Section 5.1 — Residential Development Standards
DC 5.1.1 Residential Dimensional Standards
| Standard | R-E | R-1 | R-2 | R-3 | R-4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Size | 1 ac | 6,000 sf | 8,000 sf | 10,000 sf | 15,000 sf |
| Minimum Lot Width | 150 ft | 60 ft | 70 ft | 80 ft | 100 ft |
| Front Setback (min.) | 30 ft | 20 ft | 20 ft | 15 ft | 10 ft |
| Side Setback (min.) | 20 ft | 5 ft | 5 ft | 5 ft | 5 ft |
| Rear Setback (min.) | 30 ft | 15 ft | 15 ft | 15 ft | 10 ft |
| Max. Building Height | 28 ft | 28 ft | 35 ft | 45 ft | 55 ft |
| Max. Lot Coverage | 20% | 40% | 45% | 55% | 70% |
| Base Density (du/ac) | 1 | 7 | 12 | 20 | 40 |
Section 5.2 — Commercial Development Standards
DC 5.2.1 Commercial Dimensional Standards
| Standard | C-N | C-G | C-D | C-O |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Min. Lot Size | 6,000 sf | 10,000 sf | 3,000 sf | 10,000 sf |
| Front Setback | 10 ft | 10 ft | 0 ft | 15 ft |
| Side Setback | 0 ft* | 0 ft* | 0 ft | 10 ft |
| Rear Setback | 10 ft | 10 ft | 0 ft | 15 ft |
| Max. Height | 30 ft | 40 ft | 50 ft | 40 ft |
| Max. FAR | 0.5 | 1.5 | 3.0 | 2.0 |
* Unless abutting a residential district, in which case a 5-foot setback and 6-foot masonry wall are required.
Section 5.4 — Parking Standards
DC 5.4.1 Minimum Parking Requirements
| Use | Required Spaces |
|---|---|
| Single-family dwelling | 2 spaces/unit (enclosed garage) |
| Multi-family (1-bedroom) | 1.25 spaces/unit |
| Multi-family (2+ bedrooms) | 1.75 spaces/unit |
| Office/professional | 1 space per 300 sf GFA |
| Retail (general) | 1 space per 250 sf GFA |
| Restaurant | 1 space per 100 sf GFA |
| Medical office | 1 space per 200 sf GFA |
| Hotel/motel | 1 space per guest room + 1/300 sf meeting space |
| Warehouse / light industrial | 1 space per 1,000 sf GFA |
DC 5.4.2 Parking Reductions
Parking reductions may be approved by the Planning Director when: (a) a shared parking agreement with a nearby facility is executed; (b) the project is within the TOD overlay (50% reduction); (c) the project provides transportation demand management measures approved by the City Engineer; or (d) the project is a 100% affordable housing project (parking waived per Government Code § 65915).
DC 5.4.3 EV Charging Standards
All new parking facilities with ten (10) or more spaces shall provide EV Ready (conduit) spaces at a ratio of twenty-five percent (25%) of required spaces. Projects with fifty (50) or more spaces shall provide EVSE (fully equipped charging stations) at a ratio of five percent (5%) of required spaces, consistent with the 2025 California Energy Code.
Section 5.6 — Landscaping Standards
DC 5.6.1 Applicability
Landscaping complying with this section and the McLainberg Landscape Standards (available from the Community Development Department) is required for all new development and substantial additions (more than fifty percent of existing square footage) in commercial, industrial, and multi-family residential districts. Single-family and duplex projects are exempt from formal landscape plan requirements but shall comply with the water-efficient landscaping standards.
DC 5.6.2 Water-Efficient Landscaping
All required landscaping shall comply with the California Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO, 23 CCR §§ 490–495) as adopted and locally implemented. Turf grass shall not exceed twenty-five percent (25%) of the landscaped area. Irrigation systems shall use drip or low-flow emitters for ninety percent (90%) of landscaped areas. At least fifty percent (50%) of required plants shall be California native or drought-tolerant species.
Section 5.8 — Flood Damage Prevention
DC 5.8.1 Development within the SFHA
All new construction and substantial improvements of buildings within a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) shall: (a) have the lowest floor elevated to or above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) plus one (1) foot of freeboard; (b) obtain an Elevation Certificate from a licensed surveyor; and (c) comply with FEMA's NFIP floodplain management requirements. A Floodplain Development Permit, issued by the City Engineer, is required for all development within the SFHA.
Section 5.10 — Hillside Development Standards
DC 5.10.1 Applicability
These hillside standards apply to any development on a parcel or portion of a parcel with an average natural slope exceeding fifteen percent (15%) or located within the Hillside Development Area as shown on the Zoning Map. The purpose of these standards is to minimize grading, protect ridgelines, prevent erosion, and maintain the visual character of McLainberg's hillside areas.
DC 5.10.2 Grading Limits
Total grading (cut plus fill) on residential lots in the hillside area shall not exceed one thousand (1,000) cubic yards without a Grading Exception approved by the Planning Commission. Grading shall be contoured and revegetated to blend with the natural topography. Exposed cut slopes shall not exceed a 2:1 (horizontal:vertical) ratio. Manufactured slopes shall be visually screened from public view where feasible.
DC 5.10.3 Ridgeline Protection
No structure shall be sited on or above a prominent ridgeline as identified in the General Plan Visual Resources Analysis. Structures shall be set back a minimum of one hundred (100) feet from ridgeline crests, and shall use exterior colors and materials compatible with the natural landscape to minimize visual contrast.