Chapter 17.215 — Residential Zones
San Jacinto Zoning Code · 2026-06 edition · ingested 2026-07-06 · San Jacinto
§ 17.215.010. Purposes of Residential Zones. ¶
The purposes of the individual residential zones and the manner in which they are applied are as follows:
A. RE (Residential Estate) Zone. The RE Zone is applied to areas appropriate for detached single-family dwelling units with appropriate accessory structures and uses in semi-rural areas and areas where scenic and natural resources should be protected, together. The RE Zone may also allow mobile and modular homes, agricultural uses, public facilities, and other uses that are compatible with rural estate single-family neighborhoods. Horses and other farm animals are also allowed in this zone in compliance with Section 17.430.050 (Animal Keeping). This zone allows a maximum density of 1.0 dwelling unit per two gross acres of land. The RE Zone is consistent with the VeryLow-Density Residential (VLDR) land use designation of the General Plan.
B. RR (Residential Rural) Zone. The RR Zone is applied to areas appropriate for detached single-family dwelling units with appropriate accessory structures and uses in a semi-rural setting. The RR Zone may also allow mobile and modular homes, public facilities, and other uses that are compatible with rural single-family neighborhoods. Horses and other farm animals are also allowed in this zone in compliance with Section 17.430.050 (Animal Keeping). This zone allows a maximum density of 2.0 dwelling units per gross acre of land. The RR Zone is consistent with the Very-Low-Density Residential (VLDR) land use designation of the General Plan.
C. RL (Residential, Low-Density) Zone. The RL Zone is applied to areas appropriate for a range of detached single-family residential dwellings on standard suburban parcels, together with appropriate accessory structures and uses. The RL Zone may also allow mobile and modular homes, condominiums, townhomes, public facilities, and other uses that are compatible with low-density single-family neighborhoods. This zone allows a density ranging from 2.1 to 7.0 dwelling units per gross acre. The RL Zone is consistent with the Low-Density Residential (LDR) land use designation of the General Plan.
D. RM (Residential, Medium-Density) Zone. The RM Zone is applied to areas appropriate for neighborhoods with a variety of housing types located in proximity to parks, schools, and public services. The housing types range from attached and detached single-family residential dwelling units, duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, condominiums, townhomes, mobile home parks, recreational vehicle parks, as well as accessory structures and uses. The RM Zone may also allow limited neighborhood serving commercial uses on small appropriately located individual parcels or in small pedestrian-oriented neighborhood centers, public facilities, and other uses that are compatible with mediumdensity neighborhoods. This zone allows a density ranging from 5.1 to 14.0 dwelling units per gross acre. The RM Zone is consistent with the Medium-Density Residential (MDR) land use designation of the General Plan.
ommercial uses on small appropriately located individual parcels or in small pedestrian-oriented neighborhood centers, public facilities, and other uses that are compatible with mediumdensity neighborhoods. This zone allows a density ranging from 5.1 to 14.0 dwelling units per gross acre. The RM Zone is consistent with the Medium-Density Residential (MDR) land use designation of the General Plan.
E. RH (Residential, High-Density) Zone. The RH Zone is applied to areas appropriate for a variety of multi-family attached housing types (for example, apartments, garden style units, condominiums, townhomes, etc.), as well as accessory structures and uses primarily on larger parcels where site design can provide the desired mixture of housing types, aesthetic and functional open space areas, and other features that enhance the development and neighborhood. The RH Zone may also allow limited neighborhood serving commercial uses on small appropriately located individual parcels or in small pedestrian-oriented neighborhood centers, public facilities, and other accessory structures and uses that are compatible with high-density neighborhoods. This zone allows a density ranging from 14.1 to 22.0 dwelling units per gross acre. The RH Zone is consistent with the High-Density Residential (HDR) land use designation of the General Plan.
F. RVH (Residential, Very-High-Density) Zone. The RVH Zone is applied to areas appropriate for apartments, senior housing, and housing affordable to lower and moderate income families located near commercial areas and public services. The RVH Zone may also allow limited neighborhood serving commercial uses on small appropriately located individual parcels or in small pedestrian-oriented neighborhood centers, public facilities, accessory structures and uses, and other uses that are compatible with high-density neighborhoods. This zone allows a density ranging from 22 to 32.0 dwelling units per gross acre. The RVH Zone is consistent with the Very-High-Density Residential (VHDR) land use designation of the General Plan.
(Ord. 24-13, 10/1/2024)
§ 17.215.020. Residential Zone Land Uses and Permit Requirements. ¶
A. Allowed land uses. Table 2-2 (Allowed Uses and Permit Requirements) indicates the uses allowed within each residential zone and the planning permit required to establish each use, in compliance with Article 6 (Permit Procedures).
B. Prohibited land uses. Any table cell with a "—" means that the listed land use is expressly prohibited in that specific zone.
C. Land uses not listed. For land uses not listed in Table 2-2 (Allowed Uses and Permit Requirements), the provisions of Chapter 17.105 (Interpretation of Regulations) shall apply.
D. Site plan and design review required. All construction activities (e.g., additions, alterations, construction, reconstruction, or remodeling) shall require site plan, design review [unless exempt per Chapter 17.630 (Site Plan and Design Review), and Chapter 17.325 (Water Efficient Landscape and Irrigation)], approval in compliance with Chapter 17.630 (Site Plan and Design Review) and Chapter 17.325 (Water Efficient Landscape and Irrigation).
E. Applicable regulations. Where the last column in the tables ("Specific Use Regulations") includes a section number, the regulations in the referenced section apply to the use; however, provisions in other Sections of this Development Code may also apply.
(Ord. 24-13, 10/1/2024)
§ 17.215.030. Residential Zone Development Standards. ¶
Subdivisions, new land uses and structures, and alterations to existing land uses and structures, shall be designed, constructed, and established in compliance with the requirements in Table 2-3 (Allowed Incidental Uses and Permit Requirements), in addition to the standards and guidelines in Article 3 (Site Planning and Development Standards) (e.g., landscaping, parking and loading, etc.), Article 4 (Standards for Specific Land Uses) (e.g., accessory structures, single-family and multi-family development, etc.), and Chapter 17.325 (Water Efficient Landscape and Irrigation).
Table 2-3 (Allowed Incidental Uses and Permit Requirements), in addition to the standards and guidelines in Article 3 (Site Planning and Development Standards) (e.g., landscaping, parking and loading, etc.), Article 4 (Standards for Specific Land Uses) (e.g., accessory structures, single-family and multi-family development, etc.), and Chapter 17.325 (Water Efficient Landscape and Irrigation).
| Table 2-4 Development Standards for Residential Zones |
Table 2-4 Development Standards for Residential Zones |
Table 2-4 Development Standards for Residential Zones |
Table 2-4 Development Standards for Residential Zones |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Development Feature See Article 8 (Defnitions) |
RE | RR | RL | RM | RH | RVH |
| Density | Minimum and maximum number of dwelling units allowed per gross acre. See Section17.215.040 Density Incentives) for incentive and density deviation allowances. |
(Residential Zone | ||||
| Minimum | 0.0 | 0.0 | 2.1 | 5.0 | 14.1 | 22.1 |
| Maximum | 1.0 | 2.0 | 7.0 | 14.0 | 22.0 | 32.0 |
| Minimum Parcel Dimensions | Minimum dimensions required for each newly created parcel. Parcel area shall be measured in ter defned in Article 8 (Defnitions). |
ms of net area, as | ||||
| Parcel Area | 2 acres | 15,000 sq. ft. | 5,000 sq. ft. | 4,000 sq. ft. | 20,000 sq. ft. | 20,000 sq. ft. |
| Parcel Width | 150 ft. | 100 ft. | Corner Parcel = 70 ft. Interior Parcel = 50 ft. |
40 ft. | 100 ft. | 100 ft. |
| Parcel Depth | 300 ft. | 100 ft. | 100 ft. | 80 ft. | 100 ft. | 100 ft. |
| Minimum Setbacks | Minimum required setbacks. See Section17.305.120(Setback Regulations and Exceptions) for setback measurement, allowed projections into setbacks, and exceptions. See Article 4 (Standards for Specifc Land Uses) for setback requirements applicable to specifc land uses. Review Appendix 1 of the Landscape Design Guidelines for possible greater setback requirements on certain streets. |
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| Front | 25 ft. | 25 ft. | 20 ft. | 15 ft. -House 20 ft. - Garage |
See Chapter17.420(Multi-Family Development) |
|
| Interior Side | 20 ft. | 20 ft. | 5 ft. | 5 ft. | ||
| Street Side | 20 ft. | 20 ft. | 10 ft. | 7 ft. | ||
| Rear | 20 ft. | 20 ft. | 20 ft. | 10 ft. | ||
| Lot Coverage | Maximum percentage of a lot that is occupied by primary and accessory structu (Defnitions, "L") for defnition of "lot coverage." |
res. See Section17.800.130 | ||||
| 50% | 50% | 55% | 60% | 60% | 60% | |
| Balconies, Second-Story for Detached Single-Family Residences |
Second-story balconies shall maintain all other standards of the underlying zone and cannot be larger than 10% of the livable area of the residence. The Director may permit larger balconies when the privacy of the neighboring residences can be maintained pursuant Section17.425.020F.2– Privacy protection, due to larger lot sizes, balcony adjacency to General Plan designated arterial highways or larger, and/or balcony adjacency to nonsensitive open space areas. The Director has the discretion to provide notice to affected neighboring property owners before approving a balcony larger than 10% of the livable area of the residence. |
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| Height | Maximum allowable height of structures. See Sections17.305.060and17.405.050D.3(Accessory structures) for height measurement requirements and height limit exceptions. |
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| Primary Structure | 35 ft. | 35 ft. | 35 ft. | 35 ft. | 45 ft. | 45 ft. |
| Accessory Structure | 15 ft. | 15 ft. | 15 ft. | 15 ft. | 15 ft. | 15 ft. |
| Open Space | N/A for single-family residential development. | Minimum open space to be provided unit. |
for each dwelling | |||
| Common | N/A | N/A | N/A | 250 sq. ft. | ||
| Private | N/A | N/A | N/A | 100 sq. ft. | ||
| Slope | Rear Setback Area = 3% maximum slope Rear Yard Area = 5% maximum slope with 20 ft. min depth |
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| Separation Distance | 10 ft. minimum separation distance between multiple primary structures and a primary structure structures. See also Chapter17.420(Multi-Family Development). |
and accessory | ||||
| Table 2-4 Development Standards for Residential Zones |
Table 2-4 Development Standards for Residential Zones |
Table 2-4 Development Standards for Residential Zones |
Table 2-4 Development Standards for Residential Zones |
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| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Development Feature See Article 8 (Defnitions) |
RE | RR | RL | RM | RH | RVH |
| Accessory Structures | See Chapter17.405(Accessory Structures and Uses). | |||||
| Fences and Walls | See Chapter17.315(Fences, Walls, and Hedges). | |||||
| Landscaping | See Chapter17.325(Water Effcient Landscape and Irrigation). | |||||
| Parking | See Chapter17.330(Off-Street Parking and Loading Standards). | |||||
| Paving Within Front Setback Area |
See Section17.215.035(Paving Within Residential Front Yard Area); Section17.330.100(Paving Limitations for Driveways in Residential Zones); and Chapter17.655(Zoning Clearances). |
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| Satellite Antennas | See Section17.430.290(Satellite/Dish Antenna and Amateur Radio Facilities). | |||||
| Signs | See Chapter17.335(Sign Regulations). |
(Ord. 24-13, 10/1/2024)
§ 17.215.035. Paving Within Residential Front Yard Area. ¶
A. Driveways. As specified in Section 17.330.100 (Paving Limitations for Single-Family Dwellings), the amount of allowable paving for driveways shall not exceed 35% of the required total front yard area. See Figure 2-1 (Limits on Paving and Hardscaping for Residential Front Yards). The Director may approve deviations from this standard for parcels of 50 feet or less in width.
B. Walkway. The amount of paved walkways and hardscape shall not exceed 25% of the required front yard area. See Figure 2-1 (Limits on Paving and Hardscaping for Residential Front Yards).
C. All of front yard area. A minimum of 40% of the front yard shall consist of pervious surfaces for landscaping.
D. Zoning clearance. New driveway paving and hardscape features (e.g., walkways, patios, etc.) shall require a zoning clearance issued in compliance with Chapter 17.655 (Zoning Clearances).
==> picture [469 x 372] intentionally omitted <==
Figure 2-1
Limits on Paving and Hardscaping for Residential Front Yards
(Ord. 24-13, 10/1/2024)
§ 17.215.040. Residential Zone Density Incentives. ¶
A. Compliance with density thresholds. The minimum and maximum density thresholds indicated in Table 2-4 (Development Standards for Residential Zones) shall apply to development in residential zones. Development shall not be allowed at less than or more than the indicated density thresholds, except in the following instances:
Less than minimum density threshold. A proposed project may be allowed at less than the applicable minimum density threshold only if the project complies with Chapter 17.645 (Transfer of Development Rights). Additionally, one single-family dwelling unit may be allowed on legal lots that require higher densities, if the zone allows for such use.
Greater than maximum density threshold. A proposed project may be allowed at greater than the applicable maximum density threshold only if the project complies with Chapter 17.310 (Affordable Housing – Density Bonuses), Chapter 17.645 (Transfer of Development Rights), or permitted by this section.
B. Allowed by right. A proposed residential project that is consistent with the applicable density range shall be allowed by right, subject to any permits required by Table 2-2 (Allowed Uses and Permit Requirements in Residential Zones).
C. Development standards. Projects that are allowed by right shall be consistent with all applicable development standards. Projects proposing a single-family may comply with RL Zone standards, and projects transferring units, pursuant to Chapter 17.645 (Transfer of Development Rights), may comply with standards for zone that best fits the project density, as approved by the City.
D. Amenity density incentives. A proposed project in a residential zone, except the RE and RR Zones and including the mixed use zones, may qualify for an amenity density increases by providing the necessary amenities identified in Table 2-5 (Amenity Density Incentives for Projects in Residential Zones) and obtaining approval of a site plan and design review in compliance with Chapter 17.630 (Site Plan and Design Review). The amount of the increased density shall not exceed the mid-point of the next highest residential density range; or shall not exceed the 50% above the maximum of the density range stated for the RVH, MU, MU-E, DV Zones.
For the purposes of this section, the term "amenity" shall be broadly defined to include natural features (e.g., trees, streams, green space, views, etc.) as well as amenities for the benefit of the community (e.g., street furniture, childcare space, community space, street awnings, etc.). An amenity shall not include cash or the provision of cash in lieu of a physical amenity.
| Table 2-5 Amenity Density Incentives for Projects in Residential Zones |
Table 2-5 Amenity Density Incentives for Projects in Residential Zones |
|---|---|
| Amenity | Incentive |
| Development is located within 1/2 mile of a shopping center and medical facilities |
1 additional dwelling unit per acre |
| Development is located within 1/2 mile of public transportation or a shuttle service is provided |
1 additional dwelling unit per acre |
| Development is part of a mixed-use project with at least 40% of the foor area dedicated to nonresidential uses |
1 additional dwelling unit per acre |
| Existing natural features (rock outcrops, mature trees, topography, etc.) are saved on-site and integrated into the development |
1 additional dwelling unit per acre |
| An on-site professional management service is provided full-time | 1/2 additional dwelling unit per acre |
| Active and passive solar energy concepts are used to lower energy costs to residents |
1/2 additional dwelling unit per acre |
| Minimum open space requirement is exceeded by 25% or more | 1/2 additional dwelling unit per acre |
| Day care services are provided on-site | 1 additional dwelling unit per acre |
| (For developments in the RVH, MU, MU-E, DV Zones only): Development includes at least 50% of the units that are affordable to lower-income households |
4 additional dwelling units per acre |
| Other amenities that the applicant or the review authority propose | Subject to approval by the review authority |
E. Submittal requirements. In addition to the submittal requirements in Chapter 17.630 (Site Plan and Design Review) and in Chapter 17.600 (Permit Application Filing and Processing), the Director may request additional information to properly evaluate the need, appropriateness, or impact of the proposed amenity density incentive and to permit a finding that the proposed incentive is justified and, if granted, would not negatively impact the public health, safety, or welfare.
F. Approval of amenity density incentive. An amenity density incentive may be approved, disapproved, conditionally approved, approved at a lower intensity or conditionally approved at a lower intensity.
(Ord. 24-13, 10/1/2024)
§ 17.215.050. Group Homes for Persons with Disabilities. ¶
Notwithstanding any provision contained in this Development Code to the contrary, group homes for persons with disabilities shall be deemed a permitted use in all residential zone districts within the City.
(Ord. 24-13, 10/1/2024)
§ 17.215.060. Residential Zone Density Exception. ¶
- A. Development of a single-family residence shall be permitted on any parcel legally established prior to January 1, 2023, in the Residential Low-Density, Residential Medium-Density and Residential High-Density Zones, even if such development is below the minimum density
provided in Table 2-3 (Allowed Incidental Uses and Permit Requirements) for the zone in which it is located subject to the development standards of the RL Zone. Such development, when legally established, shall be considered a conforming use. (Ord. 24-13, 10/1/2024)