Stanton Municipal Code Ch. 20.210 Residential Zones

A. Residential Estates (RE) Zone. The RE zone is applied to areas appropriate for detached single-family dwellings on large lots. Other related uses, including noncommercial agricultural activities, community services, second dwelling units, and accessory facilities, may also be allowed.

B. Single-Family Residential (RL) Zone. The RL zone is applied to areas appropriate for a range of detached single-family residential dwellings on standard suburban lots, together with appropriate accessory structures and uses. The RL zone preserves and protects a single-family residential character while allowing mobile and modular homes, accessory dwelling units, condominiums, townhomes, public facilities, and other uses that are compatible with low density single-family neighborhoods.

C. Medium Density Residential (RM) Zone. The RM zone is applied to areas appropriate for neighborhoods with a variety of housing types including attached and detached single-family residential dwelling units, duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, cluster housing subdivisions, condominiums, townhomes, mobile home parks, as well as accessory structures and uses. The RM zone may also allow nonresidential uses that complement and serve the immediate neighborhood, including schools, parks, libraries, and public facilities. Quasi-residential uses (e.g., convalescent hospitals, group residential homes, etc.) are also allowed.

D. High Density Residential (RH) Zone. The RH zone is applied to areas appropriate for a variety of multi-family attached housing types (e.g., apartments, garden-style units, condominiums, townhomes, senior housing, etc.), as well as accessory structures and uses, primarily located on larger lots along arterial highways. The RH zone may also allow nonresidential uses that complement and serve the immediate neighborhood, including schools, parks, libraries, and public facilities. Quasi-residential uses (e.g., convalescent hospitals, supportive housing, transitional housing, etc.) are also allowed. In accordance with the Residential Land Resources Appendix of the General Plan Housing Element and Section 65583.2 of the California Government Code, properties in the RH district may be developed at a net density of thirty dwelling units per acre or greater in order to meet the lower-income growth needs.

(Ord. 1017, 2013; Ord. 1071 § 4, 2017)

A. Allowed Land Uses.

1. Table 2-2 (Allowed Land Uses and Permit Requirements - Residential Zones) indicates the uses allowed within each residential zone and the planning permit required to establish each use, in compliance with Article 5 (Planning Permit Procedures).

2. Residential uses represent the principal allowed use, and only those additional uses that are complementary to, and can exist in harmony with, the residential character of each zone may be allowed as accessory, conditionally permitted, and/or temporary uses.

Notes:

(Ord. 1017, 2013; Ord. 1071 § 5, 2017; Ord. 1097 § 3, 2020; Ord. 1108 § 2, 2021; Ord. 1148, 11/12/2024)

Subdivisions, new land uses and structures, and alterations to existing land uses and structures in the residential zones shall be designed, constructed, and established in compliance with the standards in Table 2-3, in addition to the standards and guidelines in Article 3 (Site Planning and Development Standards) (e.g., landscaping, parking and loading, etc.) and Article 4 (Standards for Specific Land Uses) (e.g., accessory structures, single-family and multi-family development, etc.). The standards are minimum requirements, unless otherwise stated as maximum.

Table 2-3 Development Standards for Residential Zones

(Ord. 1017, 2013)

This Section provides regulations for varying the allowable density of development in residential zones. The intent is to encourage a compact urban form; provide incentives for infill development; encourage a density of development at or near to the maximum allowed; promote convenience; reduce travel distance; and conserve energy.

A. Density thresholds. Development in residential zones shall comply with the minimum and maximum density thresholds indicated in Table 2-3 (Development Standards for Residential Zones) and the following:

1. A proposed project may be allowed at less than the applicable minimum density threshold ONLY if the project complies with Chapter 20.545 (Transfer of Development Rights).

2. A proposed project shall be allowed by right at the applicable minimum density threshold, subject to any permits required by Table 2-2 (Allowed Uses and Permit Requirements in Residential Zones).

3. A proposed project may be allowed above the applicable minimum density threshold, up to the maximum applicable density threshold, if the proposed project:

a. Obtains approval of a Site Plan and Design Review in compliance with Chapter 20.530 (Site Plan and Design Review), as modified in this Section; and

b. Satisfies the requirements identified in Subsection C (Incentives That Allow Increased Density), below.

4. A proposed project may be allowed above the applicable maximum density threshold ONLY if the project complies with Chapter 20.330 (Affordable Housing Density Bonuses).

B. Approval procedures. For those projects that require approval of a Site Plan and Design Review in order to develop up to the maximum allowable density threshold, the following shall apply:

1. In addition to the submittal requirements in Chapter 20.530 (Site Plan and Design Review), the Director may request additional information to properly evaluate the appropriateness or impact of the proposed residential amenities.

2. Where the applicant considers an amenity, listed in Subsection C (Incentives That Allow Increased Density), to be inappropriate, the review authority may approve a substitute only when it is justified by clear and convincing evidence submitted by the applicant in writing.

C. Incentives to allow density up to the maximum threshold.

1. A proposed residential project may be allowed to develop up to the maximum applicable density threshold if a project meets the criteria in Table 2-4 (Amenity Options Incentives). For the purposes of this Section, the term "amenity" shall be broadly defined to include natural features (e.g., trees, open space, views, etc.) as well as amenities for the benefit of the community (e.g., street furniture, child care space, community space, street awnings, etc.). An amenity shall not include cash or the provision of cash in lieu of a physical amenity. The amenities options are designed to leave specific choices to the developer.

2. The amount of the increased density shall not exceed the maximum of the density range stated for the specific zone in Table 2-3 (Development Standards for Residential Zones). This increased density shall not be used as an addition to the affordable housing density bonuses allowed in compliance with Chapter 20.330 (Affordable Housing Density Bonuses).

D. Submittal requirements. In addition to the submittal requirements in Chapter 20.530 (Site Plan and Design Review), the Director may request additional information to properly evaluate the need, appropriateness, or impact of the proposed density bonus and to permit a finding that the proposed bonus is justified and, if granted, would not negatively impact the surrounding area.

Table 2-4 Amenity Options Incentives

(Ord. 1017, 2013)