Sausalito Municipal Code Ch. 10.22 Residential Zoning Districts

In addition to the general purposes listed in SMC § 10.10.030 (Title and purpose), the specific purposes of the residential zoning districts include the following:

A. To provide suitable locations for a variety of housing types and classes of dwelling accommodations needed to serve the population of the City of Sausalito;

B. To provide stability and protection for residential areas;

C. To control the density and distribution of population throughout the area in conformance with the general plan;

D. To provide for public and private facilities necessary to serve residential areas;

E. To ensure sensitive hillside residential design; and

F. To provide opportunities for religious institutions, day care facilities, residential care facilities and other uses that are compatible with and desirable for residential neighborhoods.

(Ord. 1167 § 2, 2003)

The additional purposes of each residential zoning district are as follows:

A. Single-Family Residential (R-1). The single-family residential zoning district (R-1) provides for low density, detached single-family residential land use. Densities are based on existing development and are meant to be protected and preserved. Development standards reflect the scale, character, and intensity of existing neighborhoods.

The single-family residential zoning district is a very low to low density residential district with three different minimum lot sizes ranging from one dwelling unit per 6,000 square feet of land area (lot size) to one dwelling unit per 20,000 square feet of land area (lot size), depending on the environmental constraints and neighborhood character. The district is divided into three subdistricts (as indicated in Table 10.22-2, Site Development Standards – Residential Zoning Districts) based on these densities, including R-1-6, R-1-8 and R-1-20.

B. Two-Family Residential (R-2). The two-family residential zoning district (R-2) provides for a mix of single-family and duplex dwellings. The district is intended to provide for development of single- and two-family dwellings in appropriately located areas and with the appropriate character.

The two-family residential zoning district is a medium to medium-high density residential land use category. Densities are one dwelling unit per 2,500 square feet or 5,000 square feet, depending on location. The district is divided into two subdistricts (as indicated in Table 10.22-2, Site Development Standards – Residential Zoning Districts) based on these densities, including R-2-2.5 and R-2-5.

C. Planned Residential (PR). The planned residential zoning district preserves and maintains existing medium-high residential density development, including townhomes and condominiums.

Planned residential is a medium-high density residential district with a residential density of one dwelling unit per 1,980 square feet.

D. Multiple-Family Residential (R-3). The multiple-family residential zoning district provides areas for residential neighborhoods of single-family dwellings, two-family dwellings, duplexes, apartments, and other multiple-family attached dwelling units, such as condominiums. The multiple-family district provides for innovative site planning, while providing on-site recreational amenities and location near major community facilities, business centers and/or major streets.

The multiple-family district is a high density residential district with a residential density of one dwelling unit per 1,500 square feet.

E. Houseboats (H). The houseboat zoning district is intended to maintain and enhance the City's diverse housing stock and to continue to allow houseboat uses on the City's waterfront.

The houseboat district is a low density residential zoning district with a residential density of one dwelling unit per 10,000 square feet.

F. Arks (A). The residential ark district promotes and encourages traditional, pre-1963 single-family arks. The district encourages arks' maintenance, restoration and preservation in a manner compatible with surrounding marine and commercial uses. Residential arks are a high density residential land use with a residential density of one unit per 1,500 square feet.

(Ord. 1167 § 2, 2003)

Table 10.22-1 (Land Uses Allowed in Residential Districts) outlines the land uses that are allowed in each of the residential zoning districts. As indicated in the legend, each use is either permitted (no discretionary permit required), or one of two discretionary use permits are required (minor use permit, conditional use permit), as explained in Division IV of this title (Permit Procedures), Chapters 10.50 through 10.68 SMC. Blanks indicate the use is not allowed in that particular district. The last column identifies sections of the Zoning Ordinance where additional requirements are found and apply to the land use. Additional requirements for specific uses set forth in Chapter 10.44 SMC (Specific Use Requirements) may also be applicable.

Table 10.22-1 LAND USES ALLOWED IN RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS*

(Ord. 1167 § 2, 2003; Ord. 1209 § 3, 2012; Ord. 1223 § 3, 2014; Ord. 1267 § 2, 2019; Ord. 1268 § 2, 2019; Ord. 1281 § 1, 2020; Ord. 05-2023 § 1, 2023; Ord. 06-2025-A, 12/2/2025; Ord. 04-2026, 4/7/2026)

Minimum requirements are established for parcel size, lot width, and setbacks. Requirements for density, floor area ratio, coverage and building height are maximum amounts allowed.

A. Parcel Size. Each parcel proposed for development or a new land use, and each new parcel proposed in a subdivision, shall comply with the provisions that follow, or the applicable provisions of SMC § 10.40.030 (Minimum parcel standards). New parcels proposed in a subdivision shall also comply with all applicable provisions of SMC Title 9 (Subdivisions). Existing parcels that do not meet the minimum lot area or width requirements specified by this section as set forth in Table 10.22-2 may be developed in accordance with the development standards listed below; provided, that the subject parcel has been legally created.

B. Lot Width. Additional lot width requirements may be established or allowed by an applicable -Pd overlay district. (See SMC § 10.28.060, Planned development (-Pd).)

C. Setbacks. Different setbacks may also apply where a zoning district is combined with an overlay zoning district. Ten-foot front yard setbacks are required where designated on the zoning map. Minimum side yard setbacks may be increased in other situations as outlined in Chapter 10.40 SMC (General Development Regulations).

D. Density. Density is based on net parcel area. Maximum density for single-family dwellings in the single-family residential (R-1) district may be increased where additional units are approved as provided by SMC § 10.44.080 (Accessory dwelling unit regulations).

E. Building Height. Building height is measured from the natural average grade. Maximum building height may vary depending on parcel topography and may vary for other specific features of the site.

F. Additional Requirements. Land uses shall comply with the additional requirements established by Chapter 10.40 SMC (General Development Requirements) and Chapter 10.44 SMC (Specific Use Requirements).

Table 10.22-2 Site Development Standards – Residential Zoning Districts 1

(Ord. 1167 § 2, 2003; Ord. 1217 § 1, 2014; Ord. 06-2025-A, 12/2/2025)