. Code § 5181 et seq.
Obstructions and encroachments of public Gov’t Code § 38775
ways
Tree Planting Act of 1931 Sts. & High. Code § 22000 et seq.
Underground utility districts Sts. & High. Code § 5896.1 et seq. and Gov’t
Code § 38793

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Subject Reference
Connection fees Gov’t Code § 66013
Inventory of known lead user service line Health & Safety Code § 116885
Municipal sewers Gov’t Code § 38900 et seq., and Health &
Safety Code § 5470 et seq.
Municipal water systems Gov’t Code § 38730 et seq.
Water wells Water Code § 13700 et seq.

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Subject Reference
Adoption of construction codes Health & Safety Code §§ 17922, 17958 and
17958.5
Authority to regulate buildings and Gov’t Code §§ 38601(b) and 38660
construction
Inspection warrants Code of Civ. Proc. § 1822.50 et seq.
Manufactured housing and mobilehomes Health & Safety Code §§ 18000 et seq.,
18200 et seq.
Signs Gov’t Code §§ 38774 and 65850(b); and Bus.
& Prof. Code § 5200 et seq.
State Housing Law Health & Safety Code § 17910 et seq.

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Subject Reference
Subdivision Map Act Gov’t Code § 66410 et seq.

§ SR.130. Zoning.

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Subject Reference
Family day care homes Health & Safety Code § 1597.30 et seq.
Local authority to regulate land use Gov’t Code § 65850
Local planning generally (“Planning and Gov’t Code § 65000 et seq.
Zoning Law”)
Local zoning administration Gov’t Code § 65900 et seq.
Open-space zoning Gov’t Code § 65910 et seq.
Zoning fees and charges Gov’t Code § 66014

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Subject Reference
Drought tolerant landscaping Gov’t Code § 53087.7
Online resource center—Municipal Water Code § 13383.9
stormwater permit compliance
Short-lived climate pollutants Health & Safety Code § 39730.5 et seq., and
Pub. Res. Code § 42652 et seq.
The California Environmental Quality Act Pub. Res. Code § 21000 et seq.

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Subject Reference
The California Noise Control Act of 1973 Health & Safety Code § 46000 et seq., and
Gov’t Code § 65302(f)
Wildfire mitigation (electric utilities and Pub. Util. Code § 8387
electrical cooperatives)