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Avalon — Development Standards

Development Standards under the Avalon local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.

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Last reviewed: July 3, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes the City of Avalon Zoning Ordinance (Title 9 of the municipal code) development standards that control setbacks, height, lot coverage, density, and FAR across Avalon’s zoning districts. It is grounded in the Avalon code text (chapter and § citations shown) and interprets how the numeric controls and special-area rules apply in practice. For the code’s broader context see the Avalon zoning & planning overview and the Avalon Zoning pages.

Quick links used in this page: the first natural mention of related topics below is linked to their GoCodebook menu pages — Avalon Zoning, Avalon Parking, Avalon Design Review, Avalon Overlay Districts, Avalon ADUs, Avalon Landscaping and Screening, and the California Building Standards Code (Title 24).

All numeric standards below are taken directly from the Avalon Zoning Ordinance; each item cites the controlling § and the search result that contains it.

District-by-district development standards

Notes on reading: where the code refers to "hillside" or slope-dependent standards, use the definitions and slope thresholds in the code (e.g., HILLSIDE LOT definitions) and measure building height as the code prescribes (see the code’s definitions of HEIGHT, BUILDING) — verify slope classification on your parcel before applying the numbers. See the General Standards chapter (Chapter 9‑7) for items that apply across zones.

LD — Low Density Residential and Low Intensity Recreation

  • Purpose & typical uses: detached residential on gentler slopes, recreation, and preservation uses. § 9-5.201–§ 9-5.203.
  • Key dimensional standards:
    • Maximum density: 10 units/acre (slopes under 30°); 5 units/acre (30°–50°); 1 unit/acre (50°+). § 9-5.205(a).
    • Minimum lot area for single-family detached: 4,400 sq ft (and multipliers for steeper slopes). § 9-5.205(b).
    • Setbacks / ridgeline buffer: the code enforces specific setback rules (including a 75 ft setback from certain ridgelines as described) — see § 9-5.205(d). § 9-5.205(d).
  • Where this applies: sloping peripheral parcels mapped as LD on the zoning map. § 9-5.201.

MD — Multiple Residential — Medium Density

  • Purpose & typical uses: two-family and single-family in areas suited for medium density; daycare allowed. § 9-5.301–§ 9-5.304.
  • Key dimensional standards (standards section is § 9-5.305):
    • Typical setbacks and building bulk are set in the Standards of Development for MD and in Chapter 9‑7; see § 9-5.305 for the MD standards framework and numeric controls. § 9-5.305.
    • Practical note: the MD standards are applied parcel‑by‑parcel through the MD standards matrix and site plan review; confirm which numeric items in § 9-5.305 apply to your lot type (flat, hillside, steep hillside). § 9-5.305.

(If you need the MD table pulled out in tabular form for a particular lot, tell me the address/APN and slope class — verify with the jurisdiction.) Verify with the jurisdiction.

HD — Multiple Residential — High Density

  • Purpose & typical uses: higher-density multifamily housing; includes incentives and inclusionary requirements. § 9-5.401–§ 9-5.404.
  • Key dimensional standards (numerics are explicit in § 9-5.405):
    • Maximum density: 40 units/acre. § 9-5.405(a).
    • Minimum lot area: 2,200 sq ft (new lots). § 9-5.405(b).
    • Minimum lot width: 25 ft. § 9-5.405(c).
    • Setbacks: generally 3 ft (non-hillside); hillside/steep-hillside 5 ft; see § 9-5.405(d).
    • Heights and slope rules: for lots of 14° or less max height 28 ft / 2 stories; hillside lots: measured from upper lot line 14 ft above upper lot line and up to 32 ft on natural surface (see the multi‑slope table). § 9-5.405(e).
    • Lot coverage: up to 80% (reduced on hillside/steep hillside to 70%). § 9-5.405(e)(2).
    • Floor area ratios / permitted floor area: slope-dependent (see § 9-5.405(e)(3) for percent-of-lot-area FAR equivalents).
  • Where this applies: properties mapped HD; an HD subarea with smaller lots has its own tailored standards in § 9-5.406. § 9-5.406.

L/M — Low and Moderate Income Housing

  • Purpose & typical uses: deliver housing targeted for low/moderate income households. § 9-5.501–§ 9-5.505.
  • Key dimensional standards (§ 9-5.505):
    • Maximum density: 40 units/acre. § 9-5.505(a).
    • Setbacks: No building closer than 10 ft from any street or project boundary and 6 ft between buildings. § 9-5.505(d).
    • Heights: slope-dependent height envelopes (examples: 28 ft/2 stories on flatter lots; up to 40 ft on steep slope configurations — see § 9-5.505(e)).
    • Off-street parking and trash: parking standards “to be determined by the Commission” for many multi-family projects; trash storage minimums are specified. § 9-5.505(f–g).

R/R — Resort/Recreation (Resort)

  • Purpose & typical uses: visitor-serving hotels and resort uses. § 9-6.401–§ 9-6.404.
  • Key dimensional standards (R/R generally takes the C (Commercial) standards as baseline, with specific exceptions in § 9-6.404):
    • Descanso Canyon special rules: in parts of R/R (Descanso Canyon) special limits apply — maximum building height up to 7 stories (for specified areas), lot coverage limited to 20%, and maximum floor area 140% of gross lot (specific rules at § 9-6.404(a)).
    • Other R/R sectors (Sector 10 hillside): in that sector max 4 stories over existing surface and stricter lot coverage and floor‑area caps (see § 9-6.404(b)).
    • Shoreline strip: structures adjacent to mean high tide are strictly limited (one story, max 15 ft for allowed passive facilities) and no new typical development is allowed between mean high tide and the first major landward road; see § 9-6.404(c).
  • Where this applies: properties zoned R/R and mapped Resort/Recreation on the zoning map; some R/R subareas have bespoke master-plan standards. § 9-6.401.

C — Commercial and SC — Special Commercial

  • Purpose & typical uses: street‑oriented retail, services, and mixed commercial/residential (ground-floor commercial is common). § 9-6.201–§ 9-6.204 for C; § 9-6.301–§ 9-6.304 for SC.
  • Key dimensional standards (C & SC):
    • Minimum lot area: 2,000 sq ft; minimum width 50 ft (in many commercial subareas). § 9-6.204(a–b) and § 9-6.304(a–b).
    • Setbacks: typical rear setback 3 ft; zero feet on other sides is permitted (i.e., build-to property line), but adjacent residential notice rules apply. § 9-6.204(c) and § 9-6.304(c).
    • Heights: where within 350 ft of the high-tide line max 28 ft; elsewhere commercial heights up to 40 ft where compatible. § 9-6.204(d)(1).
    • Lot coverage: up to 80% for commercial building coverage and high FARs noted in specific subareas (see § 9-6.204(d) and § 9-6.304(d)).
  • Special Commercial rules further tailor uses and require notice where commercial adjoins residential. § 9-6.301–§ 9-6.304.

P — Public and CE — Cemetery

  • P (Public): development standards "as provided in the C zone" in practice; principal public uses enumerated. § 9-6.501–§ 9-6.504.
  • CE (Cemetery): limited to cemetery and related facilities; see § 9-6.510–§ 9-6.511.

ADU rules (city overlay to residential standards)

  • ADU-specific development controls augment the underlying zone standards (Article 6, § 9-5.601–§ 9-5.606; see also § 9-5.604–§ 9-5.606 for size, FAR, lot coverage, and setbacks). Key numeric rules:
    • ADU maximum sizes for permit‑triggered ADUs: 850 sq ft (studio/1‑BR) and 1,000 sq ft (2+ BR) in the city's ADU permit rules (§ 9-5.606(a)).
    • FAR cap for ADU scenarios in that subsection: total FAR of lot cannot exceed 45% for those ADUs (§ 9-5.606(b)).
    • Setbacks for ADUs under that subsection: typically 3 ft front, side, and rear where the ADU permit rules control; some ADUs built inside existing envelope require no additional setback (§ 9-5.606(c)).
    • Lot coverage and open space caps applicable to ADU permitting: ADU rules may limit total lot coverage to 50% and require minimum open space percentages (see § 9-5.606(d–e)).
    • Administrative approvals and building-permit-only ADU routes are in § 9-5.604–§ 9-5.605.

Practical note: ADU rules interact with state ADU law; the City references and follows state constraints while applying its objective local numeric standards. See the City ADU article for how local FAR/coverage/setback caps interact with state minimums. § 9-5.601 et seq.

Quick reference table — most decision‑relevant numeric standards

District Key numeric controls (decision-relevant) Code Reference
LD Density: 10 / 5 / 1 units/acre by slope; min lot 4,400 sq ft; ridgeline setback 75 ft (where mapped) § 9-5.205
MD See MD Standards; parcel‑type rules in § 9-5.305 (site-specific setbacks, stories, massing controlled there) § 9-5.301–§ 9-5.305
HD Density 40 units/acre; min lot 2,200 sq ft; setbacks 3 ft (5 ft hillside); heights 28 ft (14° or less); coverage 80% (70% hillside) § 9-5.405
L/M Density 40 units/acre; setbacks 10 ft from street/project boundary; building heights slope-dependent (examples in §) § 9-5.505
R/R Baseline C standards; Descanso Canyon exceptions: heights up to 7 stories, lot coverage 20%, floor area 140%; shoreline band special limits (15 ft max for passive structures) § 9-6.404(a–c)
C / SC Min lot 2,000 sq ft; width 50 ft; setbacks rear 3 ft / other sides 0 ft; height 28 ft within 350 ft of tide line; coverage 80% § 9-6.204 and § 9-6.304
ADUs ADU sizes 850 / 1,000 sq ft (permit‑type limits); ADU FAR cap 45% (certain ADU permit path); ADU setbacks often 3 ft; lot coverage rules apply (50% cap) § 9-5.606 and § 9-5.604–9-5.605

How the city applies slope / hillside rules and "stories"

  • Avalon measures height from the lot’s natural surface and applies different envelopes depending on lot average slope: many zones use slope thresholds such as 10°, 14°, 15°, 20°, and definitions for HILLSIDE LOT or STEPPED STORIES. See the definitions (HEIGHT, BUILDING and HILLSIDE LOT) and the slope-dependent height tables in each zone’s standards. § 9-3.608; see zone-specific building bulk rules (e.g., § 9-5.405(e) for HD).

Checklist — what an applicant must satisfy (site plan + pre‑application)

  • Confirm the parcel zoning and any map overlays (e.g., Descanso Canyon R/R subarea or other overlays) — verify via the zoning map. § 9-4.201.
  • Establish slope classification (flat / 14° / 14°–19° / 20°+ etc.) and whether lot is a hillside or steep‑hillside; apply the correct height envelope. § 9-5.405(e) and definitions.
  • Verify applicable density cap (units/acre) and minimum lot area/lot width for the zone. (See the zone-specific § cited above.)
  • Confirm setback requirements (front/side/rear; special alley rules for small lots or HD subareas). § 9-5.405(d); § 9-5.406(d).
  • Calculate lot coverage and lot-level FAR/floor‑area allowed for the lot/slope and compare to proposed building area. § 9-5.405(e)(2–3).
  • Check parking requirement or Commission-determined parking rules (many multifamily/commercial parking standards are delegated to the Commission). See the Avalon Parking page for related rules and § 9-7.608 for parking plan requirements.
  • For ADUs, confirm ADU-specific size/FAR/coverage/setback caps in § 9-5.604–9-5.606 (and note state ADU law interactions).
  • Prepare site plan and topographic survey per site plan review rules; a signed certification of proposed height is required from a licensed surveyor or civil/geo engineer. § 9-8.202.

Also expect design guidance/review: the Planning Commission may modify height/FAR/coverage to lessen visual impact under site plan review; see the Avalon Design Review reference and § 9-8.203(f).

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Parcel slope classification (flat vs. hillside vs. steep hillside) Triggers very different height, coverage, and FAR envelopes (can change allowed stories and numeric caps). Obtain topographic survey; confirm which slope threshold in § 9‑3 and the zone standard applies to your lot. § 9-3.608 and zone standards.
Subarea / overlay exceptions (e.g., Descanso Canyon) Certain subareas (R/R Descanso Canyon, Sector 10) have bespoke lower coverage or higher story allowances — rules override general C‑zone defaults. Confirm whether the lot sits in Descanso Canyon or other mapped overlay. Check § 9-6.404(a–b) and the zoning map. Verify with the jurisdiction.
ADU caps vs underlying FAR/coverage ADU permit path imposes its own FAR/coverage caps (e.g., 45% FAR cap in a local ADU subsection) that may further limit ADU size beyond state minima. For ADU projects, apply § 9-5.606 rules; check whether the local ADU path or state law governs — verify with the jurisdiction.
Parking “to be determined by the Commission” Many multifamily/commercial parking requirements are left to the Commission — adds discretionary uncertainty and a possible condition of approval. Factor discretionary parking review into entitlement timeline and consult the Planning Department early; see § 9-6.204(e) and § 9-7.608.
Nonconforming structures Additions to nonconforming buildings have strict limits on increases; rebuilding after disaster is allowed only if nonconformity is not increased. Confirm nonconforming status in City records; see § 9-8.703 for repair/alteration rules.

Plain-English Summary

Avalon’s zoning code sets different density, setback, height, lot-coverage and floor-area rules by zone: LD (low density) has the strictest density and ridgeline protections; MD and HD progressively allow more units per acre but with slope-based height envelopes; C/SC allow close-to-property-line commercial builds with 3 ft rear setbacks and higher lot coverage; R/R (resort) follows commercial rules but has strong subarea rules (e.g., Descanso Canyon) that may limit lot coverage and impose special shoreline setbacks. ADUs have their own caps that interact with, and sometimes further restrict, the underlying zone standards. Always confirm a parcel’s slope classification and any overlay/subarea mapping before applying the numeric rules; many multi-family and commercial parking rules are determined by the Planning Commission. Key controlling code provisions include § 9-5.205 (LD), § 9-5.305 (MD), § 9-5.405 (HD), § 9-5.505 (L/M), § 9-6.204 / § 9-6.304 (C/SC), and § 9-6.404 (R/R).

Source References

  • Avalon Zoning Ordinance (Title 9) — Chapter list and zone designations: § 9-4.101; § 9-5.101.
  • LD standards: § 9-5.205.
  • MD intent & standards: § 9-5.301–§ 9-5.305.
  • HD standards (density, setbacks, heights, coverage, FAR): § 9-5.405; special HD subarea § 9-5.406.
  • L/M zone standards (density, setbacks, heights): § 9-5.501–§ 9-5.505.
  • Resort/Recreation (R/R) special standards and Descanso Canyon: § 9-6.401–§ 9-6.404.
  • Commercial & Special Commercial standards (C, SC): § 9-6.204, § 9-6.304.
  • ADU rules and numeric caps: § 9-5.601–§ 9-5.606, including ADU-specific FAR, lot-coverage and setback rules in § 9-5.606 and approval tracks § 9-5.604.
  • General standards, setbacks, projections, distance between buildings: Chapter 9‑7 (e.g., § 9-7.404, § 9-7.405, § 9-7.608).
  • Nonconforming structures: § 9-8.703.

If you want, I can:

  • extract the numeric standard rows into a printable one‑page compliance checklist for a single APN, or
  • prepare the dimensioned envelope sketch (height plane + setbacks + lot coverage) for a particular parcel — tell me the APN or attach a site survey.

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Avalon Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
  • Avalon Zoning Code (article shall) High relevance
  • CBC § 9 (title shall) High relevance
  • CBC § 9 (§ 9-5.406.) High relevance
  • Avalon Zoning Code High relevance
  • Avalon Zoning Code (§ 9-5.406.) High relevance
  • Avalon Zoning Code (§ 9-15.105.) High relevance
  • Avalon Zoning Code (title or) High relevance
  • Avalon Zoning Code (§ 9-6.402.) High relevance
  • Avalon Zoning Code (§ 9-6.304.) High relevance
  • Avalon Zoning Code (§ 9-6.405.) Medium relevance
  • Avalon Zoning Code (chapter shall) Medium relevance
  • Avalon Zoning Code Medium relevance
  • Avalon Zoning Code (§ 9-7.403.) Medium relevance
  • CBC § 9 (Article 4.) High relevance
  • CBC § 9 (Article 3.) High relevance
  • Avalon Zoning Code (§ 9-5.504.) High relevance
  • Avalon Zoning Code (Article 5.) High relevance
  • CBC § 9 (§ 9-5.405.) High relevance
  • Avalon Zoning Code (section must) High relevance
  • Avalon Zoning Code (§ 9-5.204.) High relevance
  • Avalon Zoning Code (§ 9-6.203.) High relevance
  • Avalon Zoning Code (Article 3.) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

What can I build on an R-1 (or equivalent) lot in Avalon?

The City’s zoning map uses zones such as LD, MD, HD, L/M, R/R, C, SC, P and CE rather than an “R‑1” label; typical single‑family detached development sits in LD or possibly MD/HD depending on location and slope. See the residential zone designations and check the parcel’s mapped zone; LD rules are in § 9-5.201–§ 9-5.205 (density, lot area, setbacks).

What are Avalon setback requirements?

Setbacks vary by zone and slope class. Examples: HD generally uses 3 ft setbacks (non-hillside) and 5 ft on hillside/steep‑hillside; L/M requires 10 ft from streets/project boundaries and 6 ft between buildings; commercial zones often allow 0 ft side/front build‑to lines with 3 ft rear. See the zone-specific standards like § 9-5.405(d) (HD) and § 9-5.505(d) (L/M).

What are Avalon height limits?

Height is slope-dependent. For many residential zones the code uses slope thresholds: example for HD — 28 ft / 2 stories on lots ≤14°, stepped upper‑line envelopes (e.g., 14 ft above upper lot line plus up to 32 ft on natural surface for hillside) and up to 40 ft on steep hillside where allowed. See § 9-5.405(e) for HD and the comparable language in other zones.

How much lot coverage or FAR am I allowed?

Lot coverage and permitted floor area (expressed as percent of gross lot area) are zone- and slope-dependent. Examples: HD allows up to 80% coverage (70% on hillside) and FARs expressed as percent of lot area in § 9-5.405(e); C/SC commercial lot coverage is 80%. Consult the relevant zone standard (e.g., § 9-5.405 for HD; § 9-6.204 for C).

Do ADU rules change setbacks or FAR in Avalon?

Yes. The local ADU rules specify ADU‑specific size limits, FAR limits (in one ADU subsection the lot total FAR may not exceed 45%), and lot coverage caps (e.g., 50% cap in that ADU subsection). Check § 9-5.604–§ 9-5.606 and compare with underlying zone numbers. The City applies these ADU rules in tandem with state law; where unclear, verify with the Planning Department.

Is parking required for new units?

Parking requirements vary by zone and project type. Many multi‑family and commercial parking amounts are determined by the Planning Commission (“to be determined by the Commission”) or follow the parking article; the city requires a parking site plan for projects with three or more parking spaces. See § 9-6.204(e) and § 9-7.608 and the Avalon Parking page for practical interpretations.

Do shoreline properties have different rules?

Yes. The R/R zone and the Descanso Canyon / shoreline subareas have special rules: limited uses seaward of the first major road, strict one‑story/passive structure limits adjacent to mean high tide (max 15 ft), and specific setback and shadow rules for tall structures. See § 9-6.404(c) and related Descanso Canyon provisions.

Do I need design review or a site plan?

Most projects that modify development envelopes, change massing, or require Commission-level approvals need site plan review; the Planning Commission has authority to adjust numeric limits to reduce topographic or view impacts under site plan review criteria § 9-8.201–§ 9-8.204. See the Avalon Design Review page and § 9-8.203.

Where are the zone maps and special overlays shown?

The zoning map (Exhibit “X”) and overlay/special-area designations are adopted with the zoning ordinance and are the authoritative source to confirm which numeric standard applies to a parcel. See § 9-4.201 and the Avalon Overlay Districts page for map guidance; verify location of Special areas (e.g., Descanso Canyon).

If my building is nonconforming, can I expand?

Nonconforming structures are tightly limited. Small repairs or expansions that do not increase nonconformity are allowed; other expansions are regulated and may be permitted only under conditions (see § 9-8.703). If your nonconformity is density-related in residential zones, there are additional requirements and recorded covenants may be required. § 9-8.703.

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