Shafter Zoning Code § 4.10 Purpose and Intent

The General Plan outlines goals, objectives, and policies regarding the character of residential land uses and development. It is the purpose of this Chapter to provide regulations that implement those goals, objectives and policies that will assure availability of a wide range of residential housing opportunities and dwelling unit types to meet the needs of present and future City residents of all socioeconomic groups.

It is also the intent of this Chapter to ensure adequate light, air, privacy, and open space for each dwelling, minimize traffic congestion, avoid overloading of utilities resulting from the construction of buildings of excessive bulk or number in relation to the surrounding land area, protect residential properties from objectionable noise, illumination, unsightliness, odors, smoke and other deleterious influences; and facilitate the provision of utility services and other public facilities commensurate with anticipated population, dwelling unit densities, and service requirements.

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RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT DISTRICTS

1. Estate (E) District

The primary purpose of the Estate zone district is to provide for and protect a rural atmosphere and lifestyle. This zone district is intended as an area for development of low density, large lot, single family detached residential dwelling units at a maximum allowable density of three and one-half (3 1/2) dwelling units per gross acre. This Chapter further establishes development standards, as depicted on Table 4.B, for the Estate zone districts depicted on the City Zoning Map.

2. Residential Estate (R-E) District

The primary purpose of the Residential Estate zone district is to provide for detached single-family residential development that serves as a transition between the larger Estate zone district type development and the Low Density Residential zone district. This zone district provides for a maximum density of four (4) dwelling units per acre and provides for development standards, as depicted on Table 4.B, for this zone district depicted on the City Zoning Map.

3. Low Density Residential (R-1) District

The primary purpose of the R-1 zone district is to provide for and protect the atmosphere and lifestyle associated with detached, single family residential neighborhoods. This zone district is intended as an area for residential small lot developments at a maximum allowable density of five (5) dwelling units per acre. This Chapter further establishes minimum development standards, as depicted on Table 4.B, for the R-1 zone districts depicted on the City Zoning Map.

ADUs and JADUs, in addition to existing primary structures, are permitted within the R-1 zone district pursuant to the provisions of Section 11.200 of this Title, provided that the maximum allowable density of five (5) dwelling units per gross acre is not exceeded.

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Residential Districts

CHAPTER 4

CITY OF SHAFTER DEVELOPMENT CODE

4. Medium Density Residential (R-2) District

The primary purpose of the R-2 zone district is to provide for a range of housing choices for residents in a more urban setting. The R-2 zone district provides for residential development including small lot single and multiple family detached and attached residential uses at a maximum allowable density of fourteen (14) dwelling units per net acre. This Chapter further establishes minimum development standards, as depicted on Table 4.B, for the R-2 zone districts depicted on the City Zoning Map.

5. Medium High Residential (R-3) District

The primary purpose of the R-3 zone district is to provide for the development of multifamily attached residential dwelling units with enhanced amenities (common open space and recreation areas) at a maximum allowable density of twenty-four (24) dwelling units per net acre. This Chapter further establishes minimum development standards, as depicted on Table 4.B, for the R-3 zone districts depicted on the City Zoning Map.

6. Residential Densities

The actual density that may be attained in a residential district shall be determined by the residential land development review process and public hearings, as described in Chapters 1 and 2 of this Title. The Planning Director, Planning Commission, and/or City Council shall have the authority to reasonably condition proposed residential development to ensure that appropriate transitions are provided and that the proposed development is compatible with adjacent residential land uses, both existing and proposed.

“Threshold densities” as specified by the General Plan may be exceeded up to the “Maximum Allowable Density” for residentially zone districts, pursuant to the provisions of Section 10.80.1 (Density Bonuses) of this Title.