San Diego County Municipal Code Part Six Planned Development Standards

The provisions of Section 6600 through 6699, inclusive, shall be known as the Planned Development Standards. The purpose of these provisions is to carry out the intent of Section 5800 of the Planned Development Area Regulations and to set forth development standards that must be met by planned developments before they are granted a major use permit in accordance with the Use Permit Procedures commencing at Section 7350. The intent of Section 5800 shall be applicable to all major use permits for planned developments even where the zoning of the property does not include the "P" Planned Development Area designator. It is intended that planned developments containing mobilehomes shall not be considered mobilehome parks for purposes of the application of Title 25 of the California Administrative Code; provided, however, that those provisions of Title 25 relating to the installation, maintenance, use and occupancy of mobilehomes outside of mobilehome parks shall apply.

(Amended by Ord. No. 5787 (N.S.) adopted 6-4-80) (Amended by Ord. No. 7740 (N.S.) adopted 3-28-90)

A planned development shall consist of an integrated development located on a single tract of land, or on 2 or more tracts of land which may be separated only by a street or other right-of-way. In such development, the land and structures shall be planned and developed as a whole in a single development operation or a series of operations in accordance with a detailed, comprehensive plan encompassing such elements and the location of structures, the circulation pattern, parking facilities, open space, and utilities, together with a program for provision, operation and maintenance of all areas, improvements, facilities and services provided for the common use of the persons occupying or utilizing the property.

(Renumbered by Ord. No. 5787 (N.S.) adopted 6-4-80. Formerly 6602) (Amended by Ord. No. 6924 (N.S.) adopted 2-20-85)

Except as otherwise provided, a planned development shall conform to all provisions of the Animal Regulations commencing at Section 3000.

(Renumbered by Ord. No. 5787 (N.S.) adopted 6-4-80. Formerly 6618) (Amended by Ord. No. 8166 (N.S.) adopted 10-21-92)

Except as provided in Section 5806, only those uses which are permitted by right, or are permitted by a use permit, or an administrative permit, shall be permitted in a planned development. When the applicable use regulations allow a use type in such use regulations only if such type is within a planned development, such a use type is permitted only within a planned development or contiguous planned developments having a total gross site area of at least 20 acres.

(Renumbered and amended by Ord. No. 5787 (N.S.) adopted 6-4-80. Formerly 6604)

Except as otherwise provided hereinafter, a planned development shall conform to all provisions of the Development Regulations commencing at Section 4000.

(Renumbered by Ord. No. 5787 (N.S.) adopted 6-4-80. Formerly 6606)

A planned development shall conform to all provisions of any applicable special area regulations.

(Renumbered by Ord. No. 5787 (N.S.) adopted 6-4-80. Formerly 6608)

a. Compatibility with Adjacent Land Uses. A planned development shall be designed and developed in a manner compatible with and complementary to existing and potential residential development in the immediate vicinity of the project site. Site planning on the perimeter shall give consideration to protection of the property from adverse surrounding influences, as well as protection of the surrounding areas from potentially adverse influences within the development.

b. Relation to Natural Features. A planned development shall relate harmoniously to the topography of its site, make suitable provision for preservation of water courses, wooded areas, rough terrain and similar natural features and areas, and shall otherwise be so designed as to use such natural features and amenities to best advantage.

(Renumbered by Ord. No. 5787 (N.S.) adopted 6-4-80. Formerly 6609)

The maximum density provisions of the General Plan Land Use Element shall be used in the computation of the permitted number of dwelling units. The Director shall compute the residential acreage pursuant to the following:

a. Computation of Residential Acreage in an Exclusively Residential Planned Development. In a planned development devoted exclusively to residential use types, the residential acreage of the proposed development shall equal the total land area within the boundaries of the development. For the purpose of the application of this subsection the "total land area within the boundaries of the development" shall be defined to exclude any land within rights-of-way of public streets or highways existing or to be dedicated or offered for dedication as part of the project.

b. Computation of Residential Acreage in a Planned Development Containing Non-Residential Use Types. For the purpose of computing the maximum and minimum density permitted or required in a planned development containing non-residential use types, the residential acreage of the proposed development shall be determined as follows:

1. For those portions of the site where the residential development (and its associated open space) are separate and distinct from the non-residential development (and its associated open space), the acreage to be used for residential development (and its associated open space) shall be used as the basis for computing density.

2. For those portions of the site where the residential and non- residential development area not separate and distinct (e.g., they are in the same building or a closely associated group of buildings), the acreage shall be allocated between the residential and non-residential uses on the basis of the floor area, ground area, and other factors which indicate the relative usage of the site by residential and non-residential uses.

(Amended by Ord. No. 5612 (N.S.) adopted 10-10-79) (Renumbered and amended by Ord. No. 5787 (N.S.) adopted 6-4-80. Formerly 6610) (Amended by Ord. No. 5786 (N.S.) adopted 6-4-80) (Amended by Ord. No. 8247 (N.S.) adopted 5-19-93) (Amended by Ord. No. 10162 (N.S.) adopted 8-3-11)

The Lot Size Regulations commencing at Section 4200 shall not apply in a planned development; provided, however, that all required findings can be made pursuant to Section 7350.

(Renumbered by Ord. No. 5787 (N.S.) adopted 6-4-80. Formerly 6611) (Amended by Ord. No. 8247 (N.S.) adopted 5-19-93) (Amended by Ord. No. 10162 (N.S.) adopted 8-3-11)

The Building Type Regulations commencing at Section 4300 shall not apply in a planned development.

(Renumbered and amended by Ord. No. 5787 (N.S.) adopted 6-4-80. Formerly 6612) (Amended by Ord. No. 8247 (N.S.) adopted 5-19-93) (Amended by Ord. No. 10162 (N.S.) adopted 8-3-11)

The Maximum Floor Area Regulations commencing at Section 4400 shall not apply in a planned development.

(Renumbered by Ord. No. 5787 (N.S.) adopted 6-4-80. Formerly 6613)

The Floor-Area Ratio Regulations commencing at Section 4500 shall not apply in a planned development.

(Renumbered by Ord. No. 5787 (N.S.) adopted 6-4-80. Formerly 6614)

The Height Regulations commencing at Section 4600 shall apply in a planned development; provided, however, that the approving authority may approve buildings and structures of 15 percent greater height, if, in its opinion, such additional height would not have an adverse effect on adjacent properties or on properties or development in the vicinity and would be consistent with the General Plan and the purpose of these development standards. No additional height shall be approved within 100 feet of any external boundary of the planned development adjacent to land in any residential or agricultural zone.

(Renumbered and amended by Ord. No. 5787 (N.S.) adopted 6-4-80. Formerly 6615) (Amended by Ord. No. 6506 (N.S.) adopted 1-5-83)

The Coverage Regulations commencing at Section 4700 shall not apply to a planned development; provided, however, that no more than 75 percent of the area of a lot containing a mobilehome shall be covered.

(Renumbered by Ord. No. 5787 (N.S.) adopted 6-4-80. Formerly 6616)

The following setbacks shall be maintained on the perimeter of a planned development:

a. The Setback Regulations commencing at Section 4800 shall apply to the perimeter of a planned development.

b. A setback of at least 50 feet from centerline shall be maintained by any mobilehome or other building or structure, except a fence or wall, from any street along an exterior boundary of the development, except that when such street has a right-of-way width greater than 60 feet, a setback of 20 feet from the right-of-way of such street shall be maintained.

c. Except as provided in paragraph "b", a setback of not less than 25 feet from the exterior boundary shall be maintained.

(Renumbered and amended by Ord. No. 5787 (N.S.) adopted 6-4-80. Formerly 6617) (Amended by Ord. No. 10162 (N.S.) adopted 8-3-11)

The Setback Regulations commencing at Section 4800 shall not apply to the interior of a planned development; provided, however, that mobilehomes and other buildings shall conform to the following setback and spacing requirements:

a. Setback From Interior Way or Other Surfaced Public Area. No mobilehome or other building shall be located closer than 5 feet from any interior vehicular or pedestrian way, court, plaza, open parking lot or any other surfaced area reserved for public use or for use in common by residents of the planned development. Such setback shall generally be measured from the nearest edge of a surfaced area; provided, however, that where no sidewalk exists in conjunction with a public or private street, such setback shall be measured from the nearest edge of the street right-of-way or private road easement.

b. Garages and Carports. No garage or carport having straight-in access from a public or private circulation street shall be located closer than 20 feet from the nearest edge of the sidewalk of such street, or where no sidewalk exists from the nearest edge of the street right-of-way or road easement.

c. Mobilehome Side Yard Setback. Each lot containing a mobilehome shall have a side yard of not less than 3 feet in width along the entire length of the lot.

d. Mobilehome Rear Yard Setback. Each lot containing a mobilehome shall have a rear yard of not less than 3 feet extending the entire width of the lot.

e. Spacing Between Buildings Other Than Mobilehomes. Wall to wall spacing between buildings other than mobilehomes shall be at least 10 feet. Within the RS, RR, A70 and A72 use regulations, spacing between dwellings (including attached garages) shall be equal to at least twice the width of the interior side yard setback of the zone's setback designator.

f. Open Space Surrounding Buildings Other Than Mobilehomes. Each building other than a mobilehome shall be surrounded by relatively level open space having a slope no greater than 10 percent and extending a minimum distance of 10 feet in all directions measured from the furthest projections of the external walls of the building.

(Renumbered by Ord. No. 5787 (N.S.) adopted 6-4-80. Formerly 6618) (Amended by Ord. No. 8247 (N.S.) adopted 5-19-93)

The Usable Open Space Regulations commencing at Section 4900 shall apply to a planned development; provided, however, that the following requirements shall be met. Plot plans for planned developments shall include the dimensions of all usable open space areas to ensure compliance with the minimum size, shape and slope requirements of Sections 4915 and 4917. In the event of conflict between the Usable Open Space Regulations and the provisions of this section, the requirements yielding the most open space shall apply.

a. Minimum Open Space. The total land area in residential use types shall be computed per Section 6621.a or b for purposes of determining the open space requirements. Open Space shall be comprised of a combination of private usable open space and conservation/group open space pursuant to b. and c. below.

b. Minimum Private Usable Open Space. Private Usable Open Space shall be provided on each lot within the subdivision per the table below:

Substitution of group usable open space for private open space may be allowed if the lots cannot satisfy the requirements above. The total area that is not satisfied on individual lots shall be in addition to the Conservation/Group Open Space requirement.

c. Conservation/Group Open Space. The total useable and/or non-usable open space shall be provided on the project site pursuant to the table below.

i. Conservation Open Space. Non-usable conservation open space shall be left in its natural state and shall be preserved in an open space easement. No structures or development shall be permitted. Conservation open space shall be kept free of litter and shall at no time constitute a health, safety, fire or flood hazard. Areas devoted to natural or improved flood control channels and those areas encumbered by flowage, floodway or drainage easements, as well as riding and hiking trails designated on a community or subregional plan map, may be applied toward satisfying this portion of the conservation open space requirement.

ii. Group Open Space. Useable open space shall comply with the standards of Section 4917. Land occupied by buildings and structures reserved for common recreational use by the residents may be counted as group usable open space for purposes of this subsection provided it meets the requirements of Section 4917.

d. Staged Development. If development is to be accomplished in stages, the development plan shall coordinate improvement of the open space, the construction of buildings, structures and improvements in such open space, and the construction of dwelling units in order that each development stage achieves a proportionate share of the total open space and environmental quality of the total planned development.

e. Reservation for Common Use. All or any part of the required open space may be reserved for use in common by the residents of the planned development except as restricted by the private usable open space requirements of the Usable Open Space Regulations. Areas permanently reserved for common open space shall be reserved for the use and enjoyment of the residents in a manner which makes the county or a public district or a public agency a party to and entitled to enforce the reservation. The approving authority may require that open space easements over the required open space be conveyed to the county. (Riding and hiking trails designated on a community or subregional plan map shall be open to the general public.)

f. Unreserved open space. Any open space in the development not reserved for the use in common of the residents pursuant to subsection "e" hereof, and not subject to the usable open space requirements of Section 4900, may be counted toward computation of the permitted number of dwelling units pursuant to Section 6621.e. However, any project proposing such unreserved open space shall be subject to the following conditions to be contained in the major use permit for the planned development: (1) That a homeowners association be created consisting of all owners of residential property in the planned development, and (2) that the unreserved open space shall be subject to an open space easement.

g. Additional Requirements for Mobilehomes. In addition to the open space requirements of subsections "a" through "e" and the Usable Open Space Regulations, planned development containing mobilehomes shall meet the following requirements for open space and recreational facilities:

1. At least one substantial area of group usable open space shall be provided. Such area shall:

i. Conform to the requirement for group usable open space set forth in the Usable Group Open Space Regulations.

ii. Be of such size and shape that each side of a rectangle inscribed within it is at least 100 feet in length.

iii. Include outdoor recreational facilities for both active and passive recreation.

iv. Include completely enclosed recreational facilities consisting of not less than 10 square feet of floor area for each lot containing a mobilehome.

2. All or any part of the group usable open space required by the Usable Open Space Regulations may be used to satisfy the requirements of Paragraph "f.1" if such open space meets the standards for minimum dimension, maximum slope and outdoor recreational facilities set forth herein.

(Renumbered and amended by Ord. No. 5787 (N.S.) adopted 6-4-80. Formerly 6619) (Amended by Ord. No. 6506 (N.S.) adopted 1-5-83) (Amended by Ord. No. 7321 (N.S.) adopted 6-10-87) (Amended by Ord. No. 8247 (N.S.) adopted 5-19-93) (Amended by Ord. No. 10162 (N.S.) adopted 8-3-11)

The approved plot plan for any planned residential development shall provide standards (i.e., setbacks, sizes, coverage) for permitted accessory structures and buildings or shall specify that the standard allowances of The Zoning Ordinance shall prevail. Such buildings and structures may include but are not limited to swimming pools/spas, patio covers, guest living quarters, storage buildings, detached garages/carports, and outdoor chimneys or barbecue grills.

(Added by Ord. 9690 (N.S.) adopted 12-15-04)

Signs shall be permitted in a planned development in accordance with the Off-Premise Sign Regulations commencing at Section 6200 and the On-Premise Sign Regulations commencing at Section 6250. Interior street, building and other signs shall be uniform in design and reflect good taste in style and size.

(Renumbered by Ord. No. 5787 (N.S.) adopted 6-4-80. Formerly 6622)

Off-street parking shall be provided in accordance with the Parking Regulations commencing at Section 6750.

(Renumbered by Ord. No. 5787 (N.S.) adopted 6-4-80. Formerly 6624) (Amended by Ord. No. 5976 (N.S.) adopted 1-28-81) (Amended by Ord. No. 7432 (N.S.) adopted 1-06-88)

All streets within the planned development that by function fall within the system of classification of streets as specified in Article III, Classification (Types) of Streets of the "San Diego County Standards", Ordinance No. 2809 (New Series), as amended, shall be improved to county road standards for the particular classification of street, and all such streets shall be offered for dedication to the public. When the developer desires to retain any such streets as private streets, the county may reject the offer of dedication. Other forms of access, such as pedestrian ways, courts, plazas, driveways or open parking lots shall not be offered for dedication. Forms of common access other than dedicated public streets shall be permanently reserved and maintained for their intended purpose by means acceptable to the approving authority and County Counsel.

(Renumbered by Ord. No. 5787 (N.S.) adopted 6-4-80. Formerly 6626) (Amended by Ord. No. 6506 (N.S.) adopted 1-5-83)

Any mobilehome, other dwelling unit or other building that is located more than 100 feet from a public or private street or other vehicular way shall have pedestrian access thereto capable of accommodating emergency and service vehicles.

(Renumbered by Ord. No. 5787 (N.S.) adopted 6-4-80. Formerly 6628)

Fire hydrants and connections shall be installed as required by the Planning Commission and shall be of a type approved by the chief of the local fire district, or, if there is no local fire district, by the County Fire Warden.

(Renumbered by Ord. No. 5787 (N.S.) adopted 6-4-80. Formerly 6630)

Light fixtures for walks, parking areas, driveways and other facilities shall be provided in sufficient number and at proper locations to assure safe and convenient nighttime use. For normal street lighting, applicable county standards and regulations shall apply.

(Renumbered by Ord. No. 5787 (N.S.) adopted 6-4-80. Formerly 6632)

A Master Antenna Television (MATV) System shall be provided with underground cable service to at least all mobilehomes and other buildings containing dwelling units. This MATV System shall be provided at no charge for service and shall be conveyed to the homeowners association at no charge. This requirement may be met by the provision of an underground Cable Television (CATV) System by a county-licensed CATV operator. No other exterior television antennas shall be permitted unless authorized by the Planned Development permit, except that individual parcels having dwellings may have dish antennas that are one meter or less in diameter or diagonal measurement.

(Amended by Ord. No. 5612 (N.S.) adopted 10-10-79) (Renumbered by Ord. No. 5787 (N.S.) adopted 6-4-80. Formerly 6634) (Amended by Ord. No. 9101 (N.S.) adopted 12-8-99)

All sewer and water facilities, electricity, gas, telephone, and television signal distribution systems shall be placed underground.

(Renumbered by Ord. No. 5787 (N.S.) adopted 6-4-80. Formerly 6636)

In addition to the requirements set forth hereinabove, planned developments containing mobilehomes shall conform to the following requirements:

a. Area. A planned development containing mobilehomes shall not be less than 5 acres in area.

b. Fencing and Landscaping. Planned development containing mobilehomes shall conform to the Fencing and Landscaping Regulations commencing at Section 6700.

c. Storage Areas. Common Storage areas shall be provided within an enclosed fenced area for the residents of the planned development occupying mobilehomes for the storage of recreational vehicles, trailers, travel trailers, and other licensed or unlicensed vehicles. This area shall be not less than 50 square feet for each lot containing a mobilehome.

d. Sewer and Water. Each lot containing a mobilehome in a planned development shall be provided with water and sewer connections in accordance with Chapter 5 of Title 25 of the California Administrative Code. Water shall be provided by a water supplier having a valid permit from the California Department of Health of the Department of Environmental Health. Public sewers shall be provided by a public agency which has obtained discharge requirements approved by the appropriate California Water Quality Control Board. Individual sewage disposal systems shall be approved by the Department of Environmental Health.

(Amended by Ord. No. 5612 (N.S.) adopted 10-10-79) (Renumbered by Ord. No. 5787 (N.S.) adopted 6-4-80. Formerly 6640) (Amended by Ord. No. 8581 (N.S.) adopted 9-20-95)

Modification of these Planned Development Standards may be granted by the authority granting or modifying a Major Use Permit for a planned development when it determines that such modification will not be detrimental to the subject development, adjacent properties, or residents, or the public interest; or the General Plan, provided, however, no modification shall be granted for the density provisions of Sections 6621, nor from the open space provisions of Section 6648, nor from any applicable requirements specified in Chapter 5 of Title 25 of the California Administrative Code, except those which are subject to local modification.

(Amended by Ord. No. 5612 (N.S.) adopted 10-10-79) (Renumbered by Ord. No. 5787 (N.S.) adopted 6-4-80. Formerly 6642) (Amended by Ord. No. 6031 (N.S.) adopted 4-22-81) (Amended by Ord. No. 8247 (N.S.) adopted 5-19-93) (Amended by Ord. No. 8581 (N.S.) adopted 9-20-95) (Amended by Ord. No. 10162 (N.S.) adopted 8-3-11)

The amendments to the Planned Development Area Standards found in Ordinance No. 8247 (N.S.), adopted on May 19, 1993, shall not apply to any Major Use Permit for a planned development which was approved by the County, or any application for a Major Use Permit for a planned development which was filed (pursuant to Section 1019 of the Zoning Ordinance) with the County, before June 18, 1993. Said amendments shall not apply to any subsequent Time Extension, Minor Deviation or Ministerial Permit filed pursuant to such Major Use Permits. Said amendments shall also not apply to modifications of these Major Use Permits for a planned development, unless such modifications would change the approved Major Use Permit by 1) increasing the number of dwelling units, 2) enlarging the planned development site, or 3) in the RS, RR, A70 or A72 use regulations, changing the building type of dwellings from residential single detached to any other residential building type.

(Added by Ord. No. 8247 (N.S.) adopted 5-19-93)