Chapter 17.24

GENERAL SITE STANDARDS

Sections:

• 17.24.010 Purpose.

• 17.24.020 Accessory buildings and structures.

• 17.24.030 Encroachments into required setbacks.

The St. Helena Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 26-4, passed May 12, 2026.

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• 17.24.040 Height exceptions. 17.24.050 Fences, walls, and hedges. 17.24.060 Flag lots. 17.24.070 Lighting and illumination. 17.24.080 Refuse and recycling areas. 17.24.090 Screening. 17.24.100 On-site storage.

This chapter prescribes site regulations that apply, except where specifically stated, to development in all zoning districts. These standards shall be used in conjunction with the standards for each zoning district established in Division III of this title, District Regulations. In any case of conflict, the standards specific to the zoning district shall control. (Ord. 23-4 § 5 (Exh. A))

Accessory buildings or structures that do not have toilet plumbing or cooking facilities are subject to the following provisions:

• A. Location.

  1. An accessory building or structure must not be located in any required setback fronting a public or private street nor in that portion of a required side setback adjacent to the main building on the adjacent parcel(s).

  2. No more than one accessory building or structure may be located in front of the most forward portion of the front elevation of the primary structure. The intent of this provision is to discourage the construction of walls and accessory buildings or structures that obscure the visibility of the main house from the street.

  3. An accessory building or structure attached to the main building with a trellis, breezeway or similar structure must conform to the setbacks of the main building.

  4. An accessory building or structure may be located in a required rear setback and that portion of a side setback not adjacent to the main building on the adjacent parcel(s) subject to the following provisions:

     • a. The maximum coverage of a required setback must not exceed fifty percent (50%).

     • b. A minimum distance of four feet must be provided from the property line to the accessory building or structure.

The St. Helena Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 26-4, passed May 12, 2026.

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B. Building Separation. An accessory building or structure must be separated from a principal building on the same lot subject to the following provisions:

1. A minimum separation of eight feet if any portion of an accessory building or structure is located within a required setback.

2. If no portion of an accessory building or structure is located within a required setback no minimum separation is required subject to the following conditions:

   • a. Drainage and fire containment are addressed to the satisfaction of the public works director and the fire chief.

b. If the chief building official determines that the separation between an accessory building or structure that is habitable as defined by this code and a principal building may be reduced to zero feet, then the accessory building or structure must be connected to the principal building by a doorway providing direct access between the accessory building or structure and the principal building.

c. If the chief building official determines that the separation between an accessory building or structure that is habitable as defined by this code and a principal building may be reduced to less than three feet but more than zero feet, then approval of a conditional use permit must be required prior to the issuance of a building permit. (Ord. 23-4 § 5 (Exh. A))

Buildings may encroach into required setbacks according to the standards of this section, subject to all applicable requirements of the building code. These limitations shall not apply to patios, walks, or other similar types of surfaced areas when constructed at grade.

• A. Architectural Features.

  1. Architectural features such as bay windows, fireplaces, chimneys, and sills less than fifteen (15) feet in length may encroach into any required setback for a distance of not more than two feet.

  2. Eaves may encroach into any required setback for a distance of not more than two feet.

B. Open Floor Space Areas Over Eighteen (18) Inches Above Finished Grade. Open decks, unenclosed porches, unenclosed balconies, fire escapes, landings, steps, and other open floor space areas with a floor elevation over eighteen (18) inches above finished grade may extend into any required front setback or side setback for a distance of not more than six feet and must cover no more than fifty percent (50%) of the setback area.

C. Open Floor Space Areas Eighteen (18) Inches or Less Above Finished Grade. Open floor space areas with a floor elevation eighteen (18) inches or less above finished grade may extend into the required setback for a distance of not more than one-half the width of the setback required by the zoning district requirements.

The St. Helena Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 26-4, passed May 12, 2026.

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D. Exemptions. The following structures and features are exempt from the regulations of this section when approved by the community development director:

1. Ramps, railings, lifts and other similar open floor space areas or facilities used for handicapped access;

2. Ornamental gate archways up to eight feet in height and twelve (12) feet in width;

3. Trellises and pergolas up to eight feet in height and covering less than sixty (60) square feet; and

4. Planters, light standards, windbreaks, sun screens, outdoor fireplaces, ponds, ornamental fixtures, flagpoles, arbors, trees, shrubs, and similar features. (Ord. 23-4 § 5 (Exh. A))

The following provisions shall apply to the modification of the height limitations of this code:

• A. Height Exceptions Allowed By Right. The following buildings and structures may exceed the height limitations specified in this title by up to five feet:

  1. Cupolas, belfries, domes, chimneys, flagpoles, and television and radio receiving antennas, excluding “satellite antennas” as defined by Section 17.22.270, Wireless telecommunication facilities.

  2. Roof screening structures for elevators, stairways, tanks, ventilating fans, air conditioning, or similar equipment used solely to operate and maintain a building.

• B. Height Exceptions Permitted With a CUP. The following buildings and structures may exceed the height limitations specified in this title with the approval of a conditional use permit:

  1. Church spires and smoke stacks;

  2. Radio and television transmitting antennas pursuant to Section 17.22.270, Wireless telecommunication facilities, excluding “satellite antennas” as defined by the same section;

  3. Freestanding water tanks and support structures;

  4. Electric power transmission and distribution lines, poles and towers; and

  5. Other buildings, structures and appurtenances which, in the opinion of the planning commission, are similar to the above types of buildings and structures. (Ord. 23-4 § 5 (Exh. A))

A. Fences, Walls, and Hedges in the LR-1A, LR, MR, HR, PQP, PR, WW, A-20, and OS Districts. The following standards shall apply to walls, fences, and hedges located in the LR-1A, LR, MR, HR, PQP, PR, WW, A-20 and OS districts:

The St. Helena Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 26-4, passed May 12, 2026.

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1. Within the required front or side setback: maximum three and one-half feet.

   • a. Exceptions. A six-foot fence, wall, or hedge is allowed in a side setback when it:

     • i. Is at least fifty (50) feet from the front street curb or forty (40) feet from the front property line on a street without a curb; and

     • ii. Is at least twenty (20) feet from the side street curb or ten (10) feet from the side property line on a street without a curb.

2. Outside of the required front or side setback: maximum six feet.

   • a. Exceptions.

     • i. A two-foot open lattice extension above the fence is permitted with a building permit.

     • ii. Up to twelve (12) feet for tennis courts may be permitted with a minor use permit.

3. Vehicular Gates. Vehicular gates must be set back a minimum of thirty (30) feet from the front street curb or twenty (20) feet from the property line on a street without a curb.

• B. Height Within the Visibility Triangle in All Districts.

  1. Fences, hedges, or dense planting in the form of a hedge shall not exceed forty-two (42) inches in height when located in the visibility triangle as defined in Division V of this title, Definitions and Rules of Measurement.

  2. Trees shall be maintained so as to provide a clearance of seven and one-half feet from the ground to the lowest branches.

C. Temporary Security Fences in All Districts. With the approval of the public works director, temporary security fences may be erected around construction sites during the time a valid building permit is in effect for construction on the premises. Temporary security fences need not comply with the above regulations and must be immediately removed upon completion of the construction authorized by the building permit. Any temporary fences within public rights-of-way must also secure an encroachment permit. (Ord. 25-6 § 2; Ord. 23-4 § 5 (Exh. A))

Many residential properties with the potential for additional dwelling units are difficult to develop under conventional zoning standards. This section provides standards for residential development on flag lots to ensure effective utilization of the property. These standards supplement the base zone standards; where standards in this section conflict with those of the base zone, the standards of this section shall apply. In those cases where the flag lot is also substandard in area for the zone, the small lot standards shall also apply.

The St. Helena Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 26-4, passed May 12, 2026.

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A. Flag lots shall be permitted in the A-20, LR-1A, LR, MR, HR, and WW districts only. Review of flag lots will be subject to conditional use permit approval as well as the provisions of Title 16, Subdivisions.

• B. The density and development standards of the zoning district in which a property is located shall apply to a flag lot development with the following exceptions:

1. The narrow strip of land (or panhandle portion of the lot) connecting the lot with a public or private street shall have a minimum width and frontage of twenty (20) feet (sixteen (16) foot access drive plus four feet for landscaping). The minimum width and requirement may be increased in higher density situations that permit multiple units to be constructed, or where an additional landscape buffer is necessary.

2. A panhandle may provide access to two lots.

3. The panhandle portion of the lot connecting with a public or private street shall be included when calculating residential densities but shall be excluded when determining the compliance with minimum lot width and lot size standards.

4. A grading and drainage plan shall be submitted to and reviewed by the public works director to determine the impacts of the flag lot on adjacent properties. Finished building pad elevations shall not be significantly different from those of adjoining properties.

C. The standards for residential driveways or access drives as set forth in Chapter 17.26, Parking and Loading, shall be observed to provide access to a flag lot. The access drive to the flag lot shall be inspected annually by the fire chief to ensure that landscaping or other obstructions do not hinder emergency vehicle access.

D. The provision of gates, turnarounds, clearance, road grades, and distance to fire hydrants shall be reviewed and approved by the fire chief. The site address of each flag lot shall be placed on a sign in the panhandle of the lot so as to be clearly visible to police, fire and other emergency services personnel from the public or private street.

E. On-site parking shall be provided pursuant to Chapter 17.26, Parking and Loading. Additional on-site parking spaces for guests may be required, if the on-street parking provided in the area of the proposed flag lot is inadequate.

F. Landscaping in the panhandle portion of a flag lot alongside the driveway shall be required. Improvements such as curb and gutter may also be required by the public works director for an access drive in the panhandle portion of a flag lot depending upon such factors as the number of homes served, drainage characteristics, terrain, and soil conditions.

G. Fences which meet the standards of Section 17.24.050, Fences, walls, and hedges, may be placed in the panhandle portion of the lot connecting the lot with a public or private street; provided, that the fence height shall not exceed three and one-half feet in that portion of the panhandle within the front or side setback established for a lot with normal width and frontage.

The St. Helena Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 26-4, passed May 12, 2026.

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H. Easements across adjoining property may not be used to provide the panhandle portion of the lot, unless the lots were lots of record existing prior to January 28, 1956, or legally created pursuant to the State Subdivision Map Act and Title 16, Subdivisions, prior to April 11, 1994. (Ord. 23-4 § 5 (Exh. A))

• A. Applicability.

  1. Existing Buildings and Uses. The standards of this section apply to all new development and to exterior alterations and additions that involve replacement light fixtures. Any new outdoor lighting installed on a building or parcel must meet the requirements of this code for shielding and lamp type.

  2. Change of Use.

a. For a change of use or major addition or modification that requires an increase of twenty-five percent (25%) of the number of: required on-site parking spaces, additional dwelling units, gross floor area, seating capacity, or other units of measurement, all lighting must be brought into compliance with the requirements of this code.

b. For a change of use or minor addition or modification that requires an increase in the number of on-site parking spaces, additional dwelling units, gross floor area, seating capacity, or other units of measurement that is less than twenty-five percent (25%), the applicant must comply with the requirements of this section for any new outdoor lighting provided.

3. Conformance With Applicable Codes. All outdoor lighting fixtures must be installed and maintained in conformance with the provisions of this section and all applicable building codes.

4. Conformance After Abandonment/Damage. In the event that an outdoor lighting fixture is abandoned or is damaged and requires repairs for safe operation, the repaired or replacement fixture must comply with the provisions of this section.

5. Exemptions. The following lighting is exempt from the provisions of this section:

   • a. Public and private street lighting.

   • b. Athletic field lights used within a school campus or public or private park.

   • c. Safety and security lighting for public facilities.

   • d. State and federal facilities.

e. Construction and emergency lighting, provided such lighting is temporary and discontinued immediately upon completion of the construction work or abatement of the emergency.

The St. Helena Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 26-4, passed May 12, 2026.

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  - f. Temporary seasonal lighting installed between September 1st and January 15th is exempt from the provisions of this section. 

  - g. Underwater lighting used for the illumination of swimming pools and decorative water fountains. 

• B. General Requirements.

  1. Lighting Classes.

a. Class 1. Class 1 lighting is permitted where accurate color rendition is required to preserve the effectiveness of an activity listed below. Lighting sources used for Class 1 lighting must have a correlated color temperature (CCT) of 2,700 Kelvin (K) or less. Uses not included in the list below require an interpretation by the community development director of the essential nature of accurate color rendition to preserve the effectiveness of the activity. Class 1 lighting applications include:

• i. Primary customer building entry/exit areas (does not include service or emergency entry/exits);

• ii. Outdoor seating areas at restaurants;

• iii. External and internal lighting for signs, excluding neon;

  • iv. Outdoor sales areas, including service station canopies;

  • v. Outdoor assembly or repair areas and vineyards and wineries where assembly, repair or farm work occurs at night on a regularly scheduled basis; and

  • vi. Outdoor recreational field/track/arena areas.

• b. Class 2. Class 2 lighting is used for general illumination for utility, safety, or security purposes. Examples of Class 2 lighting include:

  • i. Pedestrian walkways, driveways, and roadways;

  • ii. Parking lots;

  • iii. Equipment yards; and

  • iv. Outdoor security.

• c. Class 3. Class 3 lighting is used for decorative purposes. Examples of Class 3 lighting include:

  • i. Architectural illumination;

  • ii. Flag and monument lighting;

  • iii. Neon incorporated on signs; and

  • iv. Landscape lighting.

The St. Helena Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 26-4, passed May 12, 2026.

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2. Lamp Source and Shielding. The standards provided in Table 17.24.070(A), Lamp Type and Shielding Standards, shall apply:

==> picture [481 x 317] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Table 17.24.070(A). Lamp Type and Shielding Standards
Lamp Type and Lighting Class Required Shielding
Nonresidential [1 ]
Class 1 Lighting (Color Rendition):
All lamp types and outputs Allowed; only fully shielded fixtures permitted
Class 2 Lighting (General Illumination):
All lamp types and outputs Allowed; only fully shielded fixtures permitted
Class 3 Lighting (Decorative):
All lamp types 2,500 lumens or above per fixture Prohibited
All lamp types below 2,500 lumens Allowed; only fully shielded fixtures permitted
Residential [1 ]
All Lighting Classes
All lamp types 1,000 lumens or above per fixture Allowed; only fully shielded fixtures permitted
All lamp types 1,000 lumens or above per fixture Allowed; fully shielded fixtures preferred, partially
shielded fixtures permitted [2 ]
----- End of picture text -----

End Notes:

• 1 For purposes of this section, “residential” refers to property developed primarily for residential purposes. Nonresidential uses include all other uses.

• 2 The acceptance of a fixture as “partially shielded” shall be determined by the community development director.

3. Maximum Height.

   • a. Within one hundred (100) feet of a residential district: sixteen (16) feet.

   • b. Parking lot illumination: fifteen (15) feet.

   • c. Other locations: twenty-five (25) feet.

   • d. Exceptions. The planning commission may allow additional height for activities, uses, or development with unique lighting needs; accentuating historic architectural features of a building; accentuating signage and/or landscape features; or for security purposes.

The St. Helena Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 26-4, passed May 12, 2026.

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4. Effective Shielding. All light fixtures that are required to be fully shielded must be installed in a manner that satisfies the definition of a fully shielded fixture.

5. Light Trespass Standard.

   • a. All light fixtures must be located, aimed, and shielded so that the direct illumination from the fixture shall be confined to the property boundaries of the source.

b. Any light fixture located within fifty (50) feet of a residential zone or public right-of-way must utilize an internal or external shield, with the light fixture and shield oriented to minimize light trespass onto adjacent property or right-of-way line. If an external shield is used, its surface must be painted black to minimize reflections.

Figure 17.24.070(B)(1). Shielding Configurations

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6. Motion Sensing Light Fixtures. All motion sensing light fixtures must conform to all applicable standards of this section, including the shielding standards of Table 17.24.070(A), Lamp Type and Shielding Standards.

7. Lighting That Changes Color. Decorative lighting that changes colors is only permitted to change color every two minutes.

8. Time Limits for Outdoor Lighting. All Class 1 and Class 3 lighting (including Class 2 lighting located more than fifty (50) feet from any building or outdoor product display or storage area) must be turned off by eleven p.m. and/or no later than thirty (30) minutes after the business closes, whichever is later, and remain off for the remainder of the night or until the business reopens.

9. Sign Illumination. Standards for external and internal sign illumination are provided in Section 17.27.080(F).

The St. Helena Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 26-4, passed May 12, 2026.

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10. Architectural/Landscape Lighting. Architectural lighting used to illuminate a building or landscape lighting used to illuminate trees or other landscape elements is permitted subject to all applicable standards of this section.

• C. Prohibited Outdoor Lighting. The following types of outdoor lighting are prohibited:

  1. Outdoor floodlighting.

  2. Search lights, floodlights, strobe lights, laser lights, or similar high intensity light, except as necessary for official emergency services or for meteorological data gathering purposes.

3. Any lighting device located on the exterior of a building or on the inside of a window which is visible beyond the property boundaries of the lot or parcel with intermittent fading, flashing, blinking, rotating, or strobe light illumination.

4. Lighting that results in glare to motor vehicles on public rights-of-way. (Ord. 23-4 § 5 (Exh. A))

This section establishes design and location criteria for the construction and placement of refuse, solid waste, and recycling, compost, and green waste storage areas. Refuse, solid waste, recycling, compost, and green waste are collectively referred to as “refuse and recycling.”

A. General Requirements. All refuse and recycling materials shall be placed in an appropriate receptacle. All garbage cans, mobile refuse bins, receptacles, and all recycling materials and containers shall be maintained and stored pursuant to this section.

B. Location. The waste and recycling containers shall not be located within any required front setback, street side setback, any required parking and landscaped areas, or any other area required to remain unencumbered, according to fire and other applicable building and public safety codes.

C. Visibility. The refuse and recycling containers shall not be visible from the public right-of-way and shall be screened by landscaping (fences or walls may be used if located outside a required setback).

D. Accessibility. Waste and recycling storage areas shall be accessible so that trucks and equipment used by the contracted waste and recycling collector has sufficient maneuvering area.

E. Clear Zone. An area of five feet in front of and surrounding all enclosure types shall be kept clear of obstructions, and shall be painted, striped, and marked “No Parking.”

F. Maintenance. The site must be maintained free of litter and any other undesirable materials and must be picked up and cleaned on a daily basis.

G. Container Materials. Containers used for the collection and storage of refuse and recyclable materials shall be constructed of a durable, waterproof, and rustproof material and with a cover secured from unauthorized entry or

The St. Helena Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 26-4, passed May 12, 2026.

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removal of material and shall be of a capacity sufficient to accommodate materials collected between collection schedules.

H. Enclosure Materials. Unless specifically waived by the design review processes described in Chapter 17.05, Planning Permits and Approvals, all development projects shall have a refuse enclosure constructed with a wall of such materials as to be opaque and of sufficient size to permit the storage, removal and replacement of standard commercial size refuse containers. The trash enclosure must utilize colors/materials found on the primary building and have a roof integrated into the design. Trash enclosures must be located so that the enclosure is slightly elevated from its surroundings. The location must ensure that run-off drains to the sewer system. No collection, storage or stacking of refuse is permitted outside the refuse enclosure. This requirement does not preclude the placement of individual refuse containers within the I, PQP, PR, and OS districts.

I. Drainage. The floor of the enclosure shall have a drain that connects to the sanitary sewer system. (Ord. 23-4 § 5 (Exh. A))

• A. Uses and Equipment That Require Screening. The following uses and equipment must be screened from view:

1. Ground—Mounted Equipment. All ground-mounted equipment must be screened from surrounding properties and the public right-of-way streets or enclosed within a building. Equipment to be screened includes but is not limited to commercial air conditioners, heating units, commercial generators, utility meters, cable equipment, telephone entry boxes, backflow preventions, irrigation control valves, electrical transformers, pull boxes, and all ducting for air conditioning, heating, and blower systems.

2. Roof—Mounted Equipment in the CB, SC, MU, BPO, and I Districts. In the CB, SC, MU, BPO, and I zoning districts, rooftop-mounted mechanical and electrical service equipment must be entirely screened from surrounding properties and the public right-of-way. Exceptions may be granted by the community development director where screening is infeasible due to health and safety or utility requirements.

3. Outdoor Storage Areas. Outdoor storage areas shall be screened from view from any public right-of-way; existing or approved residential areas; or publicly accessible open space area, parking area, access driveway, or similar thoroughfare.

4. Other Outdoor Use Areas. Any use not conducted entirely within an enclosed structure shall be screened from view from any public right-of-way; existing or planned residential area; or publicly accessible open space area, parking area, access driveway, or similar thoroughfare where the community development director finds that the use without screening would have a detrimental effect on adjacent properties. Outdoor dining areas and patios may remain unscreened.

B. Screening Height. Screening fences and walls must not exceed the maximum allowable fence heights as established in Section 17.24.050, Fences, walls, and hedges, unless allowed with approval of a minor use permit.

The St. Helena Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 26-4, passed May 12, 2026.

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C. Screening Materials. Screening materials shall be architecturally compatible with the exterior colors and materials of the primary building. Screen walls may be stucco, decorative block, or concrete panel, wood, or other substantially equivalent material.

D. Maintenance of Screening. Screen walls shall be maintained in good repair, including painting, if required, and shall be kept free of litter or advertising. Where hedges are used as screening, trimming or pruning shall be employed as necessary to maintain the maximum allowed height. (Ord. 23-4 § 5 (Exh. A))

This section provides regulations for the placement of material objects on a site for any period exceeding seven consecutive days.

A. Applicability. This section applies to the storage of building supplies, discarded or salvaged materials, motor vehicle parts, mechanical equipment or other material objects or equipment as determined by the community development director except as provided elsewhere in this title. This section does not apply to self-storage facilities.

• B. Restrictions.

  1. On-site storage shall be prohibited within any front or side setback of any property.

  2. On-site storage is not permitted on vacant lots.

  3. Materials or equipment shall not be stored to a height greater than the height of the screening fence or wall required in Section 17.24.090, Screening.

• C. Exceptions. The regulations set forth in this section shall not be applicable to the following types of storage:

  1. The storage within a dwelling of objects normally found within a home.

  2. The placement upon the premises within any residential zoning district of equipment or goods normally found in a yard such as toys, play equipment, yard or lawn furniture, minor yard maintenance tools and equipment, and similar objects.

  3. The inventory of any retail or wholesale business, warehouse, parts house, industrial or commercial activity when such storage is the principal activity of the use or is incidental to the use and enclosed entirely within a building.

4. The temporary placement of building materials on a site of a city-approved construction project during the time a valid building permit is in effect for construction on the premises. The community development director may approve the placement of a temporary mobile office (designed solely for such use) at an approved construction site for a maximum one-year period or for the duration of the construction, whichever period is shorter.

The St. Helena Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 26-4, passed May 12, 2026.

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5. The storage of vehicles as regulated by Chapter 17.26, Parking and Loading. (Ord. 23-4 § 5 (Exh. A))