Earlier editions: 2026-07
Title 18 — Zoning›Division III — BASE DISTRICT REGULATIONS›Chapter 18.50 — RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS (R)
Pittsburg Municipal Code Art. I General
Pittsburg Municipal Code · 2026-10 edition · updated 2026-10-04 · Pittsburg
Cite as: Pittsburg Municipal Code Article I · Text as of 2026-10-04
§ 18.50.005. Specific purposes.¶
A. The specific purposes of residential districts are to:
Provide areas for residential development that are consistent with the general plan and with standards of public health and safety established by the municipal code;
Ensure adequate light, air, privacy, parking and open space for each dwelling and protect residents from the harmful effects of excessive noise, population density, traffic congestion, and other adverse environmental effects;
Promote development of housing affordable by low- and moderate-income households by providing a density bonus and/or other incentives, consistent with state law and local ordinances, for projects in which a portion of the units are affordable for such households;
Protect residential areas from fires, explosions, landslides, toxic fumes and substances, and other public safety hazards;
Protect adjoining single-family residential districts from excessive loss of sun, light, quiet, and privacy resulting from proximity to multifamily development;
Achieve design compatibility with surrounding neighborhoods;
Provide sites for public and semipublic land uses needed to complement residential development or requiring a residential environment;
Ensure the provision of public services and facilities needed to accommodate planned population densities.
B. The additional purposes of specific residential districts are as follows:
Rural Residential District (RR). To provide opportunities for rural living and activities, including rural subdivisions and scattered homes on parcels with minimum lot sizes of five up to 20 acres, depending on slopes, soils, topography and other physical conditions.
Single-Family Residential District – 40,000 Square Foot Minimum Lot Size (RS-40). To provide opportunities for very low-density residential land use at a maximum density of one dwelling unit per acre, in a development pattern that is compatible with the topography and public service capacities.
Single-Family Residential District – 10,000 Square Foot Minimum Lot Size (RS-10). To provide opportunities for low-density single-family residential development in hillside areas, view corridors and environmentally sensitive areas.
Single-Family Residential District – 6,000 Square Foot Minimum Lot Size (RS-6). To provide opportunities for single-family detached residences in neighborhoods or in conjunction with agricultural pursuits, subject to appropriate standards. Duplexes and multifamily dwellings such as triplexes and fourplexes existing as of the effective date of the ordinance codified in this title are allowed to remain.
Single-Family Residential District – 5,000 Square Foot Minimum Lot Size (RS-5). To provide opportunities for attached or detached single-family residences in existing and new neighborhoods, subject to appropriate standards. Duplexes and multifamily dwellings such as triplexes and fourplexes existing as of the effective date of the ordinance codified in this title are allowed to remain.
Single-Family Residential District – 4,000 Square Foot Minimum Lot Size (RS-4). To provide opportunities for attached and detached single-family residences in existing and new neighborhoods, subject to appropriate standards. Duplexes and multifamily dwellings such as triplexes and fourplexes existing as of the effective date of the ordinance codified in this title are allowed to remain.
Medium-Density Residential District (RM). To provide opportunities for attached or detached single-family residences and multifamily residences such as townhouses, apartments with three or more units, and condominiums. Multifamily dwellings that exceed maximum allowed densities existing as of the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter are allowed to remain.
Downtown Medium-Density Residential District (RMD). To provide opportunities for residential development with increased land coverages for attached or detached single-family residences and multifamily residences such as townhouses, apartment complexes with 16 or more units, and condominiums. Duplexes and multifamily dwellings such as triplexes and fourplexes existing as of the effective date of the ordinance codified in this title are allowed to remain.
High-Density Residential District (RH). To provide opportunities for an intensive form of residential development and institutional uses with relatively high land coverage, including single-family attached units, apartment complexes with 20 or more units, and condominiums, at appropriate locations in the city. Multifamily projects that incorporate a community benefit such as affordable housing may be permitted density increases that result in a maximum of 40 dwelling units per acre.
Downtown High-Density Residential District (RHD). To provide opportunities for an intensive form of residential development and institutional uses in the downtown with high land coverage, including apartment complexes with 16 or more units, and condominiums. Multifamily residential developments that incorporate a community benefit such as affordable housing may be permitted density increases that result in a maximum of 40 dwelling units per acre.
(Ord. 979 § 2 (Exh. A), 1990; Ord. 07-1284 § 3 (Exh. D), 2007; Ord. 23-1509 § 17, 2023)
§ 18.50.010. RR, RS-40, RS-10, RS-6, RS-5, RS-4, RM, RMD, RH and RHD districts – Land…¶
In the following schedule, the letter "P" designates use classifications permitted in residential districts. The letter "L" designates use classifications subject to certain limitations prescribed under the "Additional Use Regulations" which follow. The letter "U" designates use classifications permitted on approval of a use permit (Chapter 18.28 PMC). The letter "T" designates temporary use classifications permitted on approval of a temporary activity permit. The letter "Z" designates use classifications permitted on approval of the zoning administrator. The symbol (–) under any of the zoning district columns indicates that the use is not allowed in that particular district.
| Key: |
|---|
| P = Permitted U = Use Permit, Planning Commission T = Temporary Activity Permit L = Limited (See Additional Use Regulations) Z = Use Permit, Zoning Administrator – = Not Permitted |
RR, RS-40, RS-10, RS-6, RS-5, RS-4, RM, RMD, RH AND RHD DISTRICTS – LAND USE REGULATIONS
| RR | RS-40 | RS-10 | RS-6 | RS-5 | RS-4 | RM | RMD | RH | RHD | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential | Residential | Residential | Residential | Residential | Residential | Residential | Residential | Residential | Residential | Residential |
| Congregate care residential | – | – | – | L-164 | L-164 | L-164 | L-101 | L-101 | L-101 | L-101 |
| Day care home | ||||||||||
| Small | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | P |
| Large | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | P |
| Group residential | – | – | – | – | – | – | U | U | U | U |
| Multifamily residential | – | – | – | – | – | – | P | P | P | P |
| Residential care, limited | L-101 | L-101 | L-101 | L-101 | L-101 | L-101 | L-101 | L-101 | L-101 | L-101 |
| Single-family residential | ||||||||||
| Attached | – | – | – | – | P | P | P | P | P | P |
| Detached | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | – | L-102 |
| Supportive housing | – | – | – | – | – | – | P | P | P | P |
| Transitional housing | – | – | – | – | – | – | P | P | P | P |
| Governmental and Quasipublic | Governmental and Quasipublic | Governmental and Quasipublic | Governmental and Quasipublic | Governmental and Quasipublic | Governmental and Quasipublic | Governmental and Quasipublic | Governmental and Quasipublic | Governmental and Quasipublic | Governmental and Quasipublic | Governmental and Quasipublic |
| Cemetery | U | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Club and lodge | – | – | – | – | – | – | U | U | U | U |
| College, public or private | – | – | – | – | – | – | L-32 | L-32 | L-32 | L-32 |
| Convalescent facility | – | – | – | – | – | – | L-104 | L-104 | L-104 | L-104 |
| Cultural institution | – | – | – | – | – | – | U | U | U | U |
| Day care, general | – | – | U | U | U | U | L-105 | L-105 | L-105 | L-105 |
| Park and recreation facility | L-2 | L-2 | L-2 | L-2 | L-2 | L-2 | L-2 | L-2 | L-2 | L-2 |
| Public safety facility | U | U | U | U | U | U | U | U | U | U |
| Religious assembly | U | U | U | U | U | U | U | U | U | U |
| Residential care, protective | – | – | – | – | – | – | U | U | U | U |
| School, public or private | L-32 | L-32 | L-32 | L-32 | L-32 | L-32 | L-32 | L-32 | L-32 | L-32 |
| Telecommunication facility | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | P |
| Utility, minor | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | P |
| Commercial | Commercial | Commercial | Commercial | Commercial | Commercial | Commercial | Commercial | Commercial | Commercial | Commercial |
| Animal sales and service | ||||||||||
| Animal grooming | – | – | L-161 | L-161 | L-161 | L-161 | L-161 | L-161 | L-161 | |
| Animal hospital | – | – | – | L-161 | L-161 | L-161 | L-161 | L-161 | L-161 | L-161 |
| Bank and savings and loan | – | – | – | L-161 | L-161 | L-161 | L-161 | L-161 | L-161 | L-161 |
| ATM | – | – | – | L-161 | L-161 | L-161 | L-161 | L-161 | L-161 | L-161 |
| Commercial recreation and entertainment, limited | – | – | – | L-161, L-162 | L-161, L-162 | L-161, L-162 | L-161, L-162 | L-161, L-162 | L-161, L-162 | L-161, L-162 |
| Eating and drinking establishments | ||||||||||
| Food shop | – | – | – | L-161 | L-161 | L-161 | L-161 | L-161 | L-161 | L-161 |
| Restaurant, full-service | – | – | – | L-161 | L-161 | L-161 | L-161 | L-161 | L-161 | L-161 |
| Restaurant, self-service | – | – | – | L-161 | L-161 | L-161 | L-161 | L-161 | L-161 | L-161 |
| Restaurant, take-out | – | – | – | L-161 | L-161 | L-161 | L-161 | L-161 | L-161 | L-161 |
| Restaurant with outdoor dining | – | – | – | L-161, L-128 | L-161, L-128 | L-161, L-128 | L-161, L-128 | L-161, L-128 | L-161, L-128 | L-161, L-128 |
| Food and beverage sales | ||||||||||
| Grocery | – | – | – | L-161 | L-161 | L-161 | L-161 | L-161 | L-161 | L-161 |
| Specialty food market | – | – | – | L-161 | L-161 | L-161 | L-161 | L-161 | L-161 | L-161 |
| Medical services office | – | – | – | L-161 | L-161 | L-161 | L-161 | L-161 | L-161 | L-161 |
| Personal improvement services | – | – | – | L-161 | L-161 | L-161 | L-161 | L-161 | L-161 | L-161 |
| Personal services | – | – | – | L-161 | L-161 | L-161 | L-161 | L-161 | L-161 | L-161 |
| Retail and wholesale sales | ||||||||||
| General merchandise, retail and rental | – | – | – | L-161 | L-161 | L-161 | L-161 | L-161 | L-161 | L-161 |
| Secondhand appliance and clothing store | – | – | – | L-161 | L-161 | L-161 | L-161 | L-161 | L-161 | L-161 |
| Vehicle/ |
||||||||||
| Service station | – | – | – | L-161 | L-161 | L-161 | L-161 | L-161 | L-161 | L-161 |
| Visitor accommodations | ||||||||||
| Bed and breakfast inn | U | U | U | U | L-106 | L-106 | – | L-106 | – | L-106 |
| Accessory Uses | Accessory Uses | Accessory Uses | Accessory Uses | Accessory Uses | Accessory Uses | Accessory Uses | Accessory Uses | Accessory Uses | Accessory Uses | Accessory Uses |
| Accessory uses | L-30 | L-30 | L-30 | L-30 | L-30 | L-30 | L-30 | L-30 | L-30 | L-30 |
| Accessory structures | ||||||||||
| Nonresidential accessory structure | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | P |
| Accessory dwelling unit | L-107 | L-107 | L-107 | L-107 | L-107 | L-107 | L-107 | L-107 | L-107 | L-107 |
| Accessory living quarters | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | P |
| Temporary Uses | Temporary Uses | Temporary Uses | Temporary Uses | Temporary Uses | Temporary Uses | Temporary Uses | Temporary Uses | Temporary Uses | Temporary Uses | |
| Animal show | T | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Christmas tree sales | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Commercial filming, limited | T | T | T | T | T | T | T | T | T | T |
| Personal property sales | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | P |
| Real property sales | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | P |
| Rummage sales | T | T | T | T | T | T | T | T | T | T |
RR, RS-40, RS-10, RS-6, RS-5, RS-4, RM, RMD, RH AND RHD DISTRICTS – ADDITIONAL USE REGULATIONS
| L-2 | Publicly owned facilities permitted. Privately owned noncommercial facilities, including swim clubs or tennis clubs, shall be subject to a use permit. |
|---|---|
| L-30 | Permitted, except that a home occupation is governed by PMC § 18.50.400 through § 18.50.430 . |
| L-32 | Use permit required for private institution; public schools permitted. |
| L-101 | Permitted; provided, that such uses shall be separated from each other by a minimum distance of 300 feet, measured from any point upon the outside wall of the structure(s) housing the facility. |
| L-102 | Each lot existing as of June 20, 2007, shall be allowed one single-family residence as a conditionally permitted use, except that for an existing single-family residence for which a building permit was issued prior to June 20, 2007, plans for proposed building additions shall be reviewed by the city planner. Prior to approving the use permit, the commission must make the findings specified in PMC § 18.16.040 and must find that the site is not of adequate size to allow construction of apartment or condominium residences in accordance with the regulations summarized in Schedule 18.50.105. Development standards applicable to new construction of or addition to a single-family residence shall be those of the RMD district. |
| L-104 | Permitted when designed as an integral component of a senior housing development. |
| L-105 | Permitted; provided, that the facility is designed as an ancillary part of a multifamily residential project and serves only residents of the multifamily complex. A use permit is required if the facility does not meet both of these criteria. |
| L-106 | Limited to properties located within the downtown subarea as designated in the general plan. Use permit required. |
| L-107 | Permitted, subject to the requirements of PMC § 18.50.300 through § 18.50.315 . |
| L-128 | An outdoor dining permit is required for all outdoor dining activities. |
| L-161 | Zoning administrator use permit approval required in accordance with PMC § 18.14.020 and § 18.16.040 . Also, a new use must be (1) located within an existing structure that was built prior to October 20, 2010; (2) located within 300 feet of an existing collector/ |
| L-162 | Limited to health/ |
| L-164 | Zoning administrator use permit approval required in accordance with PMC § 18.14.020 and § 18.16.040 . Also must be (1) located within an existing structure that was built prior to October 20, 2010; (2) located within 300 feet of an existing collector/ |
(Ord. 979 § 2 (Exh. A), 1990; Ord. 1257 § 4 (Exh. B), 2005; Ord. 07-1284 § 3 (Exh. D), 2007; Ord. 09-1322 § 3, 2009; Ord. 10-1327 § 3 (Exh. A), 2010; Ord. 12-1356 § 3, 2012; Ord. 15-1390 § 3 (Exh. C), 2015; Ord. 17-1424 § 4 (Exh. A), 2017; Ord. 21-1496 § 2, 2021)
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