Article 2

Zoning Districts, Allowable Land Uses, and Zone-Specific Standards

Division 36.200 Zoning Map

36.200.010 Purpose of Division 36.200.020 Zoning Map and Zoning Districts Division 36.210 Development and Land Use Approval Requirements 36.210.010 Purpose 36.210.020 General Requirements for Development and New Land Uses 36.210.030 Allowable Land Uses and Permit Requirements 36.210.040 Exemptions from Zoning Approval Requirements Division 36.220 Residential Zoning Districts 36.220.010 Purpose of Division 36.220.020 Purposes of Residential Zoning Districts 36.220.030 Residential Zoning District Land Uses and Permit Requirements 36.220.040 Residential Zoning District General Development Standards - 36.220.050 Development of Small Non Conforming Residential Parcels Division 36.230 Commercial Zoning Districts 36.230.010 Purpose of Division 36.230.020 Purposes of Commercial Zoning Districts 36.230.030 Commercial District Land Uses and Permit Requirements 36.230.040 Commercial District General Development Standards 36.230.050 Mixed Use Overlay Development Standards Division 36.240 Special Purpose Zoning Districts 36.240.010 Purpose of Division 36.240.020 Purposes of Special Purpose Zoning Districts 36.240.030 Special Purpose District Land Uses and Permit Requirements 36.240.040 Special Purpose District General Development Standards Division 36.250 Overlay Zoning Districts 36.250.010 Purpose of Division 36.250.020 Applicability of Overlay Zoning Districts 36.250.030 Altos de Monterey (AM) Overlay District 36.250.040 Mixed Use (MU) Overlay District 36.250.050 Housing Opportunity (HO) Overlay District 36.250.060 Camino del Cielo (CDC) Overlay District xx Division 36.200. Zoning Map Sections:

36.200.010 Purpose of Division.

36.200.020 Zoning Map and Zoning Districts.

This Division establishes the zoning districts applied to property within the City, and adopts the City’s Zoning Map.

(Ord. No. 2108 § 1.)

The official City of South Pasadena Zoning Map has been adopted by the Council and is on file in the Department.

A. Zoning districts established. The City of South Pasadena shall be divided into zoning districts which implement the General Plan. The zoning districts shown in Table 2-1 are hereby established, and shall be shown on the Zoning Map.

B. Interpretation of zoning district boundaries. If there is uncertainty about the location of any zoning district boundary shown on the Zoning Map, the precise location of the boundary shall be determined by the Director.

1. Where district boundaries approximately follow lot, alley, or street lines, the lot lines and/or street and alley centerlines shall be construed as the district boundaries as appropriate;

2. Where a public street or alley is officially vacated or abandoned, the property that was formerly in the street or alley will be included within the zoning district of the adjoining property on either side of the centerline of the vacated or abandoned street or alley.

The Director may refer any question of interpretation of the Zoning Map to the Commission for a determination, at a public hearing. C. Annexations. Areas annexed to the City shall be zoned according to the pre-annexation zoning classification until City zoning is applied to the site in compliance with Division 36.620 (Amendments).

TABLE 2-1. ZONING DISTRICTS

(Ord. No. 2108 § 1; Ord. No. 2379 § 5 (Exh. A), 2023; Ord. No. 2386 § 5 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. No. 2399 § 4, 2025.)

Division 36.210. Development and Land Use Approval Requirements

Sections:

36.210.010 Purpose.

36.210.020 General Requirements for Development and New Land Uses.

36.210.030 Allowable Land Uses and Permit Requirements.

36.210.040 Exemptions from Zoning Approval Requirements.

This Division describes the City’s requirements for the approval of proposed development and new land uses. The permit requirements established by this Zoning Code for specific land uses are in Divisions 36.220 through 36.250.

(Ord. No. 2108 § 1.)

All land uses and structures shall be established, constructed, reconstructed, altered, relocated, or replaced in compliance with the following requirements.

A. Allowable use. The land use shall be allowed by this Zoning Code in the zoning district applied to the site. The basis for determining whether a use is allowable is described in Section 36.210.030 (Allowable Land Uses and Permit Requirements).

B. Permit and approval requirements. Any zoning approval or other approval required by Section 36.210.030 shall be obtained before commencing construction of the proposed use, or otherwise established or put into operation, unless the proposed use is listed in Section 36.210.040 (Exemptions from Zoning Approval Requirements).

C. Development standards, conditions of approval. Land uses and structures shall comply with the development standards of this Article, the provisions of Article 3 (Site Planning and General Development Standards), and any applicable conditions imposed by a previously granted zoning approval.

D. Design guidelines. Land uses and structures shall comply with the design guidelines to the extent required by the Review Authority and/or specific provisions of the design guidelines.

E. Legal parcel. The proposed site shall be a parcel that was legally created in compliance with the Subdivision Map Act, and Article 5, Subdivisions, or earlier City subdivision regulations in effect at the time the parcel was created.

(Ord. No. 2108 § 1; Ord. No. 2183 § 1, 2009.)

A. Allowable land uses. The uses of land allowed by this Zoning Code in each zoning district are listed in Tables 2-2, 2-4, and 2-6, together with the type of zoning approval required for each use.

1. Establishment of an allowable use.

a. Any parcel or structure may be approved with one or more of the land uses identified by the tables as being allowable within the applicable zoning district, subject to all applicable requirements of this Zoning Code, and the zoning approval requirements of Subsection B. for each individual use.

b. Where a single development proposal includes multiple uses, the overall project shall be subject to the highest permit level required by Subsection B. for any of the individual uses proposed. For example, a new building proposed in the CG zoning district with retail on the ground floor, offices on the second floor, and apartments on the third floor would require Conditional Use Permit (CUP) approval because Table 2-4 allows “mixed-use residential” (residential uses as part of an otherwise non-residential project), subject to a CUP in the CG district even though “general retail” and “offices, professional and administrative” are permitted uses, requiring only a Planning Clearance.

2. Uses not listed. Land uses that are not listed in tables or are not shown in a particular zoning district are not allowed, except as otherwise provided by Section 36.210.040 (Exemptions from Zoning Approval Requirements), and as follows.

a. Similar uses may be allowed. Using the interpretation procedures in Division 36.110, the Director may determine that a proposed use not listed in Tables 2-2, 2-4, and 2-6 is allowable if all of the following findings are made:

(1) The characteristics of, and activities associated with the proposed use are equivalent to one or more of the listed uses, and will not involve a higher level of activity or population density than the uses allowed in the district;

• (2) The proposed use will be consistent with the purposes of the applicable zoning district; and

• (3) The proposed use will be consistent with the General Plan and any applicable Specific Plan.

b. Applicable standards and permit requirements. When the Director determines that a proposed, but unlisted, use is equivalent to a listed use, the proposed use will be treated in the same manner as the listed use in determining where it is allowed, what permits are required, and what other standards and requirements of this Zoning Code apply.

c. Commission determination. The Director may forward questions about equivalent uses directly to the Commission for a determination at a public meeting.

B. Permit requirements. Tables 2-2, 2-4, and 2-6 provide for land uses that are:

1. Permitted subject to compliance with all applicable provisions of this Zoning Code, subject to first obtaining a Planning Clearance (Section 36.410.020), and any Building Permit or other permit required by the Municipal Code. These are shown as “P” uses in the tables;

2. Allowed subject to the approval of an Administrative Use Permit (Section 36.410.060) and shown as “AUP” uses in the tables; and

3. Allowed subject to the approval of a Conditional Use Permit (Section 36.410.060), and shown as “CUP” uses in the tables.

4. A project may require design review by the Director, the Planning Commission Chair, the Planning Commission (for a Hillside Permit) and/or the Cultural Heritage Commission (if required to obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness), in addition to the permit requirements above. See Section 36.410.040 (Design Review).

(Ord. No. 2108 § 1; Ord. No. 2394 § 4 (Exh. A), 2025.)

The zoning approval requirements of this Zoning Code, other than those of the Cultural Heritage Commission, do not apply to the land uses, structures, and activities identified by this section. These are allowed in all zoning districts subject to compliance with this section.

A. General requirements for exemption. The land uses, structures, and activities identified by Subsection B. below are exempt from the zoning approval requirements of this Zoning Code only when:

1. The use, activity or structure is established and operated in compliance with the setback requirements, height limits, and all other applicable standards of this Article and Article 3 (Site Planning and General Development Standards);

2. The use, activity or structure is not subject to design review (Section 36.410.040), or by the Planning Commission for a Hillside Development Permit (Section 36.410.065); and

B. Exempt activities and uses. The following are exempt from zoning approval requirements when in compliance with Subsection A. above, provided that any permit or approval required by regulations other than this Zoning Code is obtained (for example, a Building Permit).

1. Decks, paths and driveways. Decks, platforms, on-site paths, and driveways that are not required to have a Building Permit or Grading Permit by the Municipal Code.

2. Fences and walls. See Section 36.300.050 (Walls, Fences and Hedges).

3. Interior remodeling. Interior alterations that do not increase the number of rooms or the gross floor area within the structure, or change the permitted use of the structure.

4. Portable spas, hot tubs, and fish ponds. Portable spas, hot tubs, fish ponds, and similar structures and equipment, that do not: exceed 120 square feet in total area including related equipment; contain more than 2,000 gallons of water; or exceed three feet in depth. These facilities shall comply with the setback requirements established by this Article for the applicable zoning district, or 36.350.170 (Residential Uses—Accessory Residential Structures), where applicable.

5. Repairs and maintenance. Ordinary repairs and maintenance, if:

a. The work does not change the approved land use of the site or structure, or add to, enlarge or expand the land use and/or structure; and

b. Any exterior repairs employ the same materials and design as the feature being repaired or replaced.

6. Small, portable residential accessory structures. Within residential zoning districts, a single portable structure, up to 120 square feet, per lot or dwelling unit, including pre-manufactured storage sheds and other small structures that are exempt from Building Permit requirements in compliance with the Municipal Code and the Uniform Building Code.

7. Solar collectors. The addition of solar collection systems to the roofs or sides of existing structures, provided that the collectors comply with applicable height limit requirements.

8. Utilities. The erection, construction, alteration, or maintenance by a public utility or public agency of underground or overhead utilities intended to service existing or nearby approved developments. These include: water, gas, electric, or telecommunications (telephone, cable TV, etc.) supply or disposal systems; including wires, mains, drains, sewers, pipes, conduits, cables, fire-alarm boxes, police call boxes, traffic signals, hydrants, etc., but not including new transmission lines and structures. Satellite and wireless communications antennas are subject to Section 36.350.210 (Telecommunications Facilities).

(Ord. No. 2108 § 1; Ord. No. 2183 § 2, 2009; Ord. No. 2394 § 4 (Exh. A), 2025.)

Division 36.220. Residential Zoning Districts

Sections:

36.220.010 Purpose of Division. 36.220.020 Purposes of Residential Zoning Districts. 36.220.030 Residential Zoning District Land Uses and Permit Requirements. 36.220.040 Residential Zoning District General Development Standards.

36.220.050 Development of Small Nonconforming Residential Parcels.

This division lists the uses of land that may be allowed within the residential zoning districts established by SPMC 36.200.020 (Zoning Map and Zoning Districts), determines the type of zoning approval/approval required for each use, and provides basic standards for site layout and building size.

(Ord. No. 2108 § 1; Ord. No. 2379 § 5 (Exh. A), 2023.)

Different residential zoning districts are intended to provide for a variety of housing opportunities through new construction, and the maintenance of existing homes and neighborhoods. The purposes of the individual residential zoning districts and the manner in which they are applied are as follows:

A. RE (Residential Estate) district. The RE zoning district applies to areas appropriate for detached, single-family residential homes on large estate parcels. The allowable residential density is a maximum of three dwelling units per acre. The RE zoning district is consistent with the Very Low Density Neighborhood land use designation of the General Plan.

B. RS (Residential Single-Family) district. The RS zoning district is intended for areas appropriate for the development of detached, single-family homes. The allowable residential density is a maximum of five dwelling units per acre. The RS zoning district is consistent with the Low Density Neighborhood land use designation of the General Plan.

C. RM (Residential Medium Density) district. The RM zoning district applies to areas appropriate for a variety of housing types. Typical residential land uses include single-family bungalow courts, courtyard housing, townhomes, duplexes, triplexes, multiplexes, and other attached dwellings on smaller lots. The allowable residential density ranges from 5.1 to 30 dwelling units per acre, except that any property in the RM district that is also included on the Housing Element Table VI-52 or VI-53 shall require a minimum density of 20 dwelling units per acre. Up to 70 dwelling units per acre are allowed for properties located within the Housing Opportunity (HO) Overlay District. The RM zoning district is consistent with the Medium Density Neighborhood land use designation of the General Plan.

D. RH (Residential High Density) district. The RH zoning district is intended for areas appropriate for high density attached dwelling units, including courtyard housing, townhouses, condominiums, and apartments. The allowable residential density ranges from 30.1 to 45 dwelling units per acre. Up to 70 dwelling units per acre are allowed for properties located within the Housing Opportunity (HO) Overlay District. The RH zoning district is consistent with the High Density Neighborhood land use designation of the General Plan.

(Ord. No. 2108 § 1; Ord. No. 2379 § 5 (Exh. A), 2023; Ord. No. 2386 § 5 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. No. 2387 § 5 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. No. 2388 § 6, 2024; Ord. No. 2403 § 4 (Exh. A), 2025.)

A. General requirements. Table 2-2 identifies the uses of land allowed by this Zoning Code in each residential zoning district, and the zonings approval required to establish each use, in compliance with SPMC 36.210.030 (Allowable Land Uses and Permit Requirements).

Note: 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 Zoning Code may also apply.

B. Altos de Monterey (AM) overlay district. Allowable land uses and permit requirements for parcels within the AM overlay district are established by SPMC 36.250.030.

(Ord. No. 2108 § 1; Ord. No. 2197 § 2, 2009; Ord. No. 2246 § 3, 2013; Ord. No. 2251 § 5, 2013; Ord. No. 2253 § 3, 2013; Ord. No. 2372 § 2, 2023; Ord. No. 2379 § 5 (Exh. A), 2023; Ord. No. 2381 § 4, 2023; Ord. No. 2388 § 7, 2024.)

A. General requirements. Subdivisions, new land uses and structures, and alterations to existing land uses and structures, shall be designed, constructed, and/or established in compliance with the requirements in Table 2-3, in addition to the applicable development standards (e.g., landscaping, parking and loading, etc.) in Article 3 (Site Planning and General Development Standards).

B. Altos de Monterey (AM) overlay district. Development standards for parcels within the AM overlay district are established by SPMC 36.250.030.

C. Design guidelines and standards. Land uses and structures proposed within the residential zoning districts shall comply with the City’s Design Guidelines to the extent required by the review authority and/or specific provisions of the Design Guidelines, objective design standards, and to the extent permitted by State law. Qualifying residential projects shall comply with the ministerial approval process established by SPMC 36.410.040(D)(4).

TABLE 2-3. RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT GENERAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS

TABLE 2-3. RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT GENERAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS

TABLE 2-3. RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT GENERAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS

TABLE 2-3. RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT GENERAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS

TABLE 2-3. RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT GENERAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS

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Figure 2-1. Height Limit Adjacent to Street

(Ord. No. 2108 § 1; Ord. No. 2183 § 3, 2009; Ord. No. 2190 § 3, 2009; Ord. No. 2372 § 3, 2023; Ord. No. 2379 § 5 (Exh. A), 2023; Ord. No. 2386 § 5 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. No. 2387 § 5 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. No. 2394 § 4 (Exh. A), 2025; Ord. No. 2403 § 4 (Exh. A), 2025.)

The following standards apply to new and remodeled single-family dwellings on legal nonconforming parcels with an area of less than 10,000 square feet, except that all standards, except subsection F of this section (Lot Coverage), do not apply to hillside parcels (as defined by SPMC 36.340 (Hillside Protection)). These standards are intended to minimize the impacts of single-family dwelling alteration, construction, expansion, and replacement by maintaining the existing residential neighborhood character that might otherwise result in overbuilding on a small single-family parcel.

A. Design compatibility. Proposed construction shall have exterior colors, forms, and materials that are consistent throughout and visually compatible with adjacent structures and the surrounding neighborhood. The size, mass, and scale of new dwellings shall also be visually compatible with adjacent structures and the surrounding neighborhood. New dwellings shall also comply with the City’s Residential Design Guidelines.

• B. Setbacks.

1. The front and rear setback shall be 20 feet, or 15 feet for houses with a front porch.

2. A second story shall be set back an additional five feet from the front of the house and three feet on both sides (which may be accommodated within a sloping roof), unless the architectural style requires a zero front or side second story setback, as determined by the Review Authority. In the latter case, the ground floor front setback shall be 25 feet.

C. Driveway width. Driveways shall be limited to a maximum paved width of 10 feet with two feet clear of obstructions on either side, or 40 percent of the parcel frontage, whichever is less. Driveway width at property lines shall be limited to 10 feet.

D. Front yard paving. No more than 45 percent of the total area of the front setback shall be paved for walkways, driveways, and/or other hardcover pavement.

• E. Reserved.

F. Lot coverage. The maximum lot coverage shall be 50 percent.

G. Parking. For dwellings with detached garages located behind the primary unit, the minimum parking requirement shall be two covered spaces. Attached garages shall be set back a minimum of 10 feet from the front of the building, and shall include two enclosed spaces.

(Ord. No. 2108 § 1; Ord. No. 2166, § 3, 2007; Ord. No. 2183 § 4, 2009; Ord. No. 2190 § 5, 2009; Ord. No. 2379 § 5 (Exh. A), 2023.)

Division 36.230. Commercial Zoning Districts

Sections:

36.230.010 Purpose of Division.

36.230.020 Purposes of Commercial Zoning Districts.

36.230.030 Commercial District Land Uses and Permit Requirements.

36.230.040 Commercial District General Development Standards.

36.230.050 Mixed Use Overlay Development Standards.

This division lists the uses of land that may be allowed within the commercial zoning districts established by SPMC 36.200.020 (Zoning Map and Zoning Districts). It also determines the type of zoning approval/approval required for each use, and provides basic standards for site development.

(Ord. No. 2108 § 1; Ord. No. 2379 § 5 (Exh. A), 2023.)

The Commercial zoning districts are intended to provide a range of commercial opportunities within South Pasadena. The purposes of the individual Commercial zoning districts and the manner in which they are applied are as follows.

A. CG (Commercial General) district. The CG zoning district is applied to areas appropriate for a wide range of commercial retail and service land uses. The CG zoning district is consistent with the Mixed Use Core land use designation of the General Plan.

B. CO (Commercial Office) district. The CO zoning district is applied to areas appropriate for professional offices. Other uses including business support services, restaurants, and specialty retail land uses may be allowed. The CO zoning district is consistent with the Mixed Use Core land use designation in the General Plan.

C. BP (Business Park) district. The BP zoning district is applied to areas appropriate for light manufacturing and business park uses including research and development, corporate headquarter offices, and support service and retail land uses. Land uses in the BP District are intended to be designed as campus-business park environments. The BP zoning district is consistent with the Mixed Use Core land use designation of the General Plan.

D. MU (Mixed Use) overlay district. The MU overlay district may be applied to all CO, CG, and BP zoning districts as an overlay to allow for a wide range of development that contains a mix of functions, including commercial, entertainment, office, and housing. The MU overlay district is consistent with the Mixed Use Core land use designation in the General Plan. The intent of this overlay district includes implementation of General Plan policy direction and applicable State laws to allow for 100 percent residential development in the CO and CG zoning districts.

(Ord. No. 2108 § 1; Ord. No. 2379 § 5 (Exh. A), 2023.)

A. General requirements. Table 2-4 identifies the uses of land allowed by this Zoning Code in the commercial zoning districts, and the zoning approval required to establish each use, in compliance with SPMC 36.210.030 (Allowable Land Uses and Permit Requirements).

Note: 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 Zoning Code may also apply.

B. Design guidelines and standards. Land uses and structures proposed within the commercial zoning districts shall comply with any adopted design guidelines to the extent required by the Review Authority and/or specific provisions of any design guidelines and any applicable objective design standards for qualifying residential and mixed-use projects. Qualifying residential projects shall comply with the ministerial approval process established by SPMC 36.410.040(D)(6).

in the commercial zoning districts shall comply with any adopted design guidelines to the extent required by the Review Authority and/or specific provisions of any design guidelines and any applicable objective design standards for qualifying residential and mixed-use projects. Qualifying residential projects shall comply with the ministerial approval process established by SPMC 36.410.040(D)(6).

(Ord. No. 2108 § 1; Ord. No. 2128 § 1; Ord. No. 2132 § 1; Ord. No. 2165 § 1, 2007; Ord. No. 2172 § 3, 2008; Ord. No. 2183 § 5, 2009; Ord. No. 2197 § 3, 2009; Ord. No. 2202 § 3, 2010; Ord. No. 2207 § 5, 2010; Ord. No. 2208 § 6, 2010; Ord. No. 2244 § 5, 2013; Ord. No. 2251 § 4, 2013; Ord. No. 2292 § 5, 2016; Ord. No. 2358 § 1, 2021; Ord. No. 2372 § 4, 2023; Ord. No. 2379 § 5 (Exh. A), 2023.)

Subdivisions, new land uses and structures, and alterations to existing land uses and structures, shall be designed, constructed, and/or established in compliance with the requirements in Table 2-5, in addition to the applicable development standards (e.g., landscaping, parking and loading, etc.) in Article 3 (Site Planning and General Development Standards).

TABLE 2-5. COMMERCIAL DISTRICT GENERAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS

TABLE 2-5. COMMERCIAL DISTRICT GENERAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS

(Ord. No. 2108 § 1; Ord. No. 2379 § 5 (Exh. A), 2023; Ord. No. 2403 § 4 (Exh. A), 2025.)

A. New development. Subdivisions, new land uses, and structures developed as mixed-use development or as urban residential (multifamily) development within CO, CG, or BP zoning districts and with the Mixed Use Overlay shall be designed, constructed, and/or established in compliance with the requirements in Table 2-6, in addition to the applicable development standards (e.g., landscaping, parking and loading, etc.) in Article 3 (Site Planning and General Development Standards).

B. For properties designated in the General Plan Housing Element sites inventory as Mixed Use, in addition to all other requirements in this section, projects of 100 percent residential development shall be permitted, and at least 50 percent of the total floor area of mixed-used developments on any sites identified as Mixed Use in the Housing Element sites inventory must be developed as residential use.

C. Redevelopment. Substantial alteration of an existing mixed-use development or urban residential (multi-family) development within the CO, CG, or BP zoning districts shall be improved to satisfy the requirements in Table 2-6, in addition to the applicable development standards (e.g., landscaping, parking and loading, etc.) in Article 3 (Site Planning and General Development Standards).

D. Notes column in Table 2-6. Where the last column in Table 2-6 (“Notes”) includes a section number, the regulations in the referenced section apply to the standard; however, provisions in other sections of this Zoning Code may also apply.

TABLE 2-6. MIXED USE OVERLAY DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS

TABLE 2-6. MIXED USE OVERLAY DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS

(Ord. No. 2379 § 5 (Exh. A), 2023; Ord. No. 2394 § 4 (Exh. A), 2025; Ord. No. 2403 § 4 (Exh. A), 2025.)

Division 36.240. Special Purpose Zoning Districts

Sections:

36.240.010 Purpose of Division.

36.240.020 Purposes of Special Purpose Zoning Districts.

36.240.030 Special Purpose District Land Uses and Permit Requirements.

36.240.040 Special Purpose District General Development Standards.

This division regulates development and new land uses in the special purpose zoning districts established by SPMC 36.200.020 (Zoning Map and Zoning Districts).

(Ord. No. 2108 § 1; Ord. No. 2379 § 5 (Exh. A), 2023.)

The purposes of the individual special purpose zoning districts and the manner in which they are applied are as follows.

A. CF (Community Facilities) District. The CF zoning district is applied to areas appropriate for public and quasi-public land uses. Typical land uses include government and institutional offices, schools, libraries, religious facilities, and other related municipal uses. The CF zoning district is consistent with the Civic land use designation of the General Plan.

B. OS (Open Space) District. The OS zoning district is applied to areas suitable for open space land uses including parks, natural open space areas, recreational facilities, and areas used for flood control. The OS zoning district is consistent with the Parks and Open Spaces, and Preserves land use designations of the General Plan.

C. DTSP (Downtown Specific Plan) District. The DTSP zoning district is applied to the Downtown Specific Plan area. Appropriate land uses include pedestrian-oriented, retail and service uses. The DTSP zoning district is consistent with the Mixed Use Core and Fair Oaks Corridor land use designations of the General Plan.

D. HFSP (Holy Family Specific Plan) District. The HFSP zoning district is applied to the Holy Family Specific Plan area. Appropriate land uses include religious facilities, schools, and accessory uses. The HFSP zoning district is consistent with the Civic land use designation of the General Plan.

(Ord. No. 2108 § 1; Ord. No. 2379 § 5 (Exh. A), 2023.)

A. CF and OS Districts. Table 2-7 identifies the uses of land allowed by this Zoning Code in each special purpose zoning district, and the zoning approval required to establish each use, in compliance with SPMC 36.210.030 (Allowable Land Uses and Permit Requirements).

Note: 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 Zoning Code may also apply.

B. DTSP District. Land uses in the DTSP zoning district are as permitted in the Downtown Specific Plan.

C. HFSP District. Land uses in the HFSP zoning district are as permitted in the Holy Family Specific Plan.

D. CF-50 District.

1. Purpose. The CF-50 District is intended to provide opportunities for higher intensity multifamily housing on religious congregation or private school sites that are larger than two acres and designated CF-50. 
   

2. Applicability. The CF-50 District shall consist of those parcels designated CF-50 on the City’s Zoning Map. 
   

3. Allowable Density and Height. Maximum 50 dwelling units per acre with a maximum height of up to 50 feet. 
   

4.  Allowable land uses and development standards. Allowable land uses shall be as in the CF District, except that multifamily residential development is permitted. Multifamily residential uses shall be subject to the Mixed Use Overlay District Development Standard of SPMC 36.230.050(D) and Table 2-6, except for the maximum height limit.
   

Notes:

(1) See Article 7 for land use definitions.

(2) Residential development with a density between 20 and 30 dwelling units per acre is allowed on Assessor Parcel No. 5314-003-083 pursuant to the 2021-2029 (6th Cycle) Housing Element. Any project on this parcel that includes at least 20 percent of the residential units reserved for lower income households shall (a) be processed through a ministerial approval process, (b) qualify for priority processing as compared to other projects processed by the Community Development Department, and (c) be exempt from and not subject to the Public Art Program and Public Art Development requirements of SPMC 36.390 and 36.395.

(3) See also SPMC 36.240.030(D) pertaining to the CF-50 District.

(Ord. No. 2108 § 1; Ord. No. 2127, § 1; Ord. No. 2197 § 4, 2009; Ord. No. 2379 § 5 (Exh. A), 2023; Ord. No. 2388 § 8, 2024; Ord. No. 2403 § 4 (Exh. A), 2025.)

A. CF and OS Districts. Subdivisions, new land uses and structures, and alterations to existing land uses and structures, shall be designed, constructed, and/or established in compliance with development standards determined through development review process on a case-by-case basis, and may include buffering between structures and adjacent residential uses, in addition to any other applicable requirements of this division, and the development standards (e.g., landscaping, parking and loading, etc.) in Article 3 (Site Planning and General Development Standards).

B. DTSP District. Development standards that pertain to development in the DTSP District are as specified in the Downtown Specific Plan.

C. HFSP District. Development standards that pertain to development in the HFSP District are as specified in the Holy Family Specific Plan.

D. Design guidelines and standards. Land uses and structures proposed within the special purpose zoning districts shall comply with any adopted design guidelines to the extent required by the appropriate Review Authority and/or specific provisions of the design guidelines, and any applicable objective design standards for qualifying residential and mixed-use projects.

(Ord. No. 2108 § 1; Ord. No. 2183 § 6, 2009; Ord. No. 2379 § 5 (Exh. A), 2023.)

Division 36.250. Overlay Zoning Districts

Sections:

36.250.010 Purpose of Division.

36.250.020 Applicability of Overlay Zoning Districts.

36.250.030 Altos de Monterey (AM) Overlay District.

36.250.040 Mixed Use (MU) Overlay District.

36.250.050 Housing Opportunity (HO) Overlay District.

36.250.060 Camino del Cielo (CDC) Overlay District.

This Division regulates new and existing structures and land uses in the overlay zoning district established by Section 36.200.020 (Zoning Map and Zoning Districts). The provisions of this Division provide guidance for development in addition to the standards and regulations of the primary zoning district, where important site, environmental, safety, compatibility, or design issues require particular attention in project planning.

(Ord. No. 2108 § 1.)

The provisions of this Division apply to proposed land uses and development in addition to all other applicable requirements of this Zoning Code. Any perceived conflict between the provisions of this Division and any other provision of this Zoning Code shall be resolved in compliance with Division 36.110 (Interpretation of Zoning Code Provisions).

A. Mapping of overlay districts. The applicability of any overlay zoning district to a specific site is shown by the overlay Zoning Map symbol established by Section 36.200.020 (Zoning Map and Zoning Districts), being appended as a suffix to the symbol for the primary zoning district on the Zoning Map. The overlay districts are applied to property through the rezoning process (Division 36.620).

B. Allowed land uses, permit requirements, development standards. Except as may be otherwise provided by this Division for a specific overlay district:

1. Any land use normally allowed in the primary zoning district by this Article may be allowed within an overlay district, subject to any additional requirements of the overlay district;

2. Development and new land uses within an overlay district shall obtain the zoning approvals required by this Article for the primary zoning district; and

3. Development and new land uses within an overlay district shall comply with all applicable development standards of the primary zoning district, all other applicable provisions of this Zoning Code (e.g., Article 3—Site Planning and General Development Standards), and any adopted design guidelines to the extent determined by the appropriate Review Authority and/or specific provisions of the design guidelines.

(Ord. No. 2108 § 1; Ord. No. 2183 § 7, 2009.)

A. Purpose. The standards and conditions provided by this Section for the AM Overlay District are intended to:

1. Maintain the existing architectural character and neighborhood environment;

2. Recognize, maintain, and augment the standards and conditions of the strict Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs) to which the properties within this overlay district are held and conveyed, and which run with the land; and

3. Provide additional conditions and restrictions not addressed by the CC&Rs that are necessitated by the long term residential use of the affected properties, also to maintain the existing architectural character and neighborhood environment.

The AM overlay district is consistent with the Altos de Monterey land use category of the General Plan.

B. Applicability.

1. Area affected. The AM overlay district is applied to areas identified on the zoning map indicated with the AM overlay district suffix symbol. These areas specifically include Parcels 1 through 57, Parcels 59-639, and Lot 3 of PM 7380, Tract 25588, as designated and recorded in Book 713, pages 51-77 inclusive of maps in the Office of the Los Angeles County Recorder (hereinafter described as either Tract 25588 or the AM overlay district.

2. Applicability of standards. The standards of this Section apply to any additions, remodels or new construction proposed in the AM overlay district, in addition to all other applicable requirements of this Zoning Code.

C. Allowable land uses and permit requirements. Land uses within the AM overlay district shall be limited to the following.

1. Permitted uses. Only the following uses are permitted within the AM overlay district.

a. One single-family dwelling is allowed on each legally subdivided lot not otherwise designated for semi-public or public use, subject to Planning Clearance (Section 36.410.020) and Design Review (Section 36.410.040). All structures shall be constructed on site, except that manufactured homes as defined in Government Code Section 65852.3 shall be permitted to the extent required by the Government Code.

b. Public or semi-public open space currently maintained on Lots 117 (Lot 3 of Parcel Map 7380), 488 and 489 of Tract 25588 (“Open Space Lots”) shall be zoned and designated in the General Plan as open space in perpetuity.

c. Trash containers, including recycling containers, may be placed forward of the required front yard setback for a maximum of 24 hours per week, immediately preceding and following trash pick-up.

d. Accessory structures not exceeding 600 square feet (except for garages and carports) provided that no kitchen, sleeping or restroom facilities are provided (except that an unenclosed gazebo may have an “outdoor kitchen” (grill, sink, wet bar, etc)); and they are not used for separate residential purposes. A lot with a permanent (requires a construction permit/s) swimming pool or spa pool may have a poolhouse or cabana with a sink and/or shower and/or toilet. When a poolhouse has a toilet, a covenant shall be required stating that the poolhouse shall be maintained as an accessory structure and not be used for sleeping quarters or be converted to a residential use. The purpose of the covenant is to ensure that subsequent owners of the property are aware of this restriction. This covenant shall be recorded against the property’s title, and evidence of recordation shall be provided to the Planning and Building Department prior to the issuance of a construction permit.

e. The accessory storage of building materials during on-site construction and for a maximum of 30 days after the completion of construction.

f. Private athletic facilities and swimming pools.

g. Washer/dryer hookups (water and gas supply and sewer connection) and/or a hand or utility sink, and a water heater in an attached or detached garage, subject to SPMC 36.350.170(B)(3).

2. Conditional uses. The following accessory uses may be allowed subject to Conditional Use Permit approval.

a. Temporary facilities not related to on-site construction, nor for residential purposes.

b. The temporary use of trailers or motor homes.

c. Second dwelling units in compliance with Section 36.350.200.

d. Amateur radio antennas taller than 15 feet.

e. Community gardens in compliance with Section 36.350.230.

D. Development standards. Proposed development and new land uses shall comply with the requirements in Table 2-7, and the following.

1. Subdivision. The subdivision of any existing lot within the tract shall be prohibited; provided that lot mergers and minor lot line adjustments may be allowed in compliance with Table 2-7.

2. Utilities. In recognition of the design of tract infrastructure, new hookup of plumbing, natural gas, or electric service from lots outside of the tract to any of these services within the tract shall be prohibited.

E. Design Review criteria. In addition to making the findings required for Design Review by Section 36.410.040 (Design Review), the appropriate Review Authority shall also consider the following guidelines before any application may be approved:

1. The scale of the proposed building, design height and mass in relation to the street frontage, to all setbacks and surrounding existing property;

2. The relation of existing adjoining building heights and their views;

3. The relation of proposed building heights to the existing topography;

4. The impact on surrounding properties; and

5. The obstruction of sunlight to the existing adjoining residences.

F. Nonconformities. Nonconforming uses, structures, and lots within the AM overlay zone are subject to the requirements of SPMC 36.360.120 (Altos de Monterey Nonconforming Use Provisions).

TABLE 2-7. AM OVERLAY DISTRICT DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS

TABLE 2-7. AM OVERLAY DISTRICT DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS

(Ord. No. 2108 §1; Ord. No. 2183 § 8, 2009; Ord. No. 2190 § 6, 2009; Ord. No. 2197 § 7, 2009; Ord. No. 2203, § 3, 2010; Ord. No. 2394 § 4 (Exh. A), 2025.)

Table 2-8

AM Overlay Setback Requirements

(Ord. No. 2108 § 1.)