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Paramount — Development Standards

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

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Quick answer

In Paramount, R‑2 lots require a 20 ft front yard, 5 ft sides (10 ft on corner street sides), a 10 ft rear yard, and max height 25 ft (§ 17.12.060; § 17.12.070). R‑M requires a 15 ft landscaped front yard, 5–10 ft sides depending on entries, 10 ft rear, and max height 40 ft, with extra 5 ft yard per story above two (§ 17.16.100; § 17.16.110). SB 9 two‑unit homes are capped at 16 ft height, with 10 ft/6 ft building separations and 12 ft minimum driveways (§ 17.08.130).

Last reviewed: July 25, 2026 · AI-generated analysis · General information, not legal advice · details

Compiled from Paramount's adopted code with AI research tools and grounded in the sources cited below. Verify with Paramount planning staff before relying on it.

Overview

This page distills the development standards that control setbacks, height, open space, separation, and related site-planning rules in the City of Paramount’s Title 17 (Zoning). It focuses on the residential districts with numeric standards and the key citywide objective standards that apply to SB 9 two‑unit developments, plus how commercial projects must meet the Central Business District design guidelines. For use/zoning context, see the Paramount Zoning and Paramount Land Use pages.

The most common residential standards in Paramount: the R-2 district requires a 20 ft front yard and caps height at 25 ft (§ 17.12.060, § 17.12.070), while R-M requires a 15 ft landscaped front yard and allows up to 40 ft in height (§ 17.16.100, § 17.16.110).

Citywide objective standards for SB 9 two‑unit developments

Paramount codifies objective site and building standards for two‑unit residential developments and urban lot splits (§ 17.08.130). These apply in qualifying residential settings alongside base‑zone rules.

  • Height: With the exception of an ADU, a primary dwelling is limited to a maximum of 16 ft (§ 17.08.130(A)(2)(g)).
  • Minimum separation: 10 ft between primary‑to‑primary; 6 ft between a primary dwelling and any accessory structure (§ 17.08.130(A)(4)).
  • Driveways: 12 ft minimum width; 24 ft turning radius; concrete or solid pavers; 3‑ft landscaped buffer next to buildings and screening where abutting other residential (§ 17.08.130(A)(5)).
  • Pedestrian path: Clear to sky, 3 ft minimum width, ≤200 ft length, built of concrete or pavers (§ 17.08.130(A)(6)).
  • Lighting: Wall light at each exterior door; pedestrian paths >100 ft lit at intervals of ≤50 ft (§ 17.08.130(A)(2)(h)).
  • Roof form: Match predominant slope/type of existing unit; if no existing unit, all new roofs must share one roof type/slope (§ 17.08.130(A)(2)(a),(c)).
  • Design notes: Solid front doors with metal jambs; no exterior window security bars; no exterior stairs to a second floor; conceal roof equipment other than solar (§ 17.08.130(A)(2)(b),(f),(j),(k)).
  • Landscape: Drought‑tolerant; at least one 24‑inch box shade/canopy tree per housing unit; comply with Chapter 17.96 (§ 17.08.130(A)(8)).
  • Access and addressing: Separate unit entrances permitted to face side/rear; display addresses at closest point to public street for shared drives or paths (§ 17.08.130(A)(3),(9)).
  • Utilities: Separate connections for water, sewer, electricity, communications, gas, and solid waste (§ 17.08.130(A)(10)).

Related reviews and relief:

  • Many qualifying residential projects proceed under objective design standards; see the Paramount Design Review page for when the Development Review Board applies (§ 17.60.030).
  • Parking is controlled elsewhere; coordinate with Paramount Parking.

District-by-district standards

R-2 — Medium Density Residential (Chapter 17.12)

  • Purpose: Not found in source materials.
  • Typical permitted uses: Not found in source materials.
  • Key dimensional standards:
    • Front yard: 20 ft (§ 17.12.060(A)).
    • Side yard: 5 ft; 10 ft on street side of a corner lot (§ 17.12.060(B)).
    • Rear yard: 10 ft (§ 17.12.060(C)).
    • Maximum height: 25 ft (§ 17.12.070(A)).
    • Private yard area: Each unit must have 360 sq ft contiguous private yard with a min dimension 8 ft (§ 17.12.060(D)(2)).
    • Building separation: 10 ft between primary buildings; 6 ft between a primary and an accessory building (§ 17.12.070(C)(3)).
    • Accessory buildings (rear third): May be built to side and rear lot lines with alley garage caveat: maintain ≥15 ft from alley centerline if garage door faces the alley (§ 17.12.070(C)(1)–(2)).
    • Vision clearance at corners: Maintain triangular area with 15 ft legs; within triangle, no obstruction over 42 in height (§ 17.12.060(E)).
    • Permitted intrusions: Fireplaces 18 in into side/rear; uncovered/covered porches may extend 3 ft into front setback; raised planters to 36 in may extend into yards; eaves 18 in (§ 17.12.060(F)).
    • Window security bars: Prohibited (§ 17.12.070(D)).
  • Where it applies: Parcels mapped R‑2 on the zoning map; verify applicability on a given parcel. See Paramount Zoning.

R-M — Multiple Family Residential (Chapter 17.16)

  • Purpose: Not found in source materials.
  • Typical permitted uses: Not found in source materials.
  • Key dimensional standards:
    • Front yard: 15 ft, fully landscaped; no parking or unscreened mechanical equipment in the front setback (§ 17.16.100(A)).
    • Side yard: 5 ft min; increase by 1 ft per entrance on a side upon which multiple dwellings front, up to 10 ft; on corner/reverse corner, 15 ft from street side lot line (§ 17.16.100(B)).
    • Rear yard: 10 ft (§ 17.16.100(C)), with alley garage caveat (≥15 ft from alley centerline if door faces alley) and rear‑third siting allowances (§ 17.16.100(C)(1)–(3)).
    • Maximum height: 40 ft, measured to highest point from adjacent public sidewalk level (§ 17.16.110(A)).
    • Increased setbacks for taller buildings: Add 5 ft to each required yard for each story above two (§ 17.16.100(F)).
    • Outdoor areas: Common open space—250 sq ft per unit with 2+ bedrooms or 150 sq ft per 1‑bedroom; min common area size 20×20 ft; private open space min 50 sq ft with 5 ft min dimension per unit (§ 17.16.100(G)).
    • Minimum unit sizes (multifamily): 1‑BR 850 sq ft; 2‑BR 1,000 sq ft; 3‑BR 1,250 sq ft (with at least 1.5 baths not counting toward floor area); add 160 sq ft for each additional bedroom; single‑family in R‑M min 1,300 sq ft (§ 17.16.110(B)).
    • Permitted intrusions: Fireplaces 18 in; uncovered porches/platforms 18 in into yards and may extend 6 ft into front/rear; masonry planters ≤36 in height may extend 6 ft into front yard; eaves 18 in; other unobtrusive intrusions may be approved by the Planning Director (§ 17.16.100(E)).
  • Where it applies: Parcels mapped R‑M on the zoning map.

C-3 — General Commercial (Chapter 17.24)

  • Purpose: Not found in source materials.
  • Typical permitted uses: Not found in source materials.
  • Development standards focus:
    • All new buildings must conform to the adopted commercial design guidelines of the Central Business District (§ 17.24.050(A)).
    • Remodels/expansions must be brought into compliance with the guidelines as determined by the Planning and Building Director (§ 17.24.050(B)).
  • Where it applies: Parcels mapped C‑3, especially within or affecting the Central Business District. See Paramount Overlay Districts and Paramount Design Review.

C-M — Commercial–Manufacturing (Chapter 17.28)

  • Purpose: Not found in source materials.
  • Typical permitted uses: Not found in source materials.
  • Development standards focus:
    • All new buildings shall conform to the Central Business District commercial design guidelines (§ 17.28.110(A)).
    • Remodels/expansions must be brought into guideline compliance per the Planning and Building Director (§ 17.28.110(B)).
  • Where it applies: Parcels mapped C‑M, including areas functionally tied to the Central Business District guidance.

PD-PS — Planned Development with Performance Standards (Chapter 17.72)

  • Purpose: Enable superior, master‑planned development with customized performance standards that achieve General Plan objectives more effectively than base zoning (§ 17.72.020).
  • Typical permitted uses: Not found in source materials.
  • Development standards framework:
    • The adopting PD‑PS ordinance supplies the controlling standards “in lieu of” otherwise differing zoning regulations (§ 17.72.010).
    • Applications must include detailed site planning, building locations, circulation, open space, heights of walls/fences, parking and signage details, surfacing, drainage, land use tables, and phasing (§ 17.72.050).
    • Adoption is processed as a zoning code amendment; the Council may require guarantees, easements, development rights, and maintenance arrangements for common spaces (§ 17.72.090).
  • Where it applies: Only to properties specifically rezoned PD‑PS by ordinance. Verify with the jurisdiction.

Key residential standards (quick reference)

Topic R-2 standard R-M standard Code Reference
Front setback 20 ft 15 ft; landscaped; no parking/mech equipment § 17.12.060(A); § 17.16.100(A)
Side setback 5 ft; corner street side 10 ft 5 ft; add 1 ft per entrance up to 10 ft; corner street side 15 ft § 17.12.060(B); § 17.16.100(B)
Rear setback 10 ft 10 ft § 17.12.060(C); § 17.16.100(C)
Max building height 25 ft 40 ft (measured from sidewalk) § 17.12.070(A); § 17.16.110(A)
Building separation 10 ft primary–primary; 6 ft primary–accessory Not specified; see yard/separation via placement rules § 17.12.070(C)(3); Not found
Allowed yard intrusions Fireplaces 18 in; porches 3 ft into front; planters ≤36 in; eaves 18 in Fireplaces 18 in; uncovered porches/platforms 18 in and up to 6 ft into front/rear; planters ≤36 in up to 6 ft into front; eaves 18 in § 17.12.060(F); § 17.16.100(E)
Private/outdoor space 360 sq ft private yard; min dim 8 ft Common: 250/150 sq ft; min 20×20 ft; Private: 50 sq ft; min dim 5 ft § 17.12.060(D)(2); § 17.16.100(G)
Accessory buildings on rear third To lines; garages facing alley ≥15 ft from alley centerline To lines; garages facing alley ≥15 ft from alley centerline § 17.12.070(C)(1)–(2); § 17.16.100(C)(1)–(3)

Other citywide rules that affect development standards

  • Objective design standards apply to qualifying residential projects in R‑2 and R‑M under §§ 17.12.080 and 17.16.120 (referencing Gov. Code 65913.4).
  • ADU design must match the primary dwelling’s architecture, materials, roof slope, and color using the City’s objective standards (§ 17.104.070). See Paramount ADUs.
  • Paramount defines “development standard” (e.g., height, setbacks, FAR, open space, parking ratios) in its density bonus chapter (§ 17.114.020). For concessions/waivers, coordinate with that chapter and Paramount Variances and Exceptions.
  • Where a use requires a greater yard than the base minimum, that greater distance includes the base yard (you don’t add them) (§ 17.44.230).
  • The Development Review Board reviews many projects in R‑2, R‑M, PD‑PS, C‑3, C‑M, M‑1, M‑2, the Central Business District, and qualifying specific plan areas, with limited exceptions (§ 17.60.030). See Paramount Design Review.

Checklist

  • Confirm the parcel’s zoning (R‑2, R‑M, C‑3, C‑M, PD‑PS) and any overlays; see Paramount Zoning and Paramount Overlay Districts.
  • Lay out buildings to meet required front/side/rear setbacks and any increased yards for >2 stories in R‑M (§ 17.16.100(A)–(C),(F); § 17.12.060).
  • Check maximum height (R‑2: 25 ft; R‑M: 40 ft; SB 9 primary: 16 ft) (§ 17.12.070(A); § 17.16.110(A); § 17.08.130(A)(2)(g)).
  • Provide required private/common open space (R‑2: 360 sq ft private; R‑M: 150/250 sq ft common plus 50 sq ft private) (§ 17.12.060(D)(2); § 17.16.100(G)).
  • Respect vision clearance on corner lots (15‑ft triangle; 42‑in max height within triangle) (§ 17.12.060(E)).
  • Observe yard intrusion limits (eaves, porches, fireplaces, planters) (§ 17.12.060(F); § 17.16.100(E)).
  • For SB 9 projects: meet separation, driveway, pedestrian path, lighting, landscape tree, and utility standards (§ 17.08.130(A)).
  • For ADUs: match the primary structure’s architecture and materials via objective standards (§ 17.104.070).
  • In C‑3/C‑M, design to the Central Business District commercial guidelines (§ 17.24.050; § 17.28.110).
  • Confirm Development Review Board applicability or objective‑standards path (§ 17.60.030).
  • Coordinate required stalls and layouts under Paramount Parking.
  • If density bonuses or waivers are sought, use the density bonus chapter (§ 17.114.020) and Variances and Exceptions.
  • Where a specific plan governs, follow its rules and amendment process (§ 17.84.030).

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Lack of published R‑2/R‑M “purpose” and permitted use lists in source set Use scope affects setbacks, parking, and processing Not found in source materials; confirm allowed uses with Planning
Measuring height in R‑M from sidewalk Site grades vary; affects design massing Confirm survey and sidewalk datum to apply § 17.16.110(A) correctly
R‑M porch intrusion language Text allows 18‑in projections and also up to 6‑ft into front/rear Clarify with Planning Director how § 17.16.100(E)(2) is applied in practice
“Increased yards” for >2 stories (R‑M) Mid‑rise massing may trigger larger setbacks Model story counts and add 5 ft per extra story per § 17.16.100(F)
Corner vision triangle (R‑2) Fences/landscape can violate safety envelope Apply § 17.12.060(E) to driveway design and planting plans
PD‑PS project standards PD ordinances supersede base zoning Obtain the adopting PD‑PS ordinance; § 17.72.010 controls
DRB applicability vs. objective standards Determines discretionary vs. ministerial path Use § 17.60.030 and §§ 17.12.080, 17.16.120 to set the right review route
Commercial guideline scope CBD guidelines drive massing and façades Obtain current CBD commercial design guidelines (§ 17.24.050; § 17.28.110)

Plain-English Summary

Paramount’s neighborhood rules are straightforward: R‑2 lots keep a 20‑foot landscaped front yard and 5‑foot sides, and buildings top out at 25 feet. R‑M (multifamily) lots keep 15 feet landscaped in front, 5 feet on the sides (more if entrances face the side), 10 feet in back, and can reach 40 feet—though taller buildings must step back more. SB 9 two‑unit homes follow clear limits like 16‑foot max height, specific driveway and walkway specs, and added landscaping.

Source References

  • § 17.08.130 (Two‑unit residential developments and urban lot splits)
  • § 17.12.060 (R‑2 yards and open space standards)
  • § 17.12.070 (R‑2 building standards)
  • § 17.12.080 (R‑2 objective design standards—applicability)
  • § 17.12.100 (R‑2 street and neighborhood interface)
  • § 17.16.100 (R‑M yard standards)
  • § 17.16.110 (R‑M building standards)
  • § 17.16.120 (R‑M objective design standards—applicability)
  • § 17.24.050 (C‑3 development standards in general)
  • § 17.28.110 (C‑M development standards in general)
  • § 17.44.230 (Greater yard and open space requirements include minimum requirements)
  • § 17.60.030 (Development Review Board powers and duties)
  • § 17.72.010, § 17.72.020, § 17.72.050, § 17.72.090 (PD‑PS framework)
  • § 17.84.030 (Specific plan revisions)
  • § 17.104.030 (ADU definitions and related definitions)
  • § 17.104.070 (ADU design)
  • § 17.114.020 (Density bonus definitions, including “development standard”)

Information Gaps

  • Base‑zone permitted use lists and stated “purpose” for R‑2, R‑M, C‑3, C‑M: Not found in source materials.
  • Residential density (du/ac), FAR, and lot coverage limits by district: Not found in source materials.
  • The actual Central Business District commercial design guideline document contents: Not found in source materials.
  • Comprehensive parking ratios by use: Not found in source materials (see Paramount Parking).

Sources

Source passages

  • Paramount Zoning Code (§ 17.104.030) High relevance
  • Paramount Zoning Code (§ 17.08.130) High relevance
  • Paramount Zoning Code (§ 17.16.100) Medium relevance
  • Paramount Zoning Code (§ 17.12.060) Medium relevance
  • Paramount Zoning Code (§ 17.114.020) Medium relevance
  • Paramount Zoning Code (§ 17.16.120) Medium relevance
  • Paramount Zoning Code (§ 17.72.090) Medium relevance
  • Paramount Zoning Code (§ 17.72.050) Medium relevance
  • Paramount Zoning Code (§ 17.28.110) Medium relevance
  • Paramount Zoning Code (§ 17.60.030) Medium relevance
  • Paramount Zoning Code (§ 17.104.070) Medium relevance
  • Paramount Zoning Code (§ 17.44.230) Medium relevance
  • Paramount Zoning Code (§ 17.12.080) Medium relevance
  • Paramount Zoning Code (§ 17.72.020) Medium relevance
  • Paramount Zoning Code (§ 17.24.050) Medium relevance
  • Paramount Zoning Code (§ 17.12.100) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

What can I build on an R-2 lot in Paramount?

The source materials here only establish R‑2 development standards, not the list of permitted uses. Dimensional rules include a 20 ft front yard, 5 ft sides (10 ft on a corner street side), 10 ft rear, and a 25 ft height limit (§ 17.12.060; § 17.12.070). Verify permitted uses with the City.

What are Paramount’s setback requirements in the R-M zone?

R‑M requires a 15 ft landscaped front yard, 5 ft sides (increase by 1 ft per entrance up to 10 ft when units front the side), 15 ft from the street side on corners, and 10 ft rear (§ 17.16.100(A)–(C)). Taller buildings must increase required yards by 5 ft for each story above two (§ 17.16.100(F)).

How tall can I build under SB 9 two‑unit rules?

Unless it’s an ADU, SB 9 limits a primary dwelling’s height to 16 ft (§ 17.08.130(A)(2)(g)). You must also keep 10 ft between primary buildings and 6 ft between a primary building and any accessory structure (§ 17.08.130(A)(4)).

Do I need Design Review in Paramount?

Projects in R‑2, R‑M, PD‑PS, C‑3, C‑M, M‑1, M‑2, the Central Business District, or certain specific plan areas typically require Development Review Board approval before building permits, with several exceptions (e.g., small additions, qualifying objective‑standards projects) (§ 17.60.030). Confirm your scope against these thresholds.

What private open space is required for multifamily in R-M?

Provide common open space of 250 sq ft per unit (2+ bedrooms) or 150 sq ft (1 bedroom), with a minimum common area size of 20×20 ft. Each unit also needs at least 50 sq ft of private space with a 5‑ft minimum dimension (§ 17.16.100(G)).

Can porches or eaves encroach into required yards?

Yes, within limits. In R‑2, eaves may intrude 18 inches and porches may extend 3 ft into the front setback (§ 17.12.060(F)). In R‑M, eaves may intrude 18 inches, and uncovered porches/platforms may project 18 inches and up to 6 ft into the front/rear (§ 17.16.100(E)).

Are exterior window security bars allowed?

Not for R‑2. The installation of exterior window security bars is prohibited in the R‑2 zone (§ 17.12.070(D)). SB 9 two‑unit projects also prohibit window security bars (§ 17.08.130(A)(2)(j)).

What design standards apply to new commercial buildings in C-3 or C-M?

All new buildings in C‑3 and C‑M must conform to the adopted commercial design guidelines for the Central Business District (§ 17.24.050(A); § 17.28.110(A)). Remodels/expansions must be brought into compliance as determined by the Planning and Building Director (§ 17.24.050(B); § 17.28.110(B)).

Do ADUs have to match the main house?

Yes. The ADU’s architectural design, exterior materials (including window style), roof slopes, and color must match the existing or proposed primary dwelling, consistent with adopted objective standards (§ 17.104.070).

How are setbacks handled on corner lots?

In R‑2, keep a 10 ft side yard on the street side (§ 17.12.060(B)) and preserve a 15‑ft by 15‑ft vision triangle at corners with no obstruction over 42 inches in that triangle (§ 17.12.060(E)). In R‑M, the street side setback on corners is 15 ft (§ 17.16.100(B)).

General information, not legal advice.

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