Division 2 — DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
Santa Paula Zoning Code · 2026-06 edition · ingested 2026-07-07 · Santa Paula
§ 16.13.030 STANDARDS FOR PRIMARY DWELLINGS. ¶
(A) Table 13-2 identifies the development standards applicable to primary residential dwellings in the R-A, R-1, R- 1(a), R-2, R-3, and R-4 zones. Standards applicable to primary dwellings in the HR-PD and MHP zones are set forth respectively in Divisions 3 and 6 of this Chapter.
(B) The minimum lot width for a corner lot is measured at the required front yard setback line.
(C) For in-fill development, any front yard requirement will be deemed to be met when the depth of the front yard provided at least equals the average of that established by existing buildings which occupy 50% or more of the lots within the same block on zone.
(Ord. 1100, passed 7-6-04; Am. Ord. 1159, passed 6-19-06; Am. Ord. 1172, passed 7-2-07)
Table 13-2
| Development Standards - Residential Zones | Development Standards - Residential Zones | Development Standards - Residential Zones | Development Standards - Residential Zones | Development Standards - Residential Zones | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Development Standard | HR-PD1 | HR-PD2 | R-A | R-1 | R-1 (a) <6,000 sf lot |
R-2 | R-3 | R-4 | MHP |
| 1. Density A. Maximum (a) |
0-1 du/ac, depending on slope. See Section 16.13.110 |
0-3 du/ac, depending on slope. See Section 16.13.110 |
R-A (10,000): 4 du/ac R-A (20,000): 2 du/ac |
7 du/ac | 7 du/ac | 15 du/ac | 21 du/ac | 29 du/ac | 10 du/ac |
| B. Minimum (b) | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 16 du/ac | 22 du/ac | N/A |
| 2. Minimum Lot Area | 43,560 sf (1 acre) |
14,500 sf | R-A-10: 10,000 sf R-A-20: 20,000 sf |
6,000 sf | N/A | 6,000 sf, and not less than 3,000 sf/unit |
6,000 sf, and not less than 2,000 sf/unit |
6,000 sf, and not less than 1,500 sf/unit |
3,500 sf (d) |
| 3. Maximum Lot Coverage |
40 % | 60 % | 40 % | 60% | 70% | 60% | 60% | 60% | 75% (d) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 4. Minimum Lot Width (Interior Lot) |
60 ft | 60 ft | 60 ft | 60 ft. | N/A | 60 ft. | 60 ft. | 60 ft. | 45 ft. (d) |
| 5. Minimum Lot Width (Corner Lot) See Section 16.13.030(C) |
65 ft. | 65 ft. | 65 ft. | 65 ft. | 45 ft. | 65 ft. | 65 ft. | 65 ft. | 45 ft. (d) |
| 6. Maximum Building Height |
35 ft. or 2- ½ stories |
35 ft. or 2- ½ stories |
35 ft. or 2- ½ stories |
35 ft. or 2-½ stories |
35 ft. or 2- ½ stories |
35 ft. or 2- ½ stories |
45 ft.; 3 stories maximum |
45 ft.; 3 stories maximum |
25 ft. or 1- ½ stories (d) |
| 7. Minimum Dwelling Unit Size (e) |
750 sf | 750 sf | 750 sf | 750 sf | 650 sf | 1-bdrm: 600 sf 2- bdrm: 750 sf 3-bdrm: 900 sf 4+ bdrm: 1,050 sf |
1-bdrm: 600 sf 2- bdrm: 750 sf 3-bdrm: 900 sf 4+ bdrm: 1,050 sf |
1-bdrm: 600 sf 2- bdrm: 750 sf 3-bdrm: 900 sf 4+ bdrm: 1,050 sf |
500 sf (d) |
| 8. Distance between dwelling unit buildings (Minimum) |
10 ft. | 10 ft. | 10 ft. | 10 ft. | 10 ft. | 10 ft. | 10 ft. | 10 ft. | 6 ft (d) |
| 9. Distance between dwelling unit building(s) and accessory building(s) (Minimum) |
10 ft. | 10 ft. | 10 ft. | 10 ft. | 10 ft. | 10 ft. | 10 ft. | 10 ft. | 6 ft (d) |
| 10. Distance between accessory buildings (Minimum) |
6 ft. | 6 ft. | 6 ft. | 6 ft. | 6 ft. | 6 ft. | 6 ft. | 6 ft. | 6 ft (d) |
| 11. Front Yard Setback - Interior Lot (Minimum) |
Not less than 25 ft. from the ultimate street right- of-way line |
Not less than 20 ft. from the ultimate street right- of-way line |
Not less than 25 ft. from the ultimate street right-of- way line |
Not less than 20 ft. from the ultimate street right- of- way line |
Not less than 15 ft. from the ultimate street right-of- way line (c) |
Not less than 20 ft. from the ultimate street right-of- way line |
Not less than 20 ft. from the ultimate street right-of- way line |
Not less than 20 ft. from the ultimate street right-of- way line |
Not less than 5 ft. from any private or public roadway (d) |
| 12. Side Yard Setback - Interior Lot (Minimum) |
10 ft. on both sides |
10 ft. on both sides |
10 ft. on both sides |
10 ft. on one side, 5 ft. on the other side |
5 ft. on both sides |
5 ft. on both sides |
5 ft. on both sides |
5 ft. on both sides |
3 ft. on both sides(d) |
| 13. Side Yard Setback - Corner Lot (Minimum) |
10 ft. on both sides |
10 ft. on both sides |
10 ft. on both sides |
10 ft. on street side, 5 ft. on |
10 ft. on street side, 5 ft on interior side |
10 ft. on street side, 5 ft on interior side |
10 ft. on street side, 5 ft on interior side |
10 ft. on street side, 5 ft on interior side |
5 ft. on street side, 3 ft on interior side (d) |
| interior side |
|||||||||
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 14. Rear Yard Setback - Single story (Minimum) |
25 ft. | 10 ft. | 25 ft. | 10 ft. | 10 ft. | 20 ft. | 20 ft. | 20 ft. | 3 ft. (d) |
| 15. Rear Yard Setback - Second story (Minimum) |
25 ft. | 20 ft. | 25 ft. | 20 ft. | 15 ft. | 25 ft. | 25 ft. | 25 ft. | NA |
| 16. Rear Yard Setback - for buildings of 35 ft or higher (Minimum) |
N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 25 ft. | 25 ft. | 25 ft. | NA |
Abbreviations: du(s) = dwelling unit(s); sf = square feet; ft. = feet; bdrm = bedroom; N/A = not applicable Notes: (a) A density bonus of at least 25% may be granted in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter 16.13, Division 7 (Density Bonuses).
(b) Densities below the required minimum density may be approved through a Conditional Use Permit review and approval.
However, in no case may the density be less than 50% of the required minimum density for the zone.
(c) All garage doors must be set back at least 20 feet from ultimate street right-of-way line.
(d) Standards apply to individual lots/sites in mobile home park. For mobile home park development standards, see Division 6 of Chapter 16.13.
(e) Standard does not apply to second dwelling units, pursuant to Division 4 of this Chapter 16.13.
§ 16.13.040 ACCESSORY BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES. ¶
The following standards apply to all single-story detached non-habitable accessory buildings and structures in a residential zone. Two story detached non-habitable accessory buildings must comply with the setback requirements for primary dwellings in the underlying zone.
(A) Non-habitable accessory building in side yard.
(1) An accessory building or structure is allowed along the side property line not abutting a street if:
(a) The accessory building is located 50 feet or more from the front property line of all residential zones.
(b) There is no door, window, or similar opening on the wall of the accessory building to be located along the property line; and
(c) All roof drainage is accommodated on the property on which the building or structure is placed.
Otherwise, the minimum side yard requirements will be the same as required for the main building.
(2) The following minimum side yard setbacks are required for any accessory building or structure located within a side yard abutting a public street:
(a) An accessory building located 50 feet or more from the front property line must have a minimum setback of 10 feet; otherwise, the setback must be the same as required for the main building.
(3) An accessory building with direct alley access must be located a minimum of 26 feet from the opposite side of the alley (see Figure 13-1) or 2 feet from the property line, whichever is greater.
Figure 13-1
Setbacks for Accessory Buildings
(4) A notice of land use restriction must be recorded on the property to: (a) limit the use of the structure to an accessory building, and (b) specify that the structure cannot be used or converted to a dwelling unit at any time in the future unless the accessory building complies with all applicable state and local laws including all provisions in the Municipal Code and Development Code.
(5) Calculations to determine building size and setback requirements for alterations or additions to a nonconforming structure (Chapter 16.114 of this Title 16) may not include detached accessory buildings.
(B) Non-habitable accessory building in rear yard.
(1) An accessory building is permitted along the rear property line if:
(a) There is no opening along the property line;
(b) All roof drainage is accommodated on the property on which the building or structure is placed. Otherwise, a minimum rear yard setback of three feet is required.
(2) An accessory building with direct vehicle access from the alley must be located a minimum distance of 26 feet from the opposite side of the alley or two feet from the property line, whichever is greater.
(3) On a reverse corner lot, the accessory building must have a minimum setback of five feet from the rear property line, which is also the side property line of an adjoining property.
(4) A notice of land use restriction must be recorded on the property to: (a) limit the use of the structure to an accessory building, and (b) specify that the structure cannot be used or converted to a dwelling unit at any time in the future unless the accessory building complies with all state and local laws including all provisions in the Municipal Code and Development Code.
(5) Calculations to determine building size and setback requirements for alterations or additions to a nonconforming structure (Chapter 16.114 of this Title 16) may not include detached accessory buildings.
(C) Habitable accessory buildings. The following standards apply to all habitable accessory buildings and structures in a residential zone. A habitable building includes a guest house, recreational room, hobby room, home office or workshop used in conjunction with an approved home occupancy permit and other buildings defined by the Building and Safety Code as habitable structures.
(1) Habitable accessory structures must conform to all setback standards of the primary dwelling.
(2) Habitable accessory structures must conform to the maximum height and lot coverage provisions of the zone.
(3) Habitable accessory structures must be designed and constructed with materials that are comparable to and compatible with the primary residence and other residences in the vicinity.
(4) No additional parking will be required for a habitable accessory structure. However, all existing on-site parking must be maintained.
(5) A guest house can only be used by the occupants of the principal dwelling or their nonpaying guests.
(6) A guest house is not allowed if the property contains an existing granny flat or second unit.
(7) Accessory buildings used for home occupations cannot include kitchen facilities.
(8) A notice of land use restriction must be recorded on the property to: prevent structures from being rented; limiting use of structures to an accessory building; specifying that structures cannot be used or converted to a dwelling unit at any time in the future unless the accessory building complies with all state and local laws including all provisions in this Code.
(9) Calculations to determine building size and setback requirements for alterations or additions to a nonconforming structure cannot include habitable accessory buildings.
(10) Guest houses, recreational rooms and similar habitable accessory structures are subject to administrative approval by the Planning Director with Design Review.
(Ord. 1100, passed 7-6-04; Am. Ord. 1159, passed 6-19-06; Am. Ord. 1172, passed 7-2-07; Am. Ord. 1192, passed 6- 16-08)
§ 16.13.050 OPEN SPACE REQUIREMENTS IN R-2, R-3, AND R-4 ZONES. ¶
(A) Applicability. Every lot and building site in the R-2, R-3, and R-4 zones must provide common usable open space and private usable open space in accordance with the provisions of this section. The Planning Director, through the design review process or other permit review procedure, may approve only those plans that conform to the requirements of this section.
- (B) Common usable open space.
(1) A minimum of 125 square feet of common usable open space must be provided for each bedroom in a unit or for each studio apartment situated on the lot and building site.
(2) The required common usable open space must be arranged to provide at least 50% of the space in at least one area. The minimum dimensions of such space must be 25 feet by 25 feet. The remaining required common usable open space may be distributed throughout the building site and need not be in one such area; provided, however, no area containing less than 50 square feet will be considered common usable open space.
(3) All required common usable open space must be improved in a manner appropriate to its intended purposes, and all landscaping must comply with the requirements of § 16.13.060 below. Natural features of the site reasonably worthy of preservation, as determined by the Planning Director through the design review or other permit review procedure, may be retained in their natural state and need not be improved, but must be maintained. Natural areas may be improved with such items as irrigation lines and additional plant materials to assist in assuring the lasting retention of the natural feature being preserved.
(4) A minimum of 50% of the required common usable open space must be located on those portions of the lot or building site where the slope is no greater than 10%.
- (C) Private usable open space.
(1) A minimum of 100 square feet of private usable open space must be provided for each ground floor dwelling unit. All private usable open space must be enclosed by an opaque fence or wall not more than 6 feet nor less than 4 feet in height.
(2) Dimensions of private usable open space must be a minimum of eight feet.
(3) Not more than 50% of the private usable open space may be covered by an overhang, balcony, or patio roof not less than seven feet in height.
(Ord. 1100, passed 7-6-04; Am. Ord. 1159, passed 6-19-06)
§ 16.13.060 LANDSCAPING. ¶
(A) Purpose. These landscaping standards are established to ensure that each residential development maintains attractive planted areas that provide complementary design components to buildings on a site. These standards are intended to allow for creativity and to provide latitude in the design of landscaping and irrigation plans, and to encourage design that conserves and recycles the resources invested in landscapes. Landscape and irrigation plans are encouraged to take full advantage of the wide range of drought-tolerant landscape material and low-water-flow irrigation systems available within the framework established by this section. All landscaping must comply with City Resolution 3675 establishing guidelines for the preparation of landscape and irrigation plans.
(B) Landscaping required.
(1) Landscaping with plant materials is required in the front yards of all residential development, including detached single-family units.
(2) Landscaping with plant materials must be provided in common open space areas and yard setback areas of multiple-family developments and mobile home parks.
- (3) All required front yards must be landscaped.
(4) Landscaping of required off-street parking areas must be provided as set forth in § 16.46.140 (Landscaping Required) of Chapter 16.46 (Off-Street Parking and Loading) of this Title 16.
(5) No more than 20% of any required landscaped area may be covered with hardscape or other non-plant materials such as fountains, rocks, masonry or brick work, paving, or similar feature.
(C) Irrigation required. All required landscape areas must be provided with permanent underground irrigation systems suitable for the type of landscaping provided.
(D) Landscape maintenance. All landscaping must be maintained in a neat and healthy condition and in a manner that prevents adverse public health, safety, and welfare effects.
- (E) Landscape and irrigation plans required.
(1) Landscape and irrigation plans are required for all residential development proposals for five or more units.
(2) The plan must indicate the square footage of each landscaping area, report the total square footage devoted to landscaping with plant materials, identify each landscaping area and the types of plants to be provided therein, list the container size of each plant, and clearly portray the entire landscaping layout and irrigation system.
(3) No building permit may be issued until landscaping and irrigation plans have been reviewed and approved by the Planning Director or the designee.
(F) Water-conserving features. Landscape and irrigation plans must take full advantage of available droughttolerant landscape materials and low-water-flow irrigation systems, except where such action conflicts with adopted fire prevention plans, or the Fire Chief determines that such would create a fire hazard.
(Ord. 1100, passed 7-6-04)
§ 16.13.070 REQUIRED FEATURES. ¶
(A) Required architectural features. All dwelling units, including mobile homes placed on a permanent foundation, constructed, erected or moved onto a permanent foundation on property in any residential area must conform to the following standards:
(1) The construction or installation must meet all city, state and federal requirements.
(2) No sheet metal roofs are permitted; provided, however, that metal roofs that simulate wood shake and shingle roofs are permitted, as are metal patio roofs.
(3) All main buildings or structures must have eave overhangs of a minimum of 16 inches or a minimum 1-foothigh parapet extending above roof level.
(4) No metal siding is permitted, with the exception of metal lap siding.
(5) All buildings must include a perimeter concrete or masonry stem wall, whether structural or ornamental. The stem wall must have the appearance of extending from grade up to the base of the exterior wall.
(B) Required interior features. All dwelling units, including multifamily dwelling units and mobile homes placed on permanent foundations, must conform to the following standards:
(1) The construction or installation must meet all city, state and federal requirements.
(2) All dwelling units must be insulated from exterior noise. Wall and floor/ceiling assemblies separating units
from each other or from public or quasi-public spaces such as interior corridors, laundry rooms, recreation rooms, and garages must provide airborne sound insulation (minimum rating of 55 STC) for walls, and both airborne and impact sound insulation (minimum rating of 65 IIC) for floor/ceiling assemblies.
(3) Each new dwelling unit must include utilities for future washer and dryer installation, unless an approved laundry facility is included within the development. Such utilities must be constructed with readily accessible outlets for plumbing (hot and cold water) and gas outlets when available or electrical outlets.
(4) A minimum of 10% of all dwelling units in a development, with the exception of mobile homes, must be designed to be handicap adaptable and/or accessible, pursuant to California accessibility requirements.
(C) Required site features. In addition to open space requirements outlined in § 16.13.050, the following site features are required on all residential properties.
(1) The configuration and orientation of the project should respect reasonable design limits imposed by the natural and manmade environment. Structures should be situated to take advantage of view, topography, sun and wind, while at the same time not destroying these advantages for adjacent properties. Structures should also be situated to minimize or buffer any undesirable properties of the site such as street noise and nearby obnoxious commercial or industrial uses.
nable design limits imposed by the natural and manmade environment. Structures should be situated to take advantage of view, topography, sun and wind, while at the same time not destroying these advantages for adjacent properties. Structures should also be situated to minimize or buffer any undesirable properties of the site such as street noise and nearby obnoxious commercial or industrial uses.
(2) The layout of units and open space within the project should establish, through the use of structure and manmade and landscape materials, a perceptible spatial transition from the public street, through the semi-privacy of the common areas, to the privacy of the unit. Most importantly, the environment of each dwelling unit should be private and free from visual, auditory and other intrusions.
- (D) Required storage area. All multi-family dwelling units must conform to the following standards:
(1) At least one private, lockable storage area must be provided for each dwelling unit when there is more than one dwelling unit on the same lot or building site.
(2) The storage area must be located either:
(a) Within a carport and protected from the elements;
(b) At some nearby, convenient location, located outside the dwellings;
(c) In a garage if the garage can be locked by the resident and the storage area does not encroach on the required 10 foot by 20 foot parking area.
(3) The storage area must meet the following standards:
(a) A minimum capacity of 90 cubic feet;
(b) No dimension of less than 30 inches;
(c) When built as an above-ground cabinet in a carport or garage, the cabinet must be high enough above the ground to maintain the required parking area and designed to prevent the collapse of the cabinet onto a vehicle. (Ord. 1100, passed 7-6-04; Am. Ord. 1159, passed 6-19-06)