Local zoning · Hawaiian Gardens
Hawaiian Gardens — Development Standards
Development Standards under the Hawaiian Gardens local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.
Quick answer
In Hawaiian Gardens, the R‑1 district requires a 20 ft front setback, side setbacks equal to 10% of lot width (min 5 ft, max 7 ft), a 15 ft rear setback, max 50% lot coverage, and a height cap of 2 stories/30 ft (§ 18.40.020.C). Taller buildings next to homes must step back 10 ft for each 10 ft above 25 ft (§ 18.50.070.C). Mixed‑use zones cap height at 36–48 ft (§ 18.55.010.D), and PF sites allow up to 70% lot coverage and 45 ft height (§ 18.60.040.C).
Last reviewed: July 25, 2026 · AI-generated analysis · General information, not legal advice · detailsless
Compiled from Hawaiian Gardens's adopted code with AI research tools and grounded in the sources cited below. Verify with Hawaiian Gardens planning staff before relying on it.
Overview
Hawaiian Gardens sets measurable, district-specific development standards in its Zoning Code (Title 18) that control density, lot size, setbacks, height, lot coverage, spacing between buildings, and related site features. These rules apply in addition to any use permissions in each zone and any overlay requirements. Always start with the zoning map and overlay layers, then apply the most restrictive standard that fits your site and project.
The City applies the most restrictive standard where rules overlap and rounds down fractional density; all development must conform to the Zoning Code regardless of any other permit or license issued (§ 18.10.030.D, J, B).
How to use this page
- Confirm the base zoning and any overlays on your parcel in the official map listed in § 18.30.010.B. See the citywide list of zones in § 18.30.010.A and the special map symbols in § 18.30.010.C.
- Match your zone below to find the controlling development standards and then layer in cross-cutting rules (fences, encroachments, stepbacks, buffers, parking, signage, and design standards).
- If you’re in a special area, see the overlays section and the Hawaiian Gardens Overlay Districts page.
Citywide rules that cut across districts
- Scope and compliance. All private and public development in the city must follow the Zoning Code; conflicting approvals are void (§ 18.10.030.A–C). If regulations conflict, the stricter standard controls (§ 18.10.030.D).
- General Plan intensity and rounding. Density/intensity limits in the General Plan apply; the City may cap projects below GP maximums to meet zoning standards, and fractional density is rounded down (§ 18.10.030.J).
- Height exceptions and stepbacks.
- Minor appurtenances (flagpoles, chimneys, elevator shafts, HVAC) may extend up to 10 feet above the zone height limit if safely erected (§ 18.70.070.B; also § 18.50.070.B).
- Buildings taller than 25 feet that are adjacent to a residential zone must step back the building face at least 10 feet for every 10 feet of height above 25 feet (§ 18.50.070.C).
- Yard encroachments (residential zones). Specific small projections are allowed in setbacks (e.g., eaves up to 2 feet; covered porches up to 6 feet in front; decks ≤30 inches high up to 6 feet into the rear), but only as listed and without exceeding lot coverage (§ 18.50.080.A). Only certain small detached structures are allowed in rear yards and at prescribed distances (e.g., sheds up to 10'×10' allowed in rear; pools ≥5 feet from rear lot line) (§ 18.50.080.B).
- Fences/walls (residential). Front yard solid fences may be 36–42 inches tall (up to 48 inches if wrought iron or combo); side/rear up to 6 feet; special limits apply in the rear 20 feet of through lots (≤42 inches) (§ 18.50.040.A).
- Outdoor storage (residential). No front or street-side yard storage of vehicles/boats/RVs; strict rules govern RV placement (e.g., behind the front face, surface requirements, and quantity caps) (§ 18.50.060.A–C).
- Landscaping buffers (nonresidential abutting residential). Provide a buffer with at least one tree per 10 linear feet, plus shrubs/groundcover to 100% coverage within one year; landscape plans require approval (§ 18.70.020; § 18.70.020.E).
- Parking. All uses must meet off-street parking counts, layout, and circulation standards in § 18.70.010 and, for residential specifics, Chapter 18.50. See the Hawaiian Gardens Parking page for application tips (§ 18.70.010.A–B).
- Signs. New permanent signs need permits and must comply with city sign standards; some signs are exempt and others prohibited (§ 18.90.050). See Hawaiian Gardens Signage.
- Design standards. Residential projects must satisfy objective residential design standards (§ 18.50.100). Nonresidential projects must meet nonresidential design guidelines (§ 18.70.090). See Hawaiian Gardens Design Review.
District-by-District Development Standards
The following summarizes objective development standards actually codified for Hawaiian Gardens. Parcel-specific applicability is as mapped in § 18.30.010.B. Verify any site-specific exceptions or overlays with the Community Development Department.
R-1:10,000 — Single-Family Estate
- Purpose: Very low-density estates with large lots (§ 18.40.010.A).
- Typical permitted uses: Single-family dwellings; see use table referenced in § 18.40.010.B (uses set forth in § 18.40.070).
- Key dimensional standards (§ 18.40.010.C):
- Residential density: 1–4 du/ac
- Min lot: 10,000 sf; width 50 ft; depth 100 ft
- Max lot coverage: 50%
- Setbacks: front 20 ft; side = 10% of lot width (min 5 ft, max 7 ft); street side 10 ft; rear 15 ft; through lot 20 ft
- Height: 2 stories or 30 ft (whichever less)
- Min floor area: 1,700 sf/unit
- Min building separation: 8 ft
- Where it applies: As mapped in the R‑1:10,000 areas; confirm on the official zoning map (§ 18.30.010.B).
R-1 — Single-Family Residential
- Purpose: Low-density detached single-family areas, preserving existing neighborhoods (§ 18.40.020.A).
- Typical permitted uses: Single-family dwellings; see § 18.40.020.B (uses set forth in § 18.40.070).
- Key dimensional standards (§ 18.40.020.C):
- Residential density: 4.1–8.4 du/ac
- Min lot: 6,000 sf; width 50 ft; depth 100 ft
- Max lot coverage: 50%
- Setbacks: front 20 ft; side = 10% of lot width (min 5 ft, max 7 ft; exception 3 ft on 25‑ft‑wide lots); street side 10 ft; rear 15 ft; through lot 20 ft
- Height: 2 stories or 30 ft
- Min floor area: 1,700 sf/unit
- Min building separation: 8 ft
- Where it applies: As mapped in R‑1 districts citywide (§ 18.30.010.B).
R-4 — High Density Residential
- Purpose: Apartments/condominiums in higher-density areas transitioning to nonresidential zones (§ 18.40.050.A).
- Typical permitted uses: Multifamily; see § 18.40.050.B (uses set forth in § 18.40.070).
- Key dimensional standards (§ 18.40.050.C):
- Residential density: 19–24 du/ac
- Min lot: 7,500 sf; width 50 ft; depth 100 ft
- Max lot coverage: 65%
- Setbacks: front 5 ft; side 5 ft; street side 10 ft; rear 5 ft; through lot 20 ft
- Height: 3 stories or 36 ft
- Min building separation: 8 ft
- Min floor area per unit: SRO 150–450 sf; efficiency 450 sf; 1‑BR 750 sf; 2+‑BR 950 sf
- Open space: 350 sf/unit total; 250 sf/unit common + 100 sf/unit private (min dimension 6 ft)
MU-1 — Mixed-Use 1
- Purpose: Mixed-use neighborhoods with mid-scale residential above/with ground-floor activation. Mixed-use standards supplement base zoning; see § 18.55.010.
- Typical permitted mix: Residential required at a minimum density; commercial permitted per mixed-use standards (§ 18.55.010.B–C).
- Key envelope standards (§ 18.55.010.D):
- Residential density: 20–30 du/ac
- Max height: 3 stories or 36 ft
- Ground-floor commercial: built-to lines within 5 ft of ROW; none at rear; increased setbacks where abutting residential (base 10 ft + 1 ft for each foot >30 ft height)
- Ground-floor residential: 5‑ft front and side setbacks with 4‑ft landscaped buffers; same abutting-residential increments
- Max commercial FAR: 0.50 (§ 18.55.010.C)
- Residential minimum unit sizes: SRO 150 sf, efficiency 450 sf, 1‑BR 750 sf, 2+‑BR 950 sf (§ 18.55.010.B)
- Where it applies: As mapped MU‑1; verify on the zoning map (§ 18.30.010.B).
MU-2 — Mixed-Use 2
- Purpose: Higher-intensity mixed-use corridors; see § 18.55.010.
- Key envelope standards (§ 18.55.010.D):
- Residential density: 30–40 du/ac
- Max height: 4 stories or 48 ft
- Setbacks/build-to and abutting-residential increments match MU‑1 (§ 18.55.010.D)
- Max commercial FAR: 0.50 (§ 18.55.010.C)
- Residential minimum unit sizes: as in MU‑1 (§ 18.55.010.B)
- Where it applies: As mapped MU‑2 (§ 18.30.010.B).
PF — Public Facilities
- Purpose: Sites for public and quasi-public facilities; one set of standards citywide (§ 18.60.040.A).
- Typical permitted uses: As listed in the nonresidential use table (§ 18.60.050).
- Key dimensional standards (§ 18.60.040.C):
- Min lot: 10,000 sf (no minimum for parks/open space)
- Min width/depth: 100 ft / 100 ft
- Max lot coverage: 70%
- Setbacks: front/side/rear none required; where driveways enter a wall plane, that wall must be ≥20 ft from the front/side lot line; rear is 5 ft when abutting an alley
- Height: 45 ft
- Min building separation: 10 ft
- Where it applies: PF-labeled parcels (e.g., “CO, FS, ES” map labels identify facility type) (§ 18.30.010.C.3).
CC — Card Club Overlay (on C‑4 parcels)
- Purpose: Allows card clubs, bingo parlors and related gaming uses only within mapped CC overlay atop the General Commercial base zone (§ 18.80.010.A–C).
- Applicability: Only on C‑4 parcels mapped with the (CC) overlay; base C‑4 and citywide nonresidential rules still apply (§ 18.80.010.C).
- Additional development standards (§ 18.80.010.C):
- Minimum site: 2 acres (§ 18.80.010.C.1)
- Accessory buildings: ≥20 ft from main building or adjacent buildings; location subject to Director approval (§ 18.80.010.C.2)
- Parking: card clubs 1/50 sf gaming floor; bingo 1/4 seats; ancillary uses per § 18.70.010; no grandfathering for parking deficits (§ 18.80.010.C.3)
- Landscape setback: 8‑ft minimum along street frontages (§ 18.80.010.C.4)
- Fencing at street: 6‑ft solid decorative wall or wrought iron/combination, ≥35% transparency along streets; 6‑ft block wall when abutting other uses; no chain link (§ 18.80.010.C.5)
- Lighting: min 1 foot-candle, even distribution; parking lot lighting per § 18.70.090 (§ 18.80.010.C.9)
- Pole signs: max 450 sf, max height 50 ft (§ 18.80.010.C.14)
- Other: No tent structures; conceal interior from public view; amplified sound restricted; age and hours controls (§ 18.80.010.C.7, C.11–C.12, C.10)
Special Residential Programs that Affect Site Standards
Two-Unit Projects (SB 9 implementation) in R‑1:10,000 and R‑1
- Applicability and approval: Ministerial in R‑1:10,000 and R‑1 if all criteria are met (§ 18.40.025.E.2; § 18.40.025.D.1).
- Key constraints (§ 18.40.025.E):
- No more than two primary units on an SB 9-split lot; on a non-split lot, a two-unit project may be combined with ADU/JADU allowed by State law (§ 18.40.025.E.6.a–b).
- Second primary unit max size 800 sf (§ 18.40.025.E.6.b.i).
- Demolition cap: generally ≤25% of exterior walls unless no recent tenancy (§ 18.40.025.E.6.c).
- Lot coverage, open space, and setbacks follow the underlying R‑1:10,000 or R‑1 zone to the maximum extent feasible while still enabling two 800‑sf units (§ 18.40.025.E.6.d–f).
- Extensive site eligibility limits (hazards, historic, tenant protections) apply (§ 18.40.025.E.3–5).
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs/JADUs)
- Purpose and effect: Conforming ADUs/JADUs are deemed consistent with the GP and zoning and don’t count against density (§ 18.90.080.A–B).
- Process: Ministerial review with 15‑business‑day completeness checks and a 60‑day approval deadline after complete submittal (§ 18.90.080.D.3).
- Definitions and limits: See § 18.90.080.C for ADU/JADU definitions and terms. For broader ADU strategy and state-law overlay, see Hawaiian Gardens ADUs and California ADU law.
Snapshot of Key Standards by District
| Zone | Min Lot (sf) | Max Coverage | Setbacks (Front/Side/Rear) | Max Height | Density or Envelope | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R‑1:10,000 | 10,000 | 50% | 20 ft / 10% lot width (5–7 ft) / 15 ft | 2 stories or 30 ft | 1–4 du/ac; 1,700 sf min floor area | § 18.40.010.C |
| R‑1 | 6,000 | 50% | 20 ft / 10% lot width (5–7 ft; 3 ft on 25‑ft lots) / 15 ft | 2 stories or 30 ft | 4.1–8.4 du/ac; 1,700 sf min floor area | § 18.40.020.C |
| R‑4 | 7,500 | 65% | 5 ft / 5 ft / 5 ft | 3 stories or 36 ft | 19–24 du/ac; open space 350 sf/unit | § 18.40.050.C |
| MU‑1 | — | — | Ground-floor commercial: built-to within 5 ft; abutting res: 10 ft + 1 ft/ft over 30 ft | 3 stories or 36 ft | 20–30 du/ac; commercial FAR 0.50 | § 18.55.010.C–D |
| MU‑2 | — | — | Same built-to/abutting-res rules as MU‑1 | 4 stories or 48 ft | 30–40 du/ac; commercial FAR 0.50 | § 18.55.010.C–D |
| PF | 10,000 | 70% | None; 20 ft to wall where a permitted driveway enters; rear 5 ft if alley | 45 ft | — | § 18.60.040.C |
| CC overlay (C‑4 base) | 2 acres (min site) | — | 8‑ft landscaped street setback; 6‑ft walls | — | Parking 1/50 sf gaming; pole signs 450 sf/50 ft | § 18.80.010.C |
Also apply:
- Height appurtenance exceptions: +10 ft for limited elements (§ 18.70.070.B).
- Stepback: 10 ft per 10 ft above 25 ft where adjacent to residential (§ 18.50.070.C).
- Nonresidential-to-residential landscape buffer (§ 18.70.020).
- Parking counts/layout (§ 18.70.010). See Hawaiian Gardens Parking.
Practical notes and comparisons
- R‑1 vs. R‑1:10,000 setbacks are identical, but R‑1:10,000 drives larger lots and lower density. Both cap height at 2 stories/30 ft and coverage at 50% (§ 18.40.010.C; § 18.40.020.C).
- R‑4 urban form is tighter: 5‑ft standard setbacks and higher coverage (65%), but it compensates with required common/private open space per unit (§ 18.40.050.C).
- MU‑zones use build-to lines (not conventional front setbacks) for active ground floors, and they scale setbacks up only where abutting residential height exceeds 30 ft (§ 18.55.010.D).
- PF sites are unusually flexible on setbacks, but watch the driveway-wall 20‑ft rule and 5‑ft rear edge at alleys (§ 18.60.040.C).
- Any tall building next to a residential zone must “stair-step” back above 25 ft height; plan massing early to avoid late redesign (§ 18.50.070.C).
- For any gaming facility, the CC overlay adds unique parking, landscaping, fencing, and signage rules beyond the base C‑4 standards (§ 18.80.010.C).
Related standards you’ll likely need
- Signs: permitting, exemptions, and prohibited sign types are in § 18.90.050; see Hawaiian Gardens Signage.
- Residential/nonresidential design: objective criteria reviewed by the Director (§ 18.50.100; § 18.70.090). See Hawaiian Gardens Design Review.
- Nonconformities: Vested permits can complete but result in nonconforming status subject to § 18.100.130; see Hawaiian Gardens Nonconforming Uses and § 18.10.030.I.2.
Checklist
- Confirm base zoning and any overlay on the official map (§ 18.30.010.A–B).
- Verify applicable density range and round down any fractional unit (§ 18.10.030.J).
- Check minimum lot size/width/depth and maximum lot coverage for your district.
- Lay out building envelopes to meet front/side/rear setbacks and any through‑lot or reverse‑corner rules (where listed in district tables).
- Test building height against district caps and, if >25 ft near residential, add required stepbacks (§ 18.50.070.C; § 18.70.070.B for appurtenances).
- Maintain minimum building separations where required (e.g., 8 ft in R zones; 10 ft in PF).
- Provide required common/private open space (R‑4) or build-to lines and buffers (MU‑1/MU‑2) (§ 18.40.050.C; § 18.55.010.D).
- Meet off‑street parking counts and layout (§ 18.70.010); add landscape buffers abutting residential (§ 18.70.020).
- Apply fence/wall heights and yard encroachment limits in residential zones (§ 18.50.040; § 18.50.080).
- For ADUs/JADUs, follow ministerial process and timing (§ 18.90.080.D); for SB 9 two‑unit projects in R‑1 zones, apply § 18.40.025.
- If in the CC overlay, satisfy added site area, parking, fencing, lighting, and signage standards (§ 18.80.010.C).
- Coordinate design standards compliance (residential § 18.50.100; nonresidential § 18.70.090).
Risks & Ambiguities
| Issue | Why it matters | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Missing published standards for some zones (e.g., R‑2, R‑3, C‑2, C‑4, M‑1) in the source materials | You can’t assume setbacks/coverage/height without a code cite | Not found in source materials; confirm current chapters for these zones with the City |
| Stepback rule applicability | Massing near neighborhood edges can trigger large upper‑story setbacks | Whether § 18.50.070.C is applied to all buildings near residential or only certain project types; Verify with the jurisdiction |
| Through‑lot and reverse‑corner specifics | These special frontage conditions alter setbacks | In R‑zones, through lots need 20‑ft setbacks; reverse corner rear 20‑ft rule is listed in R standards—confirm your lot’s classification (§ 18.40.010.C; § 18.40.020.C; § 18.40.050.C) |
| PF “no setback” baseline | Great flexibility can conflict with access/visibility and driveway-wall rule | Plan driveway penetrations with the 20‑ft wall offset rule in mind (§ 18.60.040.C) |
| CC overlay vs. base C‑4 | Overlay standards supersede conflicting base rules | Apply § 18.80.010 first where it conflicts, then layer in § 18.70 and § 18.90 |
| Parking for mixed use | Mixed-use sites must satisfy residential minimums and cap commercial FAR | Apply § 18.55.010.B–C for mixed-use standards plus § 18.70.010 counts |
| ADU/SB 9 layering | ADUs and two‑unit projects alter density and envelope feasibility | Use § 18.90.080 and § 18.40.025; check feasibility clauses allowing two 800‑sf units |
Plain-English Summary
If your lot is zoned R‑1 in Hawaiian Gardens, expect a 20‑ft front setback, side setbacks equal to 10% of lot width (5–7 ft), a 15‑ft rear setback, and a cap of two stories or 30 ft with 50% lot coverage. Higher‑density R‑4 sites allow tighter 5‑ft setbacks and 3 stories (36 ft) but require on‑site open space. Mixed‑use zones rely on build‑to lines and height caps of 36–48 ft. Nonresidential next to housing must add landscape buffers and often step back upper floors.
Source References
- § 18.10.010; § 18.10.020; § 18.10.030 (scope, compliance, conflicts, GP intensity/rounding)
- § 18.20.010; § 18.20.020; § 18.20.030 (interpretation and definitions)
- § 18.30.010 (zone list, official zoning map, special symbols/overlays)
- § 18.40.005; § 18.40.010; § 18.40.020; § 18.40.050 (R‑1:10,000; R‑1; R‑4 standards)
- § 18.40.025 (Two‑Unit Projects—SB 9 implementation)
- Chapter 18.50; § 18.50.040 (fences/walls); § 18.50.060 (outdoor storage); § 18.50.070 (height/stepbacks); § 18.50.080 (yard encroachments); § 18.50.100 (residential design)
- § 18.55.010 (mixed-use density, FAR, height, setbacks/build-to)
- Chapter 18.70; § 18.70.010 (parking); § 18.70.020 (landscape buffers); § 18.70.070 (height exceptions); § 18.70.090 (nonresidential design)
- § 18.60.040 (PF standards); § 18.60.050 (nonresidential permitted uses)
- § 18.80.005 (purpose of special zones); § 18.80.010 (CC overlay standards)
- § 18.90.050 (signs); § 18.90.080 (ADUs/JADUs)
Sources
Source passages
- Hawaiian Gardens Zoning Code (§ 18.10.030) High relevance
- Hawaiian Gardens Zoning Code (§ 18.60.040) High relevance
- Hawaiian Gardens Zoning Code (§ 18.40.005) Medium relevance
- CEC § 050 (§ 18.90.050) Medium relevance
- Hawaiian Gardens Zoning Code (§ 18.70.090) Medium relevance
- Hawaiian Gardens Zoning Code (§ 18.50.060) Medium relevance
- Hawaiian Gardens Zoning Code (§ 18.90.080) Medium relevance
- Hawaiian Gardens Zoning Code (§ 18.40.025) Medium relevance
- Hawaiian Gardens Zoning Code (§ 18.50.100) Medium relevance
- Hawaiian Gardens Zoning Code (§ 18.70.010) Medium relevance
- Hawaiian Gardens Zoning Code (§ 18.80.010) Medium relevance
- Hawaiian Gardens Zoning Code (§ 18.30.010) Medium relevance
- Hawaiian Gardens Zoning Code (§ 18.50.080) Medium relevance
- Hawaiian Gardens Zoning Code (§ 18.55.010) Medium relevance
- Hawaiian Gardens Zoning Code (§ 18.20.020) Medium relevance
- Hawaiian Gardens Zoning Code (§ 18.80.005) Medium relevance
Cited sections
- § 18.10.010; § 18.10.020; § 18.10.030 (scope, compliance, conflicts, GP intensity/rounding) (§ 18.10.010)
- § 18.20.010; § 18.20.020; § 18.20.030 (interpretation and definitions) (§ 18.20.010)
- § 18.30.010 (zone list, official zoning map, special symbols/overlays) (§ 18.30.010)
- § 18.40.005; § 18.40.010; § 18.40.020; § 18.40.050 (R‑1:10,000; R‑1; R‑4 standards) (§ 18.40.005)
- § 18.40.025 (Two‑Unit Projects—SB 9 implementation) (§ 18.40.025)
- Chapter 18.50; § 18.50.040 (fences/walls); § 18.50.060 (outdoor storage); § 18.50.070 (height/stepbacks); § 18.50.080 (yard encroachments); § 18.50.100 (residential design) (Chapter 18.50)
- § 18.55.010 (mixed-use density, FAR, height, setbacks/build-to) (§ 18.55.010)
- Chapter 18.70; § 18.70.010 (parking); § 18.70.020 (landscape buffers); § 18.70.070 (height exceptions); § 18.70.090 (nonresidential design) (Chapter 18.70)
- § 18.60.040 (PF standards); § 18.60.050 (nonresidential permitted uses) (§ 18.60.040)
- § 18.80.005 (purpose of special zones); § 18.80.010 (CC overlay standards) (§ 18.80.005)
- § 18.90.050 (signs); § 18.90.080 (ADUs/JADUs) (§ 18.90.050)
Frequently asked questions
What can I build on an R-1 lot in Hawaiian Gardens?
A detached single-family home is typical, with a minimum lot of 6,000 sf, 20-ft front setback, side setbacks equal to 10% of lot width (5–7 ft; 3 ft on 25‑ft lots), 15-ft rear setback, max 50% lot coverage, and a height cap of two stories or 30 ft. The minimum floor area is 1,700 sf per dwelling. See § 18.40.020.C.
What are the setbacks and height in the R-1:10,000 estate zone?
Front is 20 ft; side is 10% of lot width (min 5 ft, max 7 ft); rear is 15 ft; through-lot frontages are 20 ft. Max lot coverage is 50%, and height is limited to two stories or 30 ft. Minimum lot size is 10,000 sf. See § 18.40.010.C.
How tight can multifamily projects build in R-4?
R‑4 allows 5‑ft front/side/rear setbacks, 65% lot coverage, and a height of three stories or 36 ft, but requires 350 sf of open space per unit (250 sf common + 100 sf private). Unit floor-area minimums also apply. See § 18.40.050.C.
Do I need to step back upper stories next to houses?
Yes. Any building taller than 25 ft that is adjacent to a residential zone must “step back” at least 10 ft for every 10 ft of additional height above 25 ft. Plan your massing accordingly. See § 18.50.070.C.
What are mixed-use height and setback rules in MU-1 and MU-2?
MU‑1 caps height at 3 stories/36 ft and requires ground-floor commercial to meet a build-to line within 5 ft of the ROW; MU‑2 allows 4 stories/48 ft. Where abutting a residential zone, increase setbacks by 1 ft for each foot over 30 ft of building height (base 10 ft). See § 18.55.010.D.
What are PF (Public Facilities) setbacks?
No front/side/rear setbacks are generally required in PF, but if a permitted driveway enters a building wall, that portion of wall must be at least 20 ft from the front/side lot line; rear must be 5 ft if abutting an alley. Height can reach 45 ft and coverage 70%. See § 18.60.040.C.
Are ADUs allowed and how fast are they approved?
Yes. Conforming ADUs/JADUs are ministerial. The City must determine completeness within 15 business days and approve/deny a complete application within 60 days (or it’s deemed approved unless tolled). See § 18.90.080.D.3.
What does the Card Club (CC) overlay add?
On C‑4 parcels with the CC overlay, gaming facilities need at least 2 acres, must meet specific parking rates (e.g., 1/50 sf gaming floor), provide an 8‑ft landscape setback along streets, install specified fencing, and may use pole signs up to 450 sf/50 ft tall. See § 18.80.010.C.
What fences are allowed in front yards?
In residential zones, front-yard fences and walls can be 36–42 inches in height if solid, or up to 48 inches if wrought iron or a combination. Side/rear yard fences may be up to 6 ft. See § 18.50.040.A.
Where do I find required parking counts?
Parking counts and design apply citywide, with detailed ratios (e.g., for offices, restaurants, schools) in § 18.70.010 and residential specifics in Chapter 18.50. See § 18.70.010.A–B.
General information, not legal advice.
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