Article IV — SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS

Westmorland Zoning Code · 2026-06 edition · ingested 2026-07-07 · Westmorland

SECTION 4.01 MAINTENANCE OF MINIMUM ORDINANCE REQUIREMENTS. No lot area, yard or other open space existing prior to the effective date of this ordinance shall be reduced below the minimum required for it by this ordinance.

SECTION 4.02 ACCESS. Every building hereafter erected shall be on a lot adjacent to a public street, and all structures shall be so located on lots as to provide safe and convenient access for servicing, fire protection and required off street parking.

SECTION 4.03 EXCEPTIONS AND MODIFICATIONS. The following exceptions and modifications to yard and height requirements and reasonable accomodation are hereby authorized.

  • (a) Yard Requirements. If there are buildings on both adjacent lots which are within one hundred (100) feet of the intervening lot, and the buildings have front yards of less than the required setback for the zone, the setback of the front yard for the intervening lot shall not exceed the average setbacks of the front yards of the adjacent lots. Where a building on an adjacent lot as above has a front yard setback of less than that required by the zone, the front yard shall not exceed a

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setback distance of halfway between that on the adjacent front yard and that required by the zone.

  • (b) Height Requirements. Vertical projections such as chimneys, spires, domes, towers, aerials, flagpoles and similar objects not used for human occupancy are not subject to the building height limitations of the Ordinance.

  • (c) In order to comply with the provisions of SB 20 (Chapter 671 of the government code) regarding reasonable accommodation, an exception is provided for persons with disabilities to allow a ministerial process with no processing fee, subject to approval by the Building Official, as follows:

    1. The request for reasonable accommodation will be used by an individual with a disability protected under fail housing laws.

    2. The requested accommodation is necessary to make housing available to an individual with a disability protected under fair housing law.

    3. The requested accommodation would not impose an undue financial or administrative burden on the City.

    4. The requested accommodation would not require a fundamental alteration in the nature of the City’s land use and zoning program.

SECTION 4.04 ACCESSORY USES. No attached accessory structure shall be erected in any required yard except for open sided canopy or roof structures, and no detached accessory structure shall be erected within five feet (5’) of any other structure.

SECTION 4.05 OFF STREET PARKING REQUIREMENTS. For each main building, dwelling, commercial, industrial establishment or other structure hereafter erected, converted, reconstructed or enlarged there shall be provided and maintained off street parking facilities to accommodate the motor vehicles used by the occupants, customers, clientele, and employees of such building or structure. Each required parking space shall be not less than nine (9) feet wide and twenty (20) feet long. In addition, vehicular access to a public right of way shall be provided. The number of parking spaces for each type of use shall not be less than that stated as follows:

  • (a) Residential Dwellings. For every dwelling, multiple dwelling or other structure erected or intended to be used as a dwelling, there shall be provided on the same lot or parcel of land at least one and a half (1 ½ ) parking spaces for each dwelling unit. A full parking space shall be provided in each instance where a fractional space would otherwise be required by the terms herein.

    • b. Commercial and Industrial Buildings. For all office and commercial buildings at least one (1) parking space shall be provided for each two hundred and fifty (250) square feet of floor space or fraction thereof in said building. Each such parking space shall be on the same lot or within five hundred feet (500’) of the building.

    • c. Group Occupancies. For each guest room in rooming, lodging, clubs, and dormitories, there shall be provided one (1) parking space. Each such parking space shall be on the same lot or parcel of land or contiguous thereto.

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  • d. Hotels, Motels and Tourist Courts. For hotels, motels, and tourist courts at least one (1) parking space shall be provided for each living or sleeping unit on the same lot or parcel of land or contiguous thereto.

  • e. Public Assembly Uses. For places of public assembly, including churches and theaters, at least one (1) parking space shall be provided for every three (3) seats provided in the assembly place. Each such parking space shall be on the same lot or within five hundred (500’) feet of the building.

  • f. Mobile Home Parks. For each mobile home space, there shall be provided at least two (2) parking spaces. In addition, guest parking space shall be provided at the ratio of one (1) space for each eight (8) home sites in the park.

  • g. Parking for All Other Uses. Parking for all other uses permitted, but not enumerated in this section, shall be furnished as required by the Planning Commission.

SECTION 4.06 OFF-STREET LOADING. On the same premises with every building, structure or part thereof erected or occupied for manufacturing storage, warehouse, department store, wholesale or retail market, hotel, restaurant, hospital, laundry plant or other uses similarly involving the receipt or distribution of materials or merchandise carried by vehicle there shall be provided and maintained on the lot adequate space for standing loading and unloading service in order to avoid undue interference with the public uses of the streets or alleys. Such off-street loading facilities shall be located on the same site with the use for which it is required. The facilities shall not occupy required front yard space nor shall facilities be located closer than fifty (50) feet to any lot in any residential zone.

SECTION 4.07 FENCES, WALLS AND HEDGES. A fence, wall, or hedge within a front yard or a street side yard shall not exceed an elevation of four feet above a street elevation. A fence, wall, or hedge not more than six (6) feet tall as measured from the highest grade, may be maintained along the side or rear lot lines, provided that such fence, wall, or hedge does not extend into a required front yard. In the Industrial (I) Zone, all improved property shall be fenced as stated above; however, where such a use forms a common side or rear boundary with a residential zone, a solid masonry wall not less than six (6) feet in height shall be erected along the property line.

  • (a) Minor Deviation from standards. A fence not more than six feet (6’) in height may be constructed along the property line abutting a street upon request by the owner and approval by the Planning Commission based on the following findings:

    • i. The installation of such a fence or wall is necessary to protect the public health, safety and welfare from noise, vibration, odor, etc.

    • ii. The height and location of the fence does not create a traffic hazard by blocking lines-of-sight from public rights-of-ways and does is not otherwise detrimental to the public health, safety and general welfare.

SECTION 4.08 SIGNS. Signs shall be permitted as provided below:

(a) Sign in Residential Zones.

  • i. Name plates on single family units shall be permitted provided that the area of the sign does not exceed two (2) square feet in area.

  • ii. The name of the development and related information shall be permitted provided that the area of the sign does not exceed one (1) square foot of area for each apartment unit.

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  • iii. Not more than two “For Rent” and “For Sale” signs shall be permitted provided that the areas of the signs(s) do not exceed six (6) square feet in area.

(b) Signs in Commercial Zones.

  • i. Business signs indicating the name and the nature of the occupancy shall be permitted provided the total sign area shall not exceed two (2) square feet per foot of building frontage facing a street. Such signs shall be affixed to the building surface unless otherwise allowed by conditional use permit.

  • ii. Illumination of signs shall not create a nuisance to adjoining residential zones.

(c) Signs in Industrial Zones.

  • i. Sign indicating the name and the nature of the occupancy shall be permitted provided the total sign area shall not exceed three (3) square feet per foot of building frontage facing a street.

  • ii. No sign shall be located within fifty (50) feet of a Residential Zone.

  • iii. Illumination of sign shall not create a nuisance to adjoining zones.

SECTION 4.09 HOME OCCUPATION REGULATIONS. Home occupations shall be

allowed in residential zones subject to the following regulations

  • (a) No persons other than residents of the dwelling unit shall be employed in the conduct of a home occupation.

  • (b) A home occupation shall be conducted in a dwelling and shall be clearly incidental and secondary to its use for dwelling purposes.

  • (c) There shall be no external alteration of the dwelling in which a home occupation is conducted, and the existence of a home occupation shall not be apparent beyond the boundaries of the site, except for a name plate.

  • (d) A home occupation shall not create any radio or television interference or create noise audible beyond the boundaries of the site. Also, no equipment shall be used that makes dust, odor, smoke, vibration or other adverse conditions which are detrimental to adjoining dwellings.

  • (e) There shall be no outdoor storage of materials or supplies.

SECTION 4.10 MOBILE HOME PARK DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS

  • (i) Size of Mobile Home Park. No parcel containing less than three and one half (3 ½) acres may be used for the purpose permitted in R-2-T Zone.

  • (ii) Density. There shall be a minimum of five thousand (5,000) square feet of gross area for each mobile home space. The total area may include access roadways, accessory building space and recreational areas.

  • (iii) Building Height. Building Height for any structure shall be limited to fifteen (15) feet. Structures not more than 35 feet in height may be permitted subjected to a Conditional Use Permit.

  • (iv) Mobile Home Park. Measurement of Yards. Yards shall be measured perpendicular to the property line or from a future street or highway right of way line, as shown on the General Plan or Zoning Map.

  • (v) Mobile Home Park Space Requirements. Mobile home spaces shall observe the following requirements:

    • 1 The minimum size of an individual mobile home space shall be twentyseven hundred (2,700) square feet with a minimum width of forty-five (45) feet and a minimum depth of sixty (60) feet.

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  • 2 No mobile home space shall be located closer than twenty (20) feet from the exterior property line of the mobile park when said line abuts a public street.

  • 3 No mobile home space shall be closer than five (5) feet from any other portion of the property line of said mobile home park.

  • 4 There shall be a minimum front yard of three (3) feet extending for the full width of the mobile home space and measured from the edge of the pavement or back of the curb of an interior street. The trailer tongue may encroach into the required front yard set back.

  • 5 There shall be a minimum side yard of three (3) feet and a minimum rear yard of three (3) feet. Where a side or rear yard abuts an access road, public parking area, or walk, said yards shall not be less than ten (10) feet in width.

(vi) Distance between Mobile homes.

  • 1 There shall be not less than ten (10) feet between mobile homes.

  • 2 Where residential mobile homes are located near any permitted building, other than another residential mobile home, Ramada or cabana, the minimum space between the mobile home and said building shall be fifteen (15) feet.

(vii) Patio and Skirting

  • 1 A cement concrete patio or other metal or wood deck having a minimum area of three hundred (300) square feet shall be installed as part of each mobile home space.

  • 2 The area between the ground level and the floor of a mobile home shall be screened from view by an opaque skirt entirely around the mobile home. The skirt shall be specifically designed for mobile home usage.

  • (viii) Tenant Storage. Tenant storage may be provided for in any manner consistent with the requirements of the California Department of Housing & Community Development, Division of Codes and Standards.

  • (ix) Access Roads.

    • 1 Access roads within a mobile home park shall be paved to a width of not less than twenty-five (25) feet.

  • 2 Portland cement concrete curbs and gutters shall be installed on both sides of all access roads.

    • 3 Access roads, with paved width of less than thirty-two (32) feet shall not be used for automobile parking at any time.

    • 4 Access roads, with paved width of less than forty (40) feet shall not be used for automobile parking on more than one side at any time.

    • 5 Access roads around the recreational area shall be paved to a minimum width of thirty-six (36) feet with off-street parking provisions and no onstreet parking shall be permitted around the recreational area.

    • 6 All access roads shall be adequately lighted.

    • 7 Each mobile home shall have frontage on an access road. A minimum fifteen (15) foot wide unobstructed access shall be provided to approved access road for the movement of mobile home service vehicles.

  • (x) Sanitary Sewer. Each mobile home space shall be provided with a connection to a sewer line. Mobile homes that cannot be connected to a sanitary sewer system shall not be permitted to be used for human habitation. The sewer system and connection plans shall be subject to the approval of the County Health Department and the City.

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(xi) Electrical Service.

  • 1 All electrical, telephone and television services within the mobile home park shall be underground.

  • 2 All services to the individual spaces shall be a minimum of 100-AMP service.

  • (xii) Management Office. Each mobile home park shall have a management office with a gross floor area of not less than two hundred (200) square feet. The office may include space for usual office furniture and supplies and shall contain a lavatory and water closet. Suitable facilities shall be provided for mail distribution.

  • (xiii) Park Storage. Storage space for supplies, maintenance materials, and equipment shall be provided in a separate building or in a building with other facilities.

(xiv) Laundry Facilities.

  • 1 Laundry facilities equipped with washing machines and dryers shall be provided.

  • 2 Outside drying yards shall be enclosed with a six (6) foot high solid fence.

  • (xv) Accessory Structures. No accessory building shall be constructed as a permanent part of the mobile home. Accessory structures such as cabana, Ramada, patio, carport, and/or storage cabinet are permitted.

  • (xvi) Trash Enclosures. One (1) standard trash enclosure shall be provided for every fifteen (15) mobile homes units.

(xvii) Offsite Improvements.

  • 1 All mobile home parks shall connect to City water and sewer facilities. Extension from existing facilities shall be borne by developer.

  • 2 All streets abutting park shall be improved to city standards.

  • 3 All plans shall be approved prior to issuance of a building permit.

  • (xviii)Recreational Vehicle Storage Yard. Recreational vehicle storage yards may be provided and shall conform to the following standards. No recreational vehicle, travel trailers, boat and trailer or accessories shall be kept on the mobile home space, but shall be stored as provided herein, except that one recreational vehicle or travel which is the primary residence of the occupant of the space may be permitted.

    • 1 The area shall be graded and graveled or surfaced with asphalt concrete or Portland Cement Concrete.

    • 2 The storage yard shall be enclosed by a six (6) foot high fence and landscaped to shield the interior of the area from view on all sides. The wall or fence shall be broken only by a solid gate.

    • 3 No sewer connection other than standard trailer sanitation shall be permitted within the storage yard.

    • 4 The storage yard shall not be used for living purposes.

  • (xix) Submittal Requirements.

    • 1 Six (6) copies of plot plan providing sufficient detail of proposed park shall be submitted to determine sufficiency of plans, along with a written statement of intent to comply with the standards of this ordinance.

    • 2 Upon approval the application shall be submitted to the planning commission for review and approval. The plans must delineate all property lines, right-of-ways, easements, setbacks, location of accessory structures, offsite improvements, other information that illustrate compliance with the provisions of this zoning ordinance and other information deemed necessary by Planning Staff. The Planning Commission may approve, approve with

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  - conditions or disapprove the project. The Planning Commission shall recommend to the City Council that a conditional use permit be issued or that the application be denied.

  • (xx) Establishment and Enlargement. No mobile home park, as defined herein, shall be established and maintained in the City of Westmorland, nor shall any mobile home park already existing in the City of Westmorland be enlarged unless such mobile park shall be established, maintained or enlarged in compliance with all provisions of this ordinance and shall further comply with the provisions of Chapter 5, Title 25 of the California Administrative Code.

  • (xxi) Off Street Parking Requirements: see Section 4.5.6

  • (xxii) Fences, Walls, and Hedges:

    • 1 Each mobile home park shall be entirely enclosed at its exterior boundaries by fence or wall six (6) feet in height, and by screen landscaping not less than six (6) feet in height. Said wall or fence shall run along and be contiguous to the boundary line or property line except where abutting a front street. The minimum height of fence along any public street shall be four (4) feet.

    • 2 The type of fence or wall shall be set forth by the Planning Commission at time of review of Plot Plan and issuance of Conditional Use Permit.

    • 3 Also see Section 4.7

  • (xxiii) Signs: see Section 4.8

SECTION 4.11 APPLICATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL GUIDELINES. In accordance

with the California Environmental Quality Act of 1970 (and as amended), an environmental review shall be initiated for any actions that are not categorically and/or Statutorily Exempt.

SECTION 4.12 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW PROCEDURES. Procedures as they may be established by the City Council shall govern the preparation and review of environmental assessments, and where such environmental reports are required, procedural timing for zoning actions may be adjusted accordingly.