Article 1 — General

In the R-S single-family residential zones (R-1, R-1-12.5, and R-1-20), the purpose and intent is to provide living area within the city where development is limited to low density concentrations of one-family dwellings where regulations are designed to accomplish the following: to promote and encourage a suitable environment for family life; to provide space for community facilities needed to compliment urban residential areas and for institutions that require a residential environment; to minimize traffic congestion and to avoid an overload of utilities designed to service only low density residential use. (Ord. 2025-15 § 2 (part), 2025: Ord. 2017-01 (part), 2017: Ord. 9717 § 2 (part), 1997: prior code § 7270)

The requirements in this chapter shall apply to all property within R-S zone districts. (Ord. 2025-15 § 2 (part), 2025: Ord. 2017-01 (part), 2017)

In the R-S single-family residential zones, the following uses shall be permitted by right:

• A. One-family dwellings on a lot with the minimum site area as specified in Section 17.12.050, including lots with lot

• area of between 3,600 and 4,999 square feet if developed in accordance with Sections 17.12.140A. and B.;

• B. Raising of fruit and nut trees, vegetables and horticultural specialties;

• C. Accessory structures located on the same site with a permitted use including private garages and carports, one guest house, storehouses, garden structures, green houses, recreation room and hobby shops;

• D. Swimming pools used solely by persons resident on the site and their guests; provided, that no swimming pool or accessory mechanical equipment shall be located in a required front yard or in a required side yard;

• E. Temporary subdivision sales offices;

• F. Licensed day care for a maximum of fourteen (14) children in addition to the residing family;

• G. Twenty-four (24) hour residential care facilities or foster homes, for a maximum of six individuals in addition to the residing family;

• H. Signs subject to the provisions of Chapter 17.48;

• I. The keeping of household pets, subject to the definition of household pets set forth in Section 17.04.030;

• J. Senior citizen residential developments, meeting city standards and having a density in the Low Density Residential range of two (2) to ten (10) housing units per acre;

• K. Adult day care up to twelve (12) persons in addition to the residing family;

• L. Other uses similar in nature and intensity as determined by the city planner;

• M. Legally existing multiple family units, and expansion or reconstruction as provided in Section 17.12.070;

• N. Transitional housing or supportive housing as those terms are defined in Section 17.04.030;

• O. In the R-1-20 zone only, the breeding, hatching, raising and fattening of birds, rabbits, chinchillas, hamsters, other small animals and fowl, on a domestic noncommercial scale, provided that there shall not be less than one thousand (1,000) square feet of site area for each fowl or animal and provided that no structure housing poultry or small animals shall be closer than fifty (50) feet to any property line, closer than twenty-five (25) feet to any dwelling on the site, or closer than fifty (50) feet to any other dwelling;

P. In the R-1-20 zone only, the raising of livestock, except pigs of any kind, subject to the exception of not more than two cows, two horses, four sheep or four goats for each site, shall be permitted; provided, that there be no limitation on the number of livestock permitted on a site with an area of ten acres or more and provided that no stable be located closer than fifty (50) feet to any dwelling on the site or closer than one hundred (100) feet to any other dwelling;

Q. Employee housing as defined in California Health and Safety Code Section 17008.

(Ord. 2025-15 § 2 (part), 2025: Ord. 2020-09 (part), 2020; Ord. 2017-13 (part), 2017: Ord. 2017-01 (part), 2017: Ord. 2012-02, 2012: Ord. 9717 § 2 (part), 1997: Ord. 9605 § 30 (part), 1996: prior code § 7271)

In the R-S single-family residential zone, the following accessory uses shall be permitted, subject to specified provisions:

• A. Home occupations subject to the provisions of Section 17.32.030;

• B. Accessory buildings subject to the provisions of Section 17.12.100(B).

• C. Cottage food operations that meet all the requirements contained in Health and Safety Code Section 113758 and those stated in Section 17.32.035.

D. Accessory dwelling units as specified in Chapter 17.14. (Ord. 2025-15 § 2 (part), 2025: Ord. 2024-15 § 1 (part), 2025: Ord. 2020-09 (part), 2020: Ord. 2017-01 (part), 2017: Ord. 2001-13 § 4 (part), 2001: Ord. 9717 § 2 (part), 1997: prior code § 7272)

In the R-S single-family residential zone, the following conditional uses may be permitted in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 17.38:

A. Planned development subject to the provisions of Chapter 17.26. A planned development is required to create lots having less than 3,600 square feet lot area, in accordance with Section 17.12.140C. A planned development is not necessary to accompany the processing of a tentative parcel map if meeting the development criteria set forth in Section 17.26.090;

B. Public and quasi-public uses of an educational or religious type including public and parochial elementary schools, junior high schools, high schools and colleges; nursery schools, licensed day care facilities for more than fourteen (14) children; churches, parsonages and other religious institutions;

C. Public and private charitable institutions, general hospitals, sanitariums, nursing and convalescent homes, and hospices; not including specialized hospitals, sanitariums, or nursing, rest and convalescent homes including care for acute psychiatric, drug addiction or alcoholism cases;

D. Public uses of an administrative, recreational, public service or cultural type including city, county, state or federal administrative centers and courts, libraries, museums, art galleries, police and fire stations, ambulance service and other public building, structures and facilities; public playgrounds, parks and community centers;

• E. Electric distribution substations;

• F. Gas regulator stations;

• G. Public service pumping stations, i.e., community water service wells;

• H. Communications equipment buildings;

• I. Planned neighborhood commercial center subject to the provisions of Chapter 17.26;

• J. Mobile home parks in conformance with Section 17.32.040 and having a density in the Low Density Residential range of two (2) to ten (10) housing units per acre;

• K. Residential developments utilizing private streets in which the net lot area (lot area not including street area) meets

or exceeds the site area prescribed by this article and in which the private streets are designed and constructed to meet or exceed public street standards;

• L. Adult day care in excess of twelve (12) persons;

• M. Large residential care facility subject to the provisions in Section 17.32.145;

• N. Residential structures and accessory buildings totaling more than ten thousand (10,000) square feet;

• O. Other uses similar in nature and intensity as determined by the city planner.

(Ord. 2025-15 § 2 (part), 2025: Ord. 2025-13 § 1 (part), 2025: Ord. 2024-15 § 1 (part), 2025: Ord. 2024-07 § 4, 2024: Ord. 2020-09 (part), 2020: Ord. 2017-13 (part), 2017: Ord. 2017-01 (part), 2017: Ord. 2012-02, 2012: Ord. 2001-13 § 4 (part), 2001: Ord. 2000-02 § 1 (part), 2000: amended during 10/97 supplement: Ord. 9717 § 2 (part), 1997: Ord. 9605 § 30 (part), 1996: prior code § 7273)

The minimum site area shall be as follows:

A. Each site shall have not less than forty (40) feet of frontage on the public street. The minimum width shall be as

follows:

Zone Interior Lot Corner Lot

R-1, unless developed

in accordance with Section 17.12.140 50 feet 60 feet

R-1-12.5 90 feet 100 feet

R-1-20 100 feet 110 feet

B. Minimum width for corner lot on a side on cul-de-sac shall be eighty (80) feet, when there is no landscape lot between the corner lot and the right of way.

(Ord. 2025-15 § 2 (part), 2025: Ord. 2017-01 (part), 2017: Ord. 9717 § 2 (part), 1997: prior code § 7274)

In the R-S single-family residential zone, not more than one (1) dwelling unit shall be located on each site, notwithstanding Chapter 17.14 pertaining to accessory dwelling units, and notwithstanding California Government Code § 65852.21(a) which allows two (2) residential units on a site.

(Ord. 2025-15 § 2 (part), 2025: Ord. 2024-15 § 1 (part), 2025: Ord. 2017-01 (part), 2017: Ord. 9717 § 2 (part), 1997: prior code § 7275)

In accordance with Section 17.12.020 legally existing multiple family units may be expanded or replaced if destroyed by fire or other disaster subject to the following criteria:

A. A site plan review permit as provided in Chapter 17.28 is required for all expansions or replacements.

B. Replacement/expansion of unit(s) shall be designed and constructed in an architectural style compatible with the existing single-family units in the neighborhood. Review of elevations for replacement/expansion shall occur through the

site plan review process. Appeals to architectural requirements of the site plan review staff shall be subject to the appeals process set forth in Section 17.28.050.

C. Setbacks and related development standards shall be consistent with existing single-family units in the neighborhood.

D. Parking requirements set forth in Section 17.34.020 and landscaping requirements shall meet current city standards and shall apply to the entire site(s), not just the replacement unit(s) or expanded area, which may result in the reduction of the number of units on the site.

• E. The number of multiple family units on the site shall not be increased.

F. All rights established under Sections 17.12.020 and 17.12.070 shall be null and void one hundred eighty (180) days after the date that the unit(s) are destroyed (or rendered uninhabitable), unless a building permit has been obtained and diligent pursuit of construction has commenced. The approval of a site plan review permit does not constitute compliance with this requirement.

(Ord. 2024-07 § 3 (part), 2024: Ord. 2017-01 (part), 2017: Ord. 9717 § 2 (part), 1997: prior code § 7276)

A. The minimum front yard shall be as follows:

Zone Minimum Front Yard

R-1-5 Unless developed in accordance with Section 17.12.140, fifteen (15) feet for living space and side-loading garages and twenty-two (22) feet for front-loading garages or other parking facilities, such as, but not limited to, carports, shade canopies, or porte cochere. A Porte Cochere with less than twenty-two (22) feet of setback from property line shall not be counted as covered parking, and garages on such sites shall not be the subject of a garage conversion. R-1-12.5 Thirty (30) feet

R-1-20 Thirty-five (35) feet

B. On a site situated between sites improved with buildings, the minimum front yard may be the average depth of the front yards on the improved site adjoining the side lines of the site but need not exceed the minimum front yard specified above.

C. On cul-de-sac and knuckle lots with a front lot line of which all or a portion is curvilinear, the front yard setback shall be no less than fifteen (15) feet for living space and side-loading garages and twenty (20) feet for front-loading garages. (Ord. 2025-15 § 2 (part), 2025: Ord. 2017-01 (part), 2017: Ord. 2004-20 (part), 2004: Ord. 2001-13 § 4 (part), 2001: Ord. 9717 § 2 (part), 1997: prior code § 7277)

A. Unless developed in accordance with Section 17.12.140, the minimum side yard shall be five feet in the R-1-5 and R-1-12.5 zone subject to the exception that on the street side of a corner lot the side yard shall be not less than ten feet and twenty-two (22) feet for front loading garages or other parking facilities, such as, but not limited to, carports, shade canopies, or porte cocheres.

B. The minimum side yard shall be ten feet in the R-1-20 zone subject to the exception that on the street side of a corner lot the side yard shall be not less than twenty (20) feet.

C. On a reversed corner lot the side yard adjoining the street shall be not less than ten feet.

D. On corner lots, all front-loading garage doors or other parking facilities, such as, but not limited to, carports, shade canopies, or porte cochere, shall be a minimum of twenty-two (22) feet from the nearest public improvement or sidewalk. A porte cochere with less than twenty- two (22) feet of setback from property line shall not be counted as covered parking, and garages on such sites shall not be the subject of a garage conversion.

E. Side yard requirements may be zero feet on one side of a lot if two or more consecutive lots are approved for a zero lot line development by the site plan review staff.

F. The placement of any mechanical equipment, including but not limited to, pool/spa equipment and evaporative coolers shall not be permitted in the five-foot side yard within the buildable area of the lot, or within five feet of rear/side property lines that are adjacent to the required side yard on adjoining lots. This provision shall not apply to street side yards on corner lots, nor shall it prohibit the surface mounting of utility meters and/or the placement of fixtures and utility lines as approved by the building and planning divisions.

(Ord. 2025-15 § 2 (part), 2025: Ord. 2024-07 § 3 (part), 2024: Ord. 2017-13 (part), 2017: Ord. 2017-01 (part), 2017: Ord. 2001-13 § 4 (part), 2001: Ord. 9717 § 2 (part), 1997: prior code § 7278)

In the R-S single-family residential zones, the minimum yard shall be twenty-five (25) feet, subject to the following exceptions:

A. On a corner or reverse corner lot the rear yard shall be twenty-five (25) feet on the narrow side or twenty (20) feet on the long side of the lot. The decision as to whether the short side or long side is used as the rear yard area shall be left to the applicant's discretion as long as a minimum area of one thousand five hundred (1,500) square feet of usable rear yard area is maintained. The remaining side yard to be a minimum of five feet.

B. Accessory structures not exceeding twelve (12) feet may be located in the required rear yard but not closer than three feet to any lot line provided that not more than twenty (20) percent of the area of the required rear yard shall be covered by structures enclosed on more than one side and not more than forty (40) percent may be covered by structures enclosed on only one side. On a reverse corner lot an accessory structure shall not be located closer to the rear property line than the required side yard on the adjoining key lot. An accessory structure shall not be closer to a side property line adjoining key lot and not closer to a side property line adjoining the street than the required front yard on the adjoining key lot.

C. Main structures may encroach up to five feet into a required rear yard area provided that such encroachment does not exceed one story and that a usable, open, rear yard area of at least one thousand two hundred and fifty (1,250) square feet shall be maintained.

(Ord. 2025-15 § 2 (part), 2025: Ord. 2024-07 § 5, 2024: Ord. 2017-01 (part), 2017: Ord. 2001-13 § 4 (part), 2001: Ord. 9717 § 2 (part), 1997: Ord. 9605 § 30 (part), 1996: prior code § 7279)

In the R-S single-family residential zone, the maximum height of a permitted use shall be thirty-five (35) feet, with the exception of structures specified in Section 17.12.100(B). (Ord. 2025-15 § 2 (part), 2025: Ord. 2017-01 (part), 2017: Ord. 2006-07 § 2 (part), 2006: Ord. 9717 § 2 (part), 1997: prior code § 7280)

In the R-S single-family residential zone, subject to the provisions of Chapter 17.34. (Ord. 2025-15 § 2 (part), 2025: Ord. 2017-01 (part), 2017: Ord. 9717 § 2 (part), 1997: prior code § 7281)

In the R-S single-family residential zone, fences, walls and hedges are subject to the provisions of Section 17.36.030. (Ord. 2025-15 § 2 (part), 2025: Ord. 2017-01 (part), 2017: Ord. 9717 § 2 (part), 1997: prior code § 7282)

A. Notwithstanding Section 17.12.050, lots in the R-1 zone may have a lot area of between 3,600 and 4,999 square feet if all of the following standards are met:

1. The development's overall density is consistent with the Low Density Residential General Plan density range of two

• (2) to ten (10) dwelling units per gross acre.

2. The maximum number of lots less than 5,000 square feet that may be approved by a tentative subdivision map shall be fifty (50) percent or less of the total lots.

3. Streets shall be constructed to public street standards.

4. Each subdivision with at least 15 lots that are less than 5,000 square feet in size shall make available to buyers at least three (3) different small lot floor plans with at least four (4) available elevation designs for each floor plan to construct on those lots.

5. The development is consistent with all objective design standards as referenced in Section 17.12.160 (Objective Design Standards).

• B. Notwithstanding this Chapter, lots with less than five thousand (5,000) square feet shall have the following

minimum dimensions and building setback areas, unless they were approved with a planned development permit:

1. The minimum lot depth shall be seventy (70) feet.

2. The minimum lot width shall be forty-six (46) feet for interior lots and fifty-one (51) feet for corner lots.

3. The minimum front building setback area shall be twelve (12) feet for livable space and twenty (20) feet for garages.

4. The minimum rear yard building setback area shall be fifteen (15) feet.

5. The minimum interior side yard building setback area shall be five (5) feet.

6. The minimum corner side yard building setback area shall be ten (10) feet.

7. The maximum building height shall be thirty-five (35) feet.

8. Lots shall provide a minimum usable open space area of three hundred (300) square feet. The open space shall have a minimum width of fifteen (15) feet.

C. Lots less having a lot area of 3,600 square feet, or lots between 3,600 and 4,999 square feet that do not meet all the standards in Subsections A and B of Section 17.12.140 may be approved through the planned development permit process per Chapter 17.26. (Ord. 2025-15 § 2 (part), 2025: Ord. 2024-16 § 1 (part), 2025: Ord. 2017-01 (part), 2017)

Signs shall be placed in conformance with Chapter 17.48. (Ord. 2024-16 § 1 (part), 2025: Ord. 2017-01 (part), 2017)

Project proponents of single-family residential developments that are subject to approval by the site plan review staff or the planning commission are required to adhere to the objective design standards as specified by Resolution No. 2025-30 of the Visalia City Council passed on May 5, 2025, and may be subsequently amended by resolution. The purpose of the standards are to provide proponents with a clear understanding of the city's expectations for all residential project design and streamline the construction of housing units by reducing subjectivity in the entitlement process. Before the issuance of a building permit for each primary dwelling unit, the project proponent shall demonstrate each unit's compliance with the objective design standards, utilizing any forms approved by the city for determining compliance. (Ord. 2024-16 § 1 (part), 2025)