Title 18

ZONING[1]

Chapters:

(Ord. 728 (part), 2025)

1 For state law pertaining to zoning rules and regulations, see Gov. C.A. §§65800—65909.5. For state law authorizing towns to adopt zoning regulations, see Gov. C.A. §§65800 and 65850. For state law pertaining to the creation of zoning boards, see Gov. C.A. §65900 et seq.

Chapter 18.04

ADOPTION AND PURPOSE

Sections:

18.04.010 Adoption. 18.04.020 Purpose. 18.04.030 Effect. 18.04.040 Applicability.

18.04.010 Adoption. There is hereby adopted a zoning plan for the town which constitutes a specific plan based upon and consistent with the adopted general plan of the town. (Ord. 375 §1, 1977: prior code §10 100 (part)).

18.04.020 Purpose. The plan is adopted to provide reasonable protective regulations designed to promote and protect the public health, safety, peace, morals, comfort, convenience and general welfare, and:

(1) To protect the established high character and the social and economic stability of residential, commercial, public, quasipublic and other types of improved areas and,

(2) To assist in accomplishing the general plan proposals and orderly development,

and:

(a) To guide and regulate such development in accordance with the general plan and the objectives and standards set forth therein and,

(b) To provide zoning provisions which are consistent with the adopted general

plan and,

(c) To provide zoning provisions which constitute an open space zoning ordinance, and which are intended to implement the open space plan. (Ord. 375 §2, 1977; prior code §10 100 (part)).

18.04.030 Effect. The zoning plan consists of the establishment of various districts within some, all or none of which, shall it be lawful, and within some, all or none of which it shall be unlawful to erect, construct, alter, move, locate or maintain certain buildings or to carry on certain trades or occupations or to conduct certain uses of land or buildings; within which the heights and bulk of future buildings shall be limited; within which certain open spaces shall be required about future buildings, and consisting further of appropriate additional regulations to be enforced in such districts, all as set forth in this title. (Prior code §10 100 (part)).

18.04.040 Applicability. The zoning plan is intended to apply to all private, public, quasipublic, institutional, and public utility properties and all other lands, buildings and structures within the incorporated area of the town. (Prior code §10 100 (part)).

Chapter 18.08

DISTRICTS DESIGNATED

Sections:

18.08.010 General districts designated. 18.08.020 Combining districts designated. 18.08.030 Map incorporation.

18.08.010 General districts designated. The several classes of general districts hereby established and into which the town is or may be divided are designated as follows:

(Ross 6/15/77)

General districts:

R-1 Single family residence district C-L Local service commercial district C-D Civic districts C-C Community cultural districts P-F Public facility district 0-S Open space district F Floodway district

• (Ord. 375 §3, 1977: prior code §10 101 (part)).

18.08.020 Combining districts designated. In addition to the foregoing general, or basic districts, certain combining districts are established. Combining districts are to be used only in combination with basic districts in cases where the additional features of the combining district are found to be desirable.

Combining districts:

B. Special building site district CD Special civic district O Special open district H Special hazard district.

• (Ord. 375 §4, 1977: prior code §10 101 (part)).

18.08.030 Map incorporation. The classes of districts and certain combinations thereof as designated in Sections 18.08.010 and 18.08.020, and the regulations pertaining thereto are hereby applied to the land areas of the town, as delineated on the "Zoning Map of the Town of Ross," which is hereby incorporated as a part of this title, and the land areas designated thereon by district symbols shall be subject to the provisions and regulations of this title. (Prior code §10 102 (part)).

(Ross Supp. No. 1, 1/03)

Chapter 18.12 DEFINITIONS

Sections:

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Sections: (Continued)

18.12.300 Setback line. 18.12.310 Single room occupancy housing. 18.12.315 Slope. 18.12.317 Special community event. 18.12.320 Stable, private. 18.12.330 Stable, commercial. 18.12.340 Structure. 18.12.350 Story. 18.12.360 Story, half. 18.12.370 Street. 18.12.380 Structural alterations. 18.12.382 Supportive housing. 18.12.385 Sports court. 18.12.386 Town event. 18.12.387 Transitional housing. 18.12.388 Walkway. 18.12.390 Yards. 18.12.400 Yard, rear. 18.12.410 Yard, front. 18.12.420 Yard, side.

Section 18.12.310 (Servants’ quarters) repealed (Ord. 613 (part), 2009). Section 18.12.223 (Medical Marijuana dispensary) repealed (Ord. 670 (part), 2016).

(Ord. 728 (part), 2025)

18.12.010 Definitions generally. Words used in the present tense include the future, words in the singular number include the plural, and words in the plural number include the singular. The word “building” includes the word “structure” and the word “shall” is mandatory and not directory. The term “town council” means the town council of Ross, and “planning commission” means the town council sitting as a planning commission for the town. The definitions set forth in the uniform building regulations of the town, as amended from time to time shall be applicable to this title if such definitions are not in conflict with those following. (Prior code §10 103 (part)).

18.12.020 Accessory building. “Accessory building” means a detached subordinate building, the use of which is incidental and customarily, accessory to that of the main building on the same lot, or to the use of the land. (Prior code §10 103 (part)).

18.12.030 Accessory dwelling unit. “Accessory dwelling unit” shall have the same meaning as defined in California Government Code Section 65852.2, as amended from time to time, including but not limited to an attached or a detached residential dwelling unit that provides complete independent living facilities for one or more persons and is located on a lot with a proposed or existing primary residence. It shall include permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation on the same parcel as the single-family or multifamily dwelling is or will be situated. An accessory dwelling unit also includes the following: (A) An efficiency unit.

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(B) A manufactured home, as defined in Section 18007 of the Health and Safety Code. (Ord. 728 (part), 2025)

18.12.035 Accessory use. “Accessory use” means a use or building incidental or subordinate to the principal use or building on the same lot. (Prior code §10 103 (part)).

18.12.040 Agency. “Agency” means an office or commercial establishment in which goods, material or equipment is received for servicing, treatment or processing elsewhere. (Prior code §10 103 (part)).

18.12.045 Attic. “Attic” means residual, open space between the ceiling of the uppermost story and the roof. If the “attic” is partitioned off into rooms and/or used for living area, it shall be considered a story. (Ord. 624 (part), 2011; Ord. 430 §1, 1981).

18.12.050 Basement. “Basement” means a space partly or wholly underground. A finished basement is defined as a space used in conjunction with daily household activities. It includes recreation rooms, wine cellars, laundry rooms and/or any space which is seven feet or more in height or has sheet rock or paneled walls. If the finished floor level directly above a basement is six feet or more above natural grade for more than twenty-five percent of the basement perimeter, such basement shall be considered as a “story.” (Ord. 624 (part), 2011; Ord. 471 (part), 1989; Ord. 430 §3, 1981; prior code §10 103 (part)).

18.12.060 Building. “Building” means any structure having a roof supported by columns and/or walls and intended for the use of any persons, animal or chattel. (Prior code §10 103 (part)).

18.12.070 Building coverage. “Building coverage” means the land area covered by all buildings on a lot, including all projections. The first 24 inches of roof eaves, overhangs and gutters are not included in building coverage. The area of any wooden, concrete or masonry deck, porch or patio area that is at ground level or not over eighteen inches from ground level shall not be so included provided such structure is not roofed. (Ord. 654 (part), 2014; Ord. 471 (part), 1989; prior code §10 103 (part)).

18.12.080 Building height. “Building height” means the vertical distance as measured in a straight line from any point to either existing or finished grade, whichever is lower. (Ord. 620 (part), 2010; Ord. 589 §1, 2005; Ord. 471 (part), 1989; prior code §10 103 (part)).

18.12.090 Building site. “Building site” means the land area occupied by or capable of being covered by all structures permissible under this title within required yards or other setback lines. (Prior code §10 103 (part)).

18.12.095 Creek. “Creek” means a watercourse (1) that carries water, either intermittently or continuously, in a defined channel, continuous swale or depression, or in a culvert that was placed in the general historic location thereof; and (2) the water either merges with a larger watercourse or body of water, or is diverted into an engineered structure that does not follow the general historic course of a creek. "Creek" does not include any part of an engineered structure developed for collection of storm or flood waters (e.g. a storm drainpipe) that does not follow the general historic course of a creek. For the purposes of measuring creek setback, the measurement shall start at the top of bank on the nearest side of the creek, as determined by the Town Engineer. (Ord. 708 (part), 2020; Ord. 604 (part), 2008)

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18.12.100 Dwelling. “Dwelling” means a building designed for and/or occupied by one or more persons or families. (Prior code §10 103 (part)).

18.12.115 Emergency shelter. “Emergency shelter” has the same meaning as defined in California Health and Safety Code Section 50801(e). (Ord. 631 (part), 2012; Ord. 613 (part), 2009).

18.12.120 Family. “Family” means one or more persons living together in a dwelling unit with common use of all living, kitchen, and eating areas within the dwelling unit.. (Ord. 728 (part), 2025; Ord. 524 (part), 1993; prior code §10 103 (part)).

18.12.130 Floor area ratio. “Floor area ratio” means the floor area of the building or buildings on a lot, divided by the area of that lot. For the purpose of determining the allowable floor area of a lot, the floor area is the sum of the gross horizontal areas of the several floors of the building or buildings measured from the exterior faces of the exterior walls. Floor area also includes mezzanines, finished basements and attics, garages, carports, porches which are screened or enclosed with a depth or width greater than ten feet, stairs and elevators on one floor, and other detached structures which are accessory to a dwelling. Floor area shall not include storage sheds less than 120 square-feet or finished basement space used only for storage with less than seven feet of ceiling height and finished attic space used only for storage that does not meet building code requirements for habitable space and is not accessible by permanent stairs. (Ord. 728 (part), 2025; Ord. 708 (part), 2020; Ord. 624 (part), 2011; Ord. 620 (part), 2010; Ord. 590 §2, 2005; Ord. 575 (part), 2003; Ord. 557 (part), 2001; Ord. 471 (part), 1989; Ord. 439 §1, 1983; Ord. 264 §1, 1967; prior code §10 103 (part)).

finished attic space used only for storage that does not meet building code requirements for habitable space and is not accessible by permanent stairs. (Ord. 728 (part), 2025; Ord. 708 (part), 2020; Ord. 624 (part), 2011; Ord. 620 (part), 2010; Ord. 590 §2, 2005; Ord. 575 (part), 2003; Ord. 557 (part), 2001; Ord. 471 (part), 1989; Ord. 439 §1, 1983; Ord. 264 §1, 1967; prior code §10 103 (part)).

18.12.140 Garage, private. “Private garage” means an accessory building or portion of a building designed and/or used only for the shelter or storage of not more than four automobiles not more than one of which may be used for business or commercial purposes, and which are owned or operated by the occupants of the dwelling. (Prior code §10 103 (part)).

18.12.150 Garage, commercial. “Commercial garage” means a building, other than a private garage, used for the parking, repair or servicing of motor vehicles. (Prior code §10 103 (part)).

18.12.160 Garage, parking. “Parking garage” means a public garage designed and/or used on a commercial basis for the storage only of vehicles. (Prior code §10 103 (part)).

18.12.177 Home business. “Home business” means any activity which results in a product or service not used in its entirety by the family group, which is carried on in a residence by members of the family occupying the dwelling, which meets all of the criteria for a home occupation, but includes one other employed person in addition to members of the family. (Ord. 561 (part), 2001).

18.12.180 Home occupation. “Home occupation” means any activity which results in a product or service not used in its entirety by the family group, which is carried on in a residence, meeting all of the following criteria:

(1) The use is clearly incidental and secondary to the use of the dwelling for dwelling

purposes;

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(2) The use is confined completely within a legal dwelling and occupies not more than twenty-five percent of the floor space of the dwelling or a portion of an accessory building;

(3) The use is carried on by members of the family occupying the dwelling, with no other people employed on-site;

(4) There shall be no advertising sign, nor display, nor stock in trade nor commodity sold upon the premises;

(5) There shall be no activity outside of the dwelling unit not normally associated with residential use, nor shall the home occupation generate a character and volume of vehicular traffic not normally associated with residential use;

(6) No garaging nor storing of vehicles bearing any advertising related to the home occupation shall be permitted nor shall any type of commercial vehicle be used in connection with the home occupation or parked on the property;

(7) A home occupation shall not create excessive parking at the location nor shall it displace off-street motor vehicle parking space requirements of this title;

(8) No professional offices are allowed, specifically including but not limited to the healing arts, law, accounting, real estate, clergy, insurance and similar professional or semiprofessional offices;

(9) No listing or advertising of the address of such home occupation for business purposes is permitted except normal listing, not including display ads, in telephone, business and town directories and in newspapers and magazines;

(10) A home occupation shall produce no external evidence of its existence; there shall be no mechanical equipment used except such as is necessary and customary for housekeeping purposes or electrical equipment acceptable for connection to one-hundred-ten or two-hundredtwenty circuit; no outside operations or storage; no alteration of the residential appearance of the premises and no process used which is hazardous to the health, safety or general welfare of the public or which emits smoke, dust, noise, fumes, odors, vibrations, glare, or electrical disturbances onto any other premises. (Ord. 561 (part), 2001; Ord. 295 §1, 1969; prior code §10 103 (part)).

18.12.190 Junior Accessory Dwelling unit “Junior accessory dwelling unit” shall have the same meaning as defined in California Government Code Section 65852.22, as amended from time to time, including but not limited to a unit that is no more than 500 square feet in size and contained entirely within a single-family residence. A junior accessory dwelling unit may include separate sanitation facilities, or may share sanitation facilities with the existing structure. (Ord. 728 (part), 2025)

18.12.195 Lot. “Lot” means a parcel of land under one ownership used or capable of being used under the regulations of this title, and including both the building site and all required yards and other open spaces and frontages as defined herein. (Prior code §10 103 (part)).

18.12.200 Lot area. “Lot area” means the total area included within a lot excluding vehicular easements serving other property. (Prior code §10 103 (part)).

18.12.210 Lot, corner. “Corner lot” means a lot located at the junction of two or more intersecting streets, with a boundary line thereof bordering on each of the streets. (Prior code §10 103 (part)).

18.12.220 Lot width. “Lot width” means the average distance between side lot lines. (Prior code §10 103 (part)).

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18.12.222 Massage establishment. “Massage establishment” is defined by the Massage Therapy Act, California Business and Professions Code Section 4601(f), as the same may be amended from time to time. (Ord. 660 (part), 2015).

18.12.225 Mezzanine. “Mezzanine” means an intermediate floor placed in any story or room. When the total area of such “mezzanine floor” exceeds one-third of the total floor area in that room, it shall be considered as constituting an additional story. The clear height above or below a “mezzanine floor” construction shall be not less than seven feet. (Ord. 728 (part), 2025; Ord. 430 §2, 1981).

18.12.230 Nonconforming structure. “Nonconforming structure” means a building or structure or portion thereof which does not conform to one or more regulations of the district in which it is located. (Ord. 653 (part), 2014; Prior code §10 103 (part)).

18.12.240 Nonconforming use. “Nonconforming use” means a use which does not comply with the use regulations in the district in which it is located, including any use requiring a use permit. (Prior code §10 103 (part)).

18.12.250 Outdoor advertising. “Outdoor advertising” means any outdoor display of advertising material in any form, in, on, or upon any physical structure, vehicle, or natural object. (Ord. 379 §1, 1977; prior code §10 103 (part)).

18.12.260 Outdoor advertising sign or structure. “Outdoor advertising sign or structure” means any structure upon which outdoor advertising is placed or displayed. (Prior code §10 103 (part)).

18.12.270 Parking space. “Parking space” means land or space with a minimum standard dimension of nine (9) feet wide by 18 feet long, privately owned, covered or uncovered, laid out for, and used or designed to be used by a standing vehicle. An enclosed parking space includes a permanent, roofed structure that adequately screens the vehicle from public view, as determined by the Planning and Building Director or their designee. (Ord. 728 (part), 2025; Ord. 708 (part), 2020; Prior code §10 103 (part)).

18.12.273 Porch. “Porch” means a roofed structure projecting from the exterior wall of a dwelling for the purpose of providing shelter for an entrance. Porches provide an architectural transition between the interior of a residence and a yard and may not be used as living space. (Ord. 590 §1, 2005).

18.12.275 Residential care facility. “Residential care facility” means a family dwelling unit licensed or supervised by any federal, state, or local health/welfare agency which provides twenty-four-hour nonmedical care of unrelated persons who are disabled and in need of personal services, supervision, or assistance essential for sustaining the activities of daily living or for the protection of the individual in a family-like environment. (Ord. 728 (part), 2025; Ord. 524 (part), 1993).

18.12.278 Ross based nonprofit. “Ross-based nonprofit” means an organization that occupies a parcel of property within the Ross town limits and does not declare a profit and instead uses all revenue available after normal operating expenses in service to the public interest for charitable, educational, scientific, religious or literary purposes. (Ord. 652 (part), 2014).

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18.12.280 School, private. “Private school” as used in this title means and includes only a private, full-time day school or institution of learning wherein a general course of study is maintained or carried on upon academic and educational standards equivalent to those of the public schools of this state and of the same grade or grades, and which shall offer instruction in the several branches of study required to be taught in the public schools of this state. (Ord. 524 (part), 1993; prior code §10 103 (part)).

18.12.290 Service station. ‘Service station” means a retail business establishment supplying motor fuel and oil, and minor accessories and services for motor vehicles, and not including repairs.

18.12.300 Setback line. “Setback line” means a line established by this title to govern the placement of buildings with respect to streets, alleys and adjoining property lines. (Prior code §10 103 (part)).

18.12.310 Single room occupancy housing. “Single room occupancy housing” means multi-unit housing that consists of single room dwelling units rented for at least thirty days in which all living activities occur within a single room. (Ord. 631 (part), 2012).

18.12.315 Slope. “Slope” means percent slope determined by the difference between the minimum and maximum elevations, divided by the horizontal distance between these respective elevations measured along a line perpendicular to the natural contours, times one hundred. The measurement of slope shall be determined by the town engineer. (Ord. 604 (part), 2008; Ord. 471 (part), 1989).

18.12.317 Special community event. “Special community event” means an event by a Ross-based nonprofit or Ross School District that takes place within the Ross town limits that is open to the Ross community and does not take place more than once per year. Special community events include, but are not limited to, parades, holiday house tours, garden tours, town dinners, book fairs, or any other similar events. The Town Council may designate events that take place more than once per year as special community events. (Ord. 652 (part), 2014).

18.12.320 Stable, private. “Private stable” means an accessory structure for the keeping and care, for private, noncommercial, and nonremunerative, purposes, of not more than two horses on a minimum lot of one acre, and one additional horse per each additional acre. On sites of less than one acre, the number of horses, if any, shall be as specified in the use permit. On lots of at least one acre, where the “additional property” is less than one acre, the “additional” horses, if any, shall be as specified in the use permit. (Ord. 377 §1, 1977; prior code §10 103 (part)).

18.12.330 Stable, commercial. “Commercial stable” means stable for the keeping of horses for remuneration, hire, sale or use on a commercial basis. (Ord. 377 §2, 1977; prior code §10 103 (part)).

18.12.340 Structure. “Structure” means anything temporarily or permanently constructed or erected upon the ground including, without limitation, recreational use structures, such as swimming pools, pool aprons or coping, hot tubs, patios, decks, tennis or sports courts and other similar recreational and social facilities, but excluding driveways and walkways upon the ground surface. “Structure" does not include fences under seven feet tall, entry arbors that comply with 18.40-200(c) (3), and retaining walls less than forty-height inches in height. . (Ord.

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728 (part), 2025; Ord. 641 (part), 2013; 604 (part), 2008; Ord. 447 §1, 1984; prior code §10 103 (part)).

18.12.350 Story. “Story” means that portion of a building included between the upper surface of any floor and the upper surface of the floor next above, except that the topmost story shall be that portion of a building included between the upper surface of the topmost floor and ceiling or roof above. (Ord. 471 (part), 1989; Ord. 430 §4, 1981; prior code §10 103 (part)).

18.12.360 Story, half. “Half story” is as defined the Uniform Building Code edition effective in the town. (Prior code §10 103 (part)).

18.12.370 Street. “Street” means a public vehicular way which affords a primary means of access to property. (Prior code §10 103 (part)).

18.12.380 Structural alterations. “Structural alterations” means any change in the supporting members of a building as bearing walls, columns, beams or girders and floor joists, ceiling joists or roof rafters. Structural alteration does not include replacement of a foundation. (Ord. 604 (part), 2008; Prior code §10 103 (part)).

18.12.382 Supportive housing. “Supportive housing” is rental housing developments receiving assistance under the Multifamily Housing Program regulated through California Code of Regulations, Title 25, Article 7, Section 4. Such housing is occupied by a target population and linked to onsite or offsite services that assist the supportive housing resident in retaining the housing, improving their health status, and maximizing their ability to live and, when possible, work in the community. (Ord. 728 (part), 2025; Ord. 631 (part), 2012).

18.12.385 Sportscourt. “Sportscourt” means the area of enclosure within which sports, in its various forms, including without limitation, basketball, tennis, platform and paddle or any other recreational sports, is played. (Ord. 728 (part), 2025; Ord. 368 §1, 1976).

18.12.386 Town event. “Town event” means any event sponsored in whole or in part by the Town of Ross. (Ord. 652 (part), 2014).

18.12.387 Transitional housing. “Transitional housing” is an establishment providing intermediate shelter to persons for up to nine months. Transitional housing will offer, either on or off-site, access to social services, counseling, and other programs to assist formerly homeless residents in the transition to permanent housing. This classification does not include facilities licensed for residential care by the State of California or homeless shelters. (Ord. 631 (part), 2012; Ord. 613 (part), 2009).

18.12.388 Walkway. “Walkway” means a path less than or equal to four feet in width; less than or equal to eighteen inches above grade; serving a circulation function. (Ord. 471 (part), 1989).

18.12.390 Yards. “Yards” also referred to as “Setbacks” means land unoccupied or unobstructed, except for such encroachments as may be permitted by this title, surrounding a building site. Roof eaves, overhangs and gutters may project into the first 24 inches of a required yard area. (Ord. 708 (part), 2020; Ord. 654 (part), 2014; Prior code §10 103 (part)).

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18.12.400 Yard, rear. “Rear yard” also referred to as “rear setback” means a yard extending between the side lines of the lot and measured between the rear line of the lot and the nearest point of the main building or porch nearest the rear line of the lot. (Ord. 708 (part), 2020; Prior code §10 103 (part)).

18.12.410 Yard, front. “Front yard” also referred to as “front setback” means a yard extending across the full width of the lot measured between the street line (or the lot line connected to a street by legal access) and the nearest point of the main building or porch. The front yard of a corner lot is the yard adjacent to the shorter street frontage. (Ord. 708 (part), 2020; Prior code §10 103 (part)).

18.12.420 Yard, side. “Side yard” also referred to as “side setback” means a yard on either side of the lot extending from the front line to the rear lot line, the width of each yard being measured between the side line of the lot, and the nearest point of the main building or porch. (Ord. 708 (part), 2020; Prior code §10 103 (part)).

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Chapter 18.16

- SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE (R 1) DISTRICT

Sections:

18.16.010 Chapter application. 18.16.020 Classification. 18.16.030 Permitted use. 18.16.040 Minimum lot requirements. 18.16.050 Minimum yard requirements. 18.16.060 Height. 18.16.070 Building coverage. 18.16.080 Parking. 18.16.090 Floor area. 18.16.100 Sign and outdoor advertising regulations.

(Ord. 728 (part), 2025)

18.16.010 Chapter application. The following specific regulations and the general rules set forth in Chapter 18.40 of this title shall apply in all R-1 districts. (Prior code §10 104 (part)).

18.16.020 Classification. This district classification is intended to be applied to that extensive portion of the town area devoted to single family residence use, and in which established character of development, land ownership patterns, topography, natural vegetation, access and/or availability and feasibility of utility and public services and facilities indicate the suitability of and need for preservation of the desirable single family residence character. (Prior code §10 104 (part)).

18.16.030 Permitted use. (a) Uses permitted without use permits are: single family residences and accessory uses including residential second units considered ministerially without discretionary review, transitional housing, supportive housing, private garages, greenhouses, terraces, arbors, barbecue pits and shelters, tool sheds, swimming pools, private stables (on sites of at least one acre), sports courts (daytime use), screening walls, fences, driveways, walkways, and home occupations, subject to the requirements of Section 18.12.180. (Ord. 631 (part), 2012).

ly without discretionary review, transitional housing, supportive housing, private garages, greenhouses, terraces, arbors, barbecue pits and shelters, tool sheds, swimming pools, private stables (on sites of at least one acre), sports courts (daytime use), screening walls, fences, driveways, walkways, and home occupations, subject to the requirements of Section 18.12.180. (Ord. 631 (part), 2012).

(b) Uses permitted but requiring use permits are: public and private schools and accessory residences for school faculty and staff, parks, churches and religious institutions, nonprofit social and recreational clubs, residential care facilities, guesthouses and caretaker units, home businesses, public buildings, private stables (on sites of less than one acre), and nighttime use and lighting of sports courts; provided, that no use permit nor variance shall be issued for any public or private school whose total full-time and part-time public enrollment, together with the total enrollment of any affiliate school or coordinate program regularly using the same premises, exceeds four hundred twenty (420) students. (Ord. 728 (part), 2025; Ord. 705, 2020; Ord. 613 (part), 2009; Ord. 578 §2, 2003: Ord. 561 (part), 2001; Ord. 524 (part), 1993; Ord. 448 §2, 1984; Ord. 394 §2, 1978, underlined portion added by initiative ordinance adopted by voters 3/7/78, effective 3/24/78: Ord. 377 §3, 1977: Ord. 368 §2, 1976; Ord. 271 §1, 1968: prior code §10 104 (part)).

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18.16.040 Minimum lot requirements.

Minimum lot requirements are as follows:

• (1) Minimum lot area: Five thousand square feet;

• (2) Minimum lot width: Fifty feet;

• (3) Minimum lot depth: One hundred feet. (Prior code §10 104 (part)).

• (4) Where multiple adjacent lots are under the single ownership and unified control of an educational institution, the calculation of the maximum number of allowable accessory residences for faculty and staff shall be calculated based on the total amount of land in the B Special Building District designations applicable to the educational institution, divided by the minimum acreage required in the B Special Building District.

To account for differences in standards applying to the B-20 and the B-A Districts, the following rules shall apply: when one or more of the lots is in B District including the B- 20 district which requires less land per unit than in other lots on the site that are in a B-A district, the calculation shall assume that all lots are subject to the lot area requirement of the R-1:B-A; and

If there is an existing single-family residence on any B-20 designated lot, only the increment above the amount required for that residence shall be used in determining the additional number of residences allowed on the site.

If the educational institution has prepared a master plan for the unified development of the lots that the institution owns and this master plan provides for affordable housing for faculty and staff who qualify as low income households at densities of up to 20 units per net acre on the portion of the campus reserved for this housing, the number of additional allowable units on the site, calculated according to subsections (1) and (2) above, shall be increased by 25 percent, provided that all of these additional units are subject to deedrestricted guarantees of continued affordability to low income households for a minimum of 55 years.

The guarantee of continued affordability for the portion of the new residences for faculty and staff housing that are designated for lower-income households shall be for a minimum of 55 years. (Ord 724 (part), 2024)

18.16.050 Minimum yard requirements. Minimum front yards and rear yards in residential districts shall be as follows:

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Minimum side yards in R-1 districts shall be fifteen feet.

Private garages, used only for garage purposes, may be located in the rear of a lot if set back from the rear line of any dwelling and at least ten feet from the side and rear property lines. (Ord. 604 (part), 2008: Ord. 530 (part), 1995: Ord. 473 (part), 1989: prior code §10 104 (part)).

18.16.060 Height. Maximum height requirements are two stories and an attic, but not to exceed thirty feet at any point when measured from either existing or finished grade. (Ord. 589 §2, 2005: Ord. 430 §5, 1981: prior code §10 104 (part)).

18.16.070 Building coverage. Maximum building coverage requirements are twenty percent of lot area. (Prior code §10 104 (part)).

18.16.080 Parking. Minimum automobile parking space requirements are two spaces on the lot for the primary residential unit, one of which shall be enclosed in a permanent, roofed structure, one additional space on the lot for a residential second unit as provided for in Section 18.42.060(a) of this code and additional parking spaces as may be required by any use permit condition. (Ord. 578 §3, 2003: Ord. 355 §1(part), 1975; prior code §10 104 (part)).

18.16.090 Floor area. Maximum floor area ratio requirements are twenty percent of lot area. (Ord. 604 (part), 2008: Ord. 264 §2, 1967: prior code §10 104 (part)).

18.16.100 Sign and outdoor advertising regulations. For purposes of minimizing visual clutter and its impacts to safety and aesthetics, no sign, or signs, or outdoor advertising shall be permitted, except the following:

(a) Any property with a land use likely to generate high rates of visitation and which is in the public interest to be identifiable from the public way including public or private school, church, religious institution, nonprofit social and recreational club or residential care facility, but excluding single-family residences, multi-family apartments, or condos, is permitted one permanent sign, per building, up to 6 square feet in size.

(b) Any property with a land use likely to generate high rates of visitation and which is in the public interest to be identifiable from the public way including public or private school, church, religious institution, nonprofit social and recreational club or residential care facility, but excluding single-family residences, multi-family apartments, or condos, may post temporary banner signs up to six times per year. One temporary banner sign may be displayed for up to thirty days. Signs shall not exceed 28 square feet in area. The banners shall not be illuminated, shall be securely fastened to a building wall or posts, and shall be maintained in good condition.

(c) An owner of real property or their agent may display or have displayed on the owner's real property or on real property owned by another with that person's consent, a sign, not exceeding one square foot in area, which is reasonably located, in plain view of the public, advertising the following:

(1) That the property is for sale, lease or exchange by the owner or their agent;

(2) Directions to the property;

(3) The owner or agent's name; and

(4) The owner or agent's address and telephone number.

(d) Any sign in violation of this section may be summarily removed and retained by the director of public safety. Any such confiscated sign may be redeemed by the owner within five days upon the payment of a fee established by resolution to cover the costs and expenses of enforcement.

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(e) Severability. If any subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause, phrase, or word of this ordinance is for any reason held to be unconstitutional or invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this section or any part thereof. (Ord. 728 (part), 2025; Ord. 710 (part), 2021; Ord. 652 (part), 2014; Ord. 499 §1, 1991: Ord. 361 §1, 1975; Ord. 258 §1, 1966: prior code §10 104 (part)).

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Chapter 18.20

- LOCAL SERVICE COMMERCIAL (C L) DISTRICT

Sections:

18.20.010 Chapter application. 18.20.020 Classification. 18.20.025 Permitted uses. 18.20.030 Conditionally permitted uses--Use permit. 18.20.040 Lot requirements. 18.20.050 Yard requirements. 18.20.060 Height. 18.20.070 Parking. 18.20.080 Floor area. 18.20.090 Outdoor advertising regulations. 18.20.100 Temporary signs.

18.20.010 Chapter application. The following specific regulations and the general rules set forth in Chapter 18.40 shall apply in all C-L districts. (Prior code §10 105 (part)).

18.20.020 Classification. This district classification is intended to be applied to properties which constitute a compact centrally located land area of only such size as is necessary to contain local service commercial uses necessary for the convenience of the residents of the town. (Prior code §10 105 (part)).

18.20.025 Permitted uses. Uses permitted in the C-L district are:

(a) Multifamily housing mixed with conditionally permitted retail commercial, local service and professional uses enumerated in Section 18.20.030 or mixed with the uses enumerated in subsection (b) below, subject to the following requirements:

(1) Minimum of one auto parking space per dwelling unit, in addition to parking required in Section 18.20.070;

(2) Maximum height of two stories and an attic, but not to exceed thirty feet at any point when measured from either existing or finished grade;

(3) Maximum building coverage of one hundred percent;

(4) Maximum floor area ratio of one hundred thirty percent; and

(5) No residential use shall be permitted in first-story spaces fronting the street. (Ord. 660 (part), 2015; Ord. 631 (part), 2012). (b) The following retail commercial, local service, and professional uses are permitted by right:

(1) Food, clothing, drug, variety and stationery stores;

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• (2) Retail bakeries;

• (3) Appliance, radio and television sales and service shops;

(4) Photo, art supply, flower and gift shops, retail nursery and pet and garden supply shops, when enclosed within buildings;

(5) Laundry and cleaning agencies with no on-site dry cleaning or laundry

facilities;

• (6) Shoe sales and repair;

(7) Medical and dental offices, real estate and insurance offices and offices of architects, engineers and attorneys, provided such offices are not located in first-story space fronting the street; and

(8) Any use which, in the opinion of the town council, is similar to those enumerated above. (Ord. 660 (part), 2015).

-- 18.20.030 Conditionally permitted uses Use permit. (a) The following retail commercial, local service, professional and residential uses may be permitted with a use permit from the town council:

• (1) Banks;

• (2) Beauty shops, barber shops, and massage establishments;

• (3) , Restaurants, and food establishments requiring on-sale liquor or beer and wine licenses;

• (4) Laundry and cleaning agencies with on-site dry cleaning or laundry facilities;

• (5) Public utility offices;

(6) Medical and dental offices, real estate and insurance offices and offices of architects, engineers and attorneys located in a first-story space fronting the street;

(7) Single-family detached units as permitted in R-1 districts, subject to the following regulations (governing R-1 B10 districts):

• (A) Minimum auto parking, three,

• (B) Minimum lot width, eighty-five feet,

• (C) Minimum side yard, fifteen feet,

• (D) Minimum front yard, twenty-five feet,

• (E) Minimum rear yard, forty feet,

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• (F) Maximum height, thirty feet,

(G) Maximum coverage and floor area, twenty percent;

• (8) Gasoline service stations and auto repair garages;

• (9) Any use which, in the opinion of the town council, is similar to those enumerated above;

(10) Multifamily housing mixed with conditionally permitted retail commercial, local service and professional uses enumerated above, where the residential use is in a first-story space fronting the street.

• (11) Residential care facilities;

(12) Single room occupancy housing, subject to the following requirements:

(A) A single room occupancy unit shall be a minimum of 150 square feet and a maximum of 350 square feet;

(B) A single room occupancy unit shall be occupied by no more than two

persons;

(C) All units shall provide a full bathroom consisting of a tub and shower combination or shower, sink, and toilet facilities. Bathrooms shall be separated from the main living space;

(D) All units shall provide a private kitchen area with a minimum two burner stove, sink with garbage disposal, a refrigerator with a minimum size of 14 cubic feet, and dining table/counter;

(E) A minimum of one auto parking space per dwelling unit, in addition to parking required in Section 18.20.070;

(F) No outdoor storage shall be permitted unless within an enclosed area not

visible from off-site;

(G) All projects shall comply with the California Building Standards Code;

and

(H) The Town Council may impose any other requirements to substantially secure the objectives of the protection of the public welfare and property or improvements. (Ord. 660 (part), 2015; Ord. 631 (part), 2012).

(b) Use Permit Requirements. No use permit for any of the permitted uses described in this section shall be granted or modified unless all the following findings have been affirmatively shown:

(1) The use permit is consistent with the public welfare;

(2) The proposed use will not be detrimental to or change the character of

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adjacent or neighboring properties in the area the use is proposed to be located;

(3) The property on which the proposed use is to be located is suitable for the

proposed use;

(4) The traffic-generating potential and/or the operation of the proposed use will not place an unreasonable demand or burden on existing municipal improvements, utilities or services;

(5) Adequate consideration has been given to assure protection of the

environment;

(6) The proposed use is consistent with applicable zoning provisions and the objectives of the general plan; and

(7) Adequate consideration has been given to assure conservation of property values, the suitability of the particular area for the proposed use and the harmony of the proposed use with the planned development and future land use of the general area. (Ord. 728 (part), 2025; Ord. 631 (part), 2012; Ord. 604 (part), 2008: Ord. 589 §3, 2005; Ord. 524 (part), 1993; Ord. 454 §1, 1985: Ord. 302 §1, 1969: prior code §10 105 (part)).

(1) Minimum lot area: None; (2) Minimum lot width: None; (3) Minimum lot depth: None; (4) Maximum lot coverage: No restriction.

(Prior code §10 105 (part)).

18.20.050 Yard requirements. There are no minimum yard requirements. (Prior code §10 105 (part)).

18.20.060 Height. Maximum height requirements are two stories and a mezzanine, but not to exceed thirty feet at any point when measured from either existing or finished grade. (Ord. 589 §4, 2005: prior code §10 105 (part)).

18.20.070 Parking. Minimum vehicle parking requirements are as follows: When a new building is constructed or a building is structurally altered, there shall be provided on the lot, off-street parking of one space (nine feet by eighteen feet) for each two hundred fifty square feet, or portion thereof, of the net rentable floor area. (Ord. 431 §1, 1981: prior code §10 105 (part)).

18.20.080 Floor area. There are no maximum floor area ratio restrictions. (Ord. 264 §3, 1967: prior code §10 105 (part)).

18.20.090 Outdoor advertising regulations. Design review is required for any outdoor advertising. An application for design review for outdoor advertising shall be made in writing on a form, and accompanied by a fee, prescribed by the town council. Outdoor advertising shall be limited to the identification of the use or occupant of the property. Advertising signs shall be located below the roof ridge line, and shall not exceed in total area one square foot of sign per lineal foot of occupied property frontage on one street. No such sign shall be internally illuminated, luminous, reflecting or moving. Notwithstanding the foregoing, an owner of real property or their agent may, without design review, display or have displayed on the owner's property a sign not exceeding one square foot in area advertising:

(a) That the property is for sale, lease or exchange by the owner or their agent;

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• (b) The owner's or agent's name; and

(c) The owner's or agent's address and telephone number. (Ord. 728 (part), 2025; Ord. 604 (part), 2008: Ord. 361 §2, 1975; prior code §10 105 (part)).

18.20.100 Temporary signs. The town or the Ross School District may install banners on town light poles. The banners must meet the size standards developed by the Department of Public Works and the Department of Public Works may limit the time banners may be posted. The banner sponsor organization is responsible for the cost of installation and removal. No other temporary signs are permitted. (Ord. 652 (part), 2014).

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