§ 36.300

This Division expands upon the standards of Article 2 (Zoning Districts, Allowable Land Uses, and Zone-Specific Standards) by addressing the details of site planning and project design that are not covered by Article 2 (for example, off-street parking requirements and sign regulations). These standards are intended to ensure that all development produces an environment consistent with the General Plan.

(Ord. No. 2108 § 1.)

The provisions of this Division apply to all proposed development and new land uses.

A. These standards shall be considered in combination with the standards for each zoning district in Article 2 (Zoning Districts, Allowable Land Uses, and Zone-Specific Standards). If there is a conflict, the standards applicable to the zoning district shall take precedence over these general standards, except where these standards provide otherwise.

B. All new or modified structures and uses shall comply with all applicable provisions of this Division, except as specified in Division 36.360 (Nonconforming Uses, Structures, and Parcels).

(Ord. No. 2108 § 1.)

This section provides standards for the use and minimum size of required setbacks. These standards are intended to provide open space areas around structures for: visibility and traffic safety; access to and around structures; access to natural light, ventilation and direct sunlight; separation of incompatible land uses; and space for privacy, landscaping, and recreation.

A. Setback requirements.

1. All structures shall comply with the setback requirements of the applicable zoning districts established by Article 2 (Zoning Districts, Allowable Land Uses, and Zone-Specific Standards), and with any special setbacks established for specific land uses by this Zoning Code.

2. Each required setback shall be open and unobstructed from the ground upward, except for trees and other plant materials, and except as provided by Subsection D. (Setback Exceptions, Allowed Projections into Setbacks).

B. Exemptions from setback requirements. The minimum setback requirements of this Zoning Code apply to all uses except the following:

1. Fences, walls, and hedges with a maximum height of three feet above the natural grade of the parcel, within a required front or street side setback area, or six feet within the side and rear setbacks; except as otherwise provided in Subsection D. (Setback Exceptions, Allowed Projections into Setbacks); and

2. Decks, earthworks, pavement, steps, terraces, and other site design elements which are placed directly upon the finish grade and do not exceed a height of 18 inches above the surrounding finish grade at any point.

C. Measurement of setbacks. The following setbacks shall be measured from each exterior wall of a structure, to define a setback line parallel to the adjacent property line. Figure 3-1 shows the location of each type of setback, and the points from which they are measured.

1. Front yard setbacks. The front yard setback shall be measured at right angles from the front property line of the parcel to the point on the structure nearest to the front property line.

a. Corner parcels. The measurement shall be taken from the nearest point on the structure to the nearest point of the property line adjoining the street which is opposite the rear yard.

b. Flag lots. The measurement shall be taken from the nearest point on the wall of the structure facing the street to the point where the access strip meets the bulk of the parcel; establishing a building line parallel to the lot line nearest to the public street or right-ofway. See Figure 3-2.

2. Side yard and street side yard setbacks. Side yard and street side yard setbacks shall be measured at right angles from the nearest point on the side property line of the parcel to the nearest portion of the structure; establishing a setback line parallel to the side property line, which extends between the front and rear yards.

3. Rear yard setbacks. The rear yard setback shall be measured at right angles from the nearest point on the rear property line of the parcel to the nearest portion of the structure, establishing a setback line parallel to the rear property line.

4. Corner traffic visibility setbacks. All structures and landscaping over 36 inches in height on corner lots shall be set back from the center of the adjacent intersection a minimum of 75 feet, as required by Section 36.300.040.C.

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Figure 3-1. Location and Measurement of Setbacks

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Figure 3-2. Flag Lot Setbacks

D. Setback exceptions, allowed projections into setbacks. An architectural feature may extend beyond the wall of the structure and into the front, side, and rear setbacks, in compliance with Table 3-1.

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Figure 3-3. Examples of Allowed Projections into Setbacks

E. Limitations on the use of setbacks. A required setback shall only be used in compliance with the following requirements.

1. Storage. No required setback shall be used for the storage of

• a. Inoperable vehicles, scrap, junk, or similar material; or

b. Building materials, except during on-site construction, in compliance with a valid Building Permit.

2. Parking. Residential parking is allowable within a required setback only on driveways, in compliance with Section 36.310.080 (Parking Design Standards).

3. Pavement. Within a residential zoning district, pavement within a required front setback shall be limited to:

a. The maximum driveway width needed to access each garage door (12 feet for a single-family dwelling and 18 feet for multi-family units), provided that a maneuvering apron adjacent to the garage doors may be as wide as the garage doors; and

b. A pedestrian walkway not more than five feet wide.

c. No more than 30 percent of the area of a required front setback shall be pavement or other decorative hardscape materials, except for hillside lots (as defined by Section 36.340.020A [Hillside Protection]) where the required guest parking spaces cannot be located outside of the front setback. A parcel on a cul-de-sac may have up to 45 percent of the front yard paved. Cul-de-sac parcels are allowed more pavement because their curving street frontage and front property line result in their front yard area being smaller than that of a rectangular lot.

(Ord. No. 2108 § 1; Ord. No. 2166, § 4, 2007; Ord. No. 2394 § 4 (Exh. A), 2025; Ord. No. 2403 § 4 (Exh. A), 2025; Ord. No. 2412 § 4 (Exh. A), 2026.)

Each structure shall comply with the height limits of this section, except for fences and walls, which are instead subject to the provisions of SPMC 36.300.050 (Walls, Fences and Hedges).

A. Maximum height of structures. No structure shall exceed the height limit established by the applicable zoning district in Article 2 (Zoning Districts, Allowable Land Uses, and Zone-Specific Standards). Notwithstanding, in the Mixed Use Overlay, HO Overlay and DTSP zone districts, with the exception of properties within the National Register Historic District, up to 30 percent of the building footprint may exceed the height limit by no more than 10 feet; provided, that the amount of building footprint that exceeds the height limit is matched by an equal amount of footprint that is at least five feet below the height limit. All roofed portions of the building, including overhangs, porches, and galleries, shall be included. In the case a flat roof is proposed that includes a parapet perimeter wall, the height of that entire roof area shall be measured to the top of the parapet wall.

B. Height measurement. The maximum allowable height shall be measured as the vertical distance from the existing grade of the site to an imaginary plane located the allowed number of feet above and parallel to the grade. See Figure 3-4. “Existing grade” shall be established by the Director, consistent with parcels in the immediate vicinity, and shall not be, nor have been artificially raised to gain additional building height.

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Figure 3-4. Height Measurement

C. Height limitations at intersections/sight visibility. A structure or landscaping, excluding existing trees, shall not exceed a height of 36 inches in areas where vehicular or pedestrian traffic lines of sight may be impacted, as established by the Public Works Director. Planting of parkway trees shall be in compliance with SPMC 31.48(d)(2).

(Ord. No. 2108 § 1 (part); Ord. No. 2345 § 1; Ord. No. 2391 §§ 3, 4, 2024; Ord. No. 2394 § 4 (Exh. A), 2025; Ord. No. 2403 § 4 (Exh. A), 2025.)

A. Applicability. The provisions of this Division apply to all walls, fences, and hedges, except for retaining walls, and a fence or wall required by regulations of a State or Federal agency, or by the City for reasons of public safety.

B. Height limitations. Fences, walls, and hedges shall comply with the height limitations in Table 3-2.

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Figure 3-6. Fence Height Measurement

C. Measurement of fence or wall height. Fence or wall height shall be measured from finished grade at the base of the fence or wall to the uppermost part of the fence or wall. In a case where the elevation of finished grade differs from one side of the fence or wall to the other (as on a slope or retaining wall), fence or wall height shall be measured on the side with the lowest grade where the elevation difference is more than two feet, and on the side with the highest grade where the elevation difference is two feet or less. See Figure 3- 6.

D. Exceptions to fence and wall height limitations.

1. Ornamental features. Ornamental features including finials, caps or other decorative elements may exceed the height limitations by six inches above the top of a wall or fence a minimum distance of four feet apart.

2. Swimming pools, spas, and similar features. Swimming pools/spas and other similar water features shall be fenced in compliance with the Uniform Building Code.

E. Reserved.

F. Outdoor equipment, storage, and work areas. Screening of outdoor uses and equipment shall be provided in compliance with Section 36.300.070 (Screening).

G. Temporary fencing. Temporary fencing may be necessary during site preparation and construction. Temporary fencing for these purposes shall be subject to approval by the Director.

H. Prohibited fencing materials. The following fencing materials are prohibited:

1. Barbed wire or razor wire;

2. Chain link fencing within a front or street side setback in a residential zoning district; and

3. Concrete masonry units (CMUs), except where authorized through Design Review approval.

(Ord. No. 2108 § 1.)

The following provisions establish standards for the construction and operation of solid waste and recyclable material storage areas in compliance with the California Solid Waste Reuse and Recycling Access Act (Public Resources Code Section 42900 et seq.).

A. General requirement. All proposed development shall comply with applicable provisions of the City’s Source Reduction and Recycling Element.

B. Required storage for multi-family projects. Multi-family residential projects of five or more units shall provide solid waste and recyclable material storage areas as follows:

1. Individual unit storage requirements. Each dwelling unit shall be provided an interior area with a minimum of six cubic feet designed for the storage of solid waste and recyclable material.

2. Shared storage requirements. Each multi-family project shall provide one or more solid waste and recyclable material storage area in compliance with Table 3-3. The storage areas may be located indoors or outdoors as long as they are readily accessible to all residents. All required areas are in square feet.

TABLE 3-3. MULTI-FAMILY PROJECT STORAGE

C. Required storage for non-residential structures and uses. Non-residential structures and uses within all zoning districts shall provide solid waste and recyclable material storage areas in compliance with the minimum requirements in Table 3-4. These requirements apply to each individual structure. All required areas are measured in square feet.

TABLE 3-4. NON-RESIDENTIAL STORAGE

D. Location requirements.

1. A solid waste and recyclable materials storage area shall be located inside a specially-designated structure, on the outside of a structure within an approved fence/wall enclosure, a designated interior court or yard area with appropriate access, or in a rear yard and/or interior side yard. An exterior storage area shall not be located in any required front yard setback, street side setback, or in any area of required parking, landscaping or open space area.

2. Each storage area shall be conveniently accessible to residents and employees. Each storage area within a multi-family residential project shall be located within 250 feet of the dwellings it serves.

3. Any driveways or aisles shall provide unobstructed access for collection vehicles and personnel and provide at least the minimum clearance required by the collection methods and vehicles utilized by the designated collector. Where a site is served by an alley, each exterior storage area shall be directly accessible to the alley.

4. Each multi-family and non-residential outdoor solid waste storage area shall be screened from view. Solid waste receptacles for single-family homes should be stored within an enclosed garage or behind a fence.

E. Design and construction. Each storage area shall be designed and constructed to:

1. Be compatible with the surrounding structures and land uses;

2. Be properly secured to prevent access by unauthorized persons, while allowing authorized persons access for disposal of materials;

3. Provide a concrete pad within the fenced or walled area, and a concrete apron to facilitate the handling of individual bins or containers;

4. Protect the areas and the individual bins or containers provided within from adverse environmental conditions which might render the collected materials unmarketable; and

5. Provide for the appropriate location of storage areas, which shall be screened from view on at least three sides. The design shall be architecturally compatible with the surrounding structures and subject to the approval of the Director.

(Ord. No. 2108 § 1.)

This section establishes standards for screening between land uses, and the screening of other potentially unsightly features of development.

A. Design Review required. The design and installation of each screening measure required by this Section shall require Design Review approval (Section 36.410.040).

B. Screening between different land uses. An opaque screen consisting of plant material and/or a solid, decorative masonry wall or wood fence, a minimum of six feet in height, shall be installed along parcel boundaries whenever a nonresidential use adjoins a residential zoning district. The maximum height of the wall shall comply with the provisions of Section 36.300.050 (Walls, Fences, and Hedges). The design of the wall shall be compatible with adjoining structures and the adjacent neighborhood, subject to approval by the appropriate Review Authority.

C. Mechanical equipment, loading dock, and refuse areas for commercial or industrial areas.

1. Roof- or ground-mounted mechanical equipment (e.g., air conditioning, heating, ventilation ducts, exhaust, etc.), loading docks, refuse storage areas, and utility services (e.g., electrical transformers, gas meters, etc.) shall be screened from public view from adjoining public streets and rights-of-way and adjacent residentially zoned areas. See also SPMC 36.300.080 and 36.340.040(F)(3) for hillside projects, regarding mechanical equipment.

2. The method of screening shall be architecturally compatible with the colors, materials, and architectural style of the other development on the site.

3. Landscaping shall be installed adjacent to screen walls, at the discretion of the Review Authority.

D. Outdoor storage and work yards. Uses with outdoor storage of materials, recycling facility-processing centers, waste resource and waste recycling operations, auto repair, and similar uses shall comply with the following:

1. Outside storage and work areas shall be screened with a solid sight-obscuring masonry wall, a minimum of six feet and a maximum of eight feet in height, subject to review by the appropriate Review Authority. The wall shall include sight-obscuring gates. The wall and gates shall be continuously maintained in good repair; and

2. Site operations in conjunction with outdoor uses, including the loading and unloading of equipment and materials, shall be screened.

E. Outdoor building materials and garden supply areas. Outdoor building materials and garden supply areas shall be screened with fencing, landscaping, meshing, walls, or similar material to minimize visibility of the storage area.

(Ord. No. 2108 § 1; Ord. No. 2183 § 9, 2009; Ord. No. 2394 § 4 (Exh. A), 2025.)

Each piece of mechanical equipment including HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) equipment, and other compressors, battery storage and associated generators, filters, pumps, and similar equipment installed outside of the exterior walls or roof of a building shall constitute a structure, and shall comply with the following requirements:

A. Location within required setbacks.

1. Front or street setback. No mechanical equipment shall be placed within a required front yard setback.

2. Side setback. Mechanical equipment may be placed within a required side yard or street side setback subject to subsection (A)(4) of this section.

3. Rear setback. Mechanical equipment may be placed in a rear setback when enclosed and/or screened from view, except in the required yard of a through lot. If detached from the building, the equipment shall be set back a minimum of three feet from the rear and side property lines subject to subsection (A)(4) of this section.

4. Mechanical equipment placement. The following standards shall apply to the placement of mechanical equipment:

a. The equipment shall be enclosed or screened from view in compliance with SPMC 36.300.070(C)(1);

• b. Mechanical equipment shall not be located closer than three feet to any lot line;

c. Equipment attached to a building, but that protrudes into any required side yard, street side yard, or rear yard setback, shall be subject to a building permit; provided, that such equipment is not located closer than three feet to any lot line. Such equipment shall not be permitted to extend into the front yard setback.

B. Roof-mounted equipment. Mechanical equipment may be located on a roof; provided, that it is not visible from the street and is screened from the view of abutting residential properties in compliance with SPMC 36.300.070(C)(1). Roof-mounted HVAC equipment may be allowed in single-family zones (RE, AM, and RS). See also SPMC 36.340.040(F)(3) for hillside projects.

C. Noise control. All mechanical equipment shall comply with the City’s noise regulations in Chapter 19A SPMC.

(Ord. No. 2108 § 1; Ord. No. 2394 § 4 (Exh. A), 2025; Ord. No. 2412 § 4 (Exh. A), 2026.)

A lighting plan shall be submitted with project plans as required by the Department. Exterior lighting on private property within the City shall comply with the following requirements.

A. Exterior lighting fixtures shall not exceed a maximum height of 16 feet.

B. Lighting shall be energy-efficient, and shielded or recessed so that direct glare and reflections are confined to the maximum extent feasible within the boundaries of the site, and shall be directed downward and away from adjoining properties and public rights-ofway.

C. No permanently installed lighting shall blink, flash, or be of unusually high intensity or brightness, as determined by the Director.

D. All lighting fixtures shall be appropriate in scale, intensity, and height to the use they are serving.

E. Security lighting should be provided at all entrances/exits, except in a residential zone.

F. Any lighting proposed for an outdoor sports court shall require Administrative Use Permit approval.

• (Ord. No. 2108 § 1.)

See Chapter 2 SPMC, Article IVH, for permit requirements and standards for alterations to historic structures.

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

A. Purpose. This Section provides performance standards that are designed to minimize various potential operational impacts of all land uses and development within the City, and promote compatibility with adjoining areas and land uses.

B. Applicability. The provisions of this Section apply to all new and existing land uses, including permanent and temporary uses, in all zoning districts unless an exemption is specifically provided. Uses existing on the effective date of the ordinance codified in this Section shall not be altered or modified thereafter to conflict with these standards.

C. Electrical and mechanical equipment. Electrical and mechanical equipment (e.g., air conditioners, antennas, filters, heating and ventilation equipment, pumps, transformers, etc.) shall not be located and operated to disturb adjoining uses or activities.

D. Electrical interference. Uses, activities, and processes shall not be operated to produce electric and/or magnetic fields that adversely affect the public health, safety, and general welfare of the community, including interference with normal radio, telephone, or television reception from off the premises where the activity is conducted.

E. Explosive or fire hazard. Uses, activities, and processes shall comply with the minimum requirements of the Uniform Fire Code as adopted by the City, and California Code of Regulations Title 19.

F. Light and Glare. Light or glare from mechanical or chemical processes, or from reflective materials used or stored on a site, shall be shielded or modified to prevent emission of light or glare beyond the property line. Outdoor lighting shall comply with the requirements of Section 36.300.090 (Outdoor Lighting).

G. Noise. The City’s noise standards are in Chapter 19A of the Municipal Code.

H. Odor. Noxious, odorous emissions of a type or quantity that would be detrimental to, or endanger the public health, safety, or general welfare of the community, are declared to be public nuisance and unlawful, and shall be modified to prevent the release of further emissions.

I. Vibration. Uses, activities, and processes shall not generate ground vibration that is perceptible without instruments by the average person at any point along or beyond the property line of the parcel containing the activities. Vibrations from temporary construction, demolition, and vehicles that enter and leave the subject parcel (e.g., construction equipment, trains, trucks, etc.) are exempt.

(Ord. No. 2108 § 1.)

A. Definition. A “private drive” or “private street” or “private road” shall have the same meaning as “street (private)” as defined in this Zoning Code.

B. It is prohibited and unlawful for anyone to construct, place or maintain a speed bump on any private street that intersects with an arterial street (arterial streets are defined in the City’s General Plan) and at least one other private or public street unless an Administrative Use Permit is issued regarding the same.

C. It is prohibited and unlawful for anyone to construct, place or maintain any barrier on any private street that intersects with an arterial street (arterial streets are defined in the City’s General Plan) and at least one other private or public street unless a Conditional Use Permit is issued regarding the same. The findings necessary for a Conditional Use Permit shall be as set forth in the Zoning Chapter of the Municipal Code. For the purposes of this section, “barrier” shall refer to any visually or physically perceivable limitation on access (whether permanently closed or closed during certain hours, whether providing or appearing to provide selective access, whether locked or unlocked) placed or constructed on a private street that is not a speed bump. A sign indicating that a private street is private property is not a limitation on access. A sign indicating that the use of a private street is not allowed without some form of permission from the owners thereof is not a barrier. A “one-way” sign or device allowing for driving in only one direction on a throughstreet is not a barrier. A barrier shall not refer to a temporary barrier for the purpose of allowing for landscaping, street maintenance, or events unless such a temporary barrier exists for longer than ten cumulative days out of a thirty day period. City Manager approval shall be required in the event that a temporary barrier exists beyond that ten/thirty-day period. No fee shall be required for temporary barriers. And, if good cause exists due to frequency of use, the City Manager may recommend that such a temporary barrier be considered by the Planning Commission as if it is a permanent barrier. A barrier to a private street that intersects with only one arterial street shall not be referred to the Planning Commission for a Conditional Use Permit, but shall be setback 20?-0? from the arterial to allow adequate queuing area between the barrier and the intersecting street.

D. Parking. Except when in conflict with other laws, or when in conflict with easements for utilities, emergency access, fire road access, or sewers dedicated to the City, parking on private streets is to be privately regulated in a manner as not to create a nuisance. Residents may request additional parking enforcement from the City Manager.

E. Notice. For the purposes of notices, as required in Section 36.630.020.B.1.a.(3) and b., “subject parcel” shall include all parcels that front or own a private street at issue. Notices regarding private streets shall be sent to all private property owners within 300 feet of parcels that front on or own private streets.

(Ord. No. 2146 § 1.)

“Private Streets.” Private streets, as regulated in Section 36.300.120, shall be regulated as described in this Chapter 36.360, except as provided in Section 36.300.120.D.

(Ord. No. 2146 § 2.)

Division 36.310. Parking and Loading

Sections:

36.310.010 Purpose of Division.

36.310.020 Applicability.

36.310.030 General Parking Regulations.

36.310.040 Number of Parking Spaces Required.

• 36.310.050 Off Site Parking.