| What zone is my property? |
The zone determines which uses may be established on a parcel, and which development standards apply. Follow the links below for comprehensive zoning information about the subject property.
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| Where can I build an addition? |
For an addition attached to your existing house, find which zone your property is in and refer to the development standards on the zoning summary matrix, below. A detached addition, or accessory building, may generally be built a minimum of 5' from the side and rear property lines.
Properties in the RC - Residential Conservation Zone, will need administrative design review approval before plan check can be completed. If your residence is 50 years old or more, or is located within a historic district, you will need a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Cultural Resources Administrator or Cultural Heritage Board before plan check can be completed. Call the Planner on Duty on (909) 826-5371 or email the Planning Department for more information.
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| Where can I build a patio cover? |
Open, unenclosed patio covers that are attached to the residence may be constructed closer to the property lines than a regular building addition. When located within the rear setback, they may be up to five feet from the side or rear property line. If your residence is within a Planned Residential Development, refer to the question and answer at the end of the residential section, below.
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| How high can I build a fence? |
Generally, a fence in the rear yard may be six feet in height. For the height in the front yard, see the applicable section of the zoning code, below. A fence six feet or less in height does not need a permit, but it does need Planning Department approval if it is located within a Planned Residential Development or a multiple family zone. A retaining wall three feet in height or greater needs a permit from the Building Division. Be sure to construct the fence within your property lines. If you need to know the dimensions of your property, contact the Planner on Duty or the Public Works Department on (951) 826-5341, or visit us on the third floor of City Hall.
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| What is a variance? |
If it is impossible to meet the development standards in the zoning code, you may seek relief through application for an administrative variance. Using the variance application package, requests can be made for a different setback or height, for example, than the minimum or maximum specified in the zoning code. Residential variance requests are processed by the Zoning Administrator. Zoning Administrator action includes approval, denial and/or modification of the project, depending on the particular situation. The Zoning Administrator's decision or any condition may be appealed to the City Council.
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| Can I build a house for my mother-in-law or a second unit? |
An auxiliary dwelling unit is a second residence located on property zoned for single-family residential use. It is permitted in the HR, RA, RC, R-1 or RR Zones subject to the approval of a Minor Conditional Use Permit (MCUP) and criteria outlined in the zoning code below.
In response to state legislation, City regulations now allow a second unit in the R-1-65, R-1-80, R-1-100, R-1-125, R-1-130, HR, RA and RR Zones subject to minimum development standards. If the unit does not comply with the development standards, it is only allowed if a Minor Conditional Use Permit is approved. Building permits are always required.
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| Can I have a business in my home? |
The zoning code includes provisions for home occupations in the residential zones, except the RA-5 -- Residential Agricultural Five-Acre Zone and the RC -- Residential Conservation Zone. The occupations include telecommuting and home offices provided there are no retail sales transactions, tutoring, dressmaking, art and craft activities, etc. Please refer to the zoning code, below.
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| Can I have roosters and chickens? |
The zoning code allows roosters and other crowing fowl (ducks, geese, guinea fowl, peacocks, etc.) in the RA -- Residential Agricultural and RC -- Residential Conservation Zones only. Generally, five poultry (chickens and pigeons) are allowed in single family residential zones (except the Downtown Specific Plan Area) for noncommercial purposes provided that they are housed, kept or penned at least fifty feet from a residence on an adjacent lot; fifty poultry are allowed provided they are at least 100 feet from a residence on an adjacent lot. The distance requirement does not apply to the residence on the lot where the fowl are kept.
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| Where can I park my RV? |
For properties in the single family residential and R-2 zones, vehicles and RV's with a gross vehicle weight rating under 10,000 pounds may be parked in the driveway or an additional paved area as described and illustrated below.
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| When do the Planned Residential Development (PRD) standards apply? |
PRD's provide greater flexibility in the design of residential properties, and promote a more desirable living environment. PRD's are permitted in any residential zone, except the RA Zones and the R-3-H Zone, subject to the granting of a PRD permit. Single family residential and R-2 zoned properties need to be at least one acre in size. PRD's are required for apartment houses and group houses in multiple family residential zones of at least three acres in size, and for multiple family residential properties under three acres when units with three or more bedrooms comprise more than fifteen percent of the total.
If your existing residence is within a PRD, the locations and designs of the buildings and patio covers were reestablished, and special approval is necessary before building permits may be issued. Contact your homeowners association and the Planner on Duty on (909) 826-5371 or send email to the Planning Department for more information.
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| Do I need a permit to provide daycare in my home? |
City regulations were updated to be consistent with the State of California as of September 14, 2004. PDF versions of our brochure and application form are provided below.
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Zoning Administrator Forms
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