ORDINANCE 1672ORDINANCE NO. 1672
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING EL SEGUNDO MUNICIPAL CODE TITLE
15 (ZONING CODE) CHAPTER 4 TO AMEND THE DEVELOPMENT
STANDARDS APPLICABLE TO THE SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
ZONE, INCLUDING THE STANDARDS APPLICABLE TO TWO -UNIT
RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS AND URBAN LOT SPLITS
PURSUANT TO SENATE BILL NO. 450.
The City Council of the City of El Segundo does ordain as follows:
SECTION 1: The City Council finds and declares as follows:
A. On September 19, 2024, Senate Bill No. 450 ("SB 450") was signed into law
by Governor Gavin Newsom, and took effect January 1, 2025;
B. The bill amended the provisions of Senate Bill 9 from California Legislative
Session 2021-22 which modified Government Code §§ 65852.21 and 66411.7,
relating to land use, specifically single-family zone parcel subdivisions (lot
splits) and two -unit residential developments (duplexes);
C. On November 22, 2024, the City initiated an application for Environmental
Assessment No. EA 1380 and Zone Text Amendment No. ZTA 24-04 to amend
El Segundo Municipal Code ("ESMC") Chapter 15-4 to implement SB 450's
requirements and allowance for certain local control elements,
D. On December 12, 2024, the Planning Commission held a study session to give
staff direction on the contents of a potential ordinance addressing the
requirements of SB 450; ,
E. On March 27, 2025, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed public
hearing to receive public testimony and other evidence regarding the proposed
Zone Text Amendment, including, without limitation, information provided to the
Planning Commission by City staff and public testimony;
F. On March 27, 2025, the Planning Commission adopted Resolution No. 2963
recommending the City Council approve Environmental Assessment No. EA-
1380 and Zone Text Amendment No. ZTA 24-04;
G. On May 6, 2025, the City Council held a duly noticed public hearing and
considered the information provided by City staff and public testimony
regarding this Ordinance; and
City of El Segundo
Ordinance No. 1672
Page 2 of 25
H. This Ordinance and its findings are made based upon the entire administrative
record including, without limitation, testimony and evidence presented to the
City Council at its May 6, 2025 hearing and the staff report submitted by the
Community Development Department.
SECTION 2: Factual Findings and Conclusions. The City Council finds, without limitation,
that this Ordinance would result in the following:
A. Conformance with the provisions of Senate Bill No. 450, as approved by Governor
Gavin Newsom on September 19, 2024;
B. Update the ESMC current objective standards to implement the provisions of
Senate Bill No. 450;
C. Allow parcel subdivisions (lot splits) and allows construction of two -unit residential
developments (duplexes) in the Single -Family Residential Zone; and
D. The General Plan Land Use designation for the affected properties in the Single -
Family Residential (R-1) Zone is Single -Family Residential.
SECTION 3: General Plan Findings. As required under Government Code § 65860 the
ESMC amendment proposed by this Ordinance is consistent with the El Segundo General
Plan as follows:
A. The ordinance conforms with the Land Use Element Goals, Objectives and
Policies. Specifically, the ordinance is consistent with Goal LU1, Objective LU1-1,
and Goal LU3, Objective LU3-2, in that the ordinance creates design standards,
and helps maintain a sense of place for the entire Single -Family Residential (R-1)
Zone; it preserves and maintains the City's low -medium density residential nature,
with low building height profile and character, and minimum development
standards; and it promotes the health, safety, and general welfare of El Segundo
by adopting standards that properly balance State mandates with the goals of
maintaining the character of the R-1 Zone and El Segundo's "small town"
atmosphere.
B. The proposed Ordinance is consistent with General Plan Housing Element
Program 9 in that it would remove governmental and other constraints to facilitate
the development of a variety of housing types and enable a more streamlined
development review process.
SECTION 4: Zone Text Amendment Findings. In accordance with ESMC § 15-4A and
based on the findings set forth in Section 3, the proposed Ordinance is consistent with
and necessary to carry out the purpose of the ESMC as follows:
City of El Segundo
Ordinance No. 1672
Page 3 of 25
A. The proposed Ordinance is consistent with the General Plan in that the
amendments would implement the goals, policies, and programs of the Housing
Element. Implementation of the Housing Element would preserve the existing
housing stock and encourages construction of new residential units, including
affordable housing, without affecting the character of existing single-family
residential neighborhoods.
B. The proposed Ordinance is necessary to serve the public health, safety, and
general welfare in that it would implement the Housing Element Update, which
includes programs, goals, and policies that help to maintain and improve the
existing housing stock in the City. The proposed amendments would facilitate the
development of additional housing in the community, which contribute to improving
the existing jobs -housing balance and facilitate the development of housing that is
affordable to households of various income levels and thus will provide equal
housing opportunities to all segments of the community.
SECTION 5: Environmental Assessment. Based on the facts set forth in Section 2, the
City Council finds that the zone text amendment is exempt from further review under the
California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") pursuant to CEQA Guidelines §
15061(b)(3)), because it consists only of minor revisions to existing zoning regulations
and related procedures and does not have the potential for causing a significant effect on
the environment. This finding is based upon the determination by the State Department
of Housing and Community Development and the State legislature that the City is required
to adopt these regulations.
SECTION 6: Article 4B (Single -Family Residential (R-1) Zone) of ESMC Title 15 (Zoning
Regulations) is amended as follows:
ARTICLE B. SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (R-1) ZONE
SECTION:
16-46-1: Purpose
15-413-2: Permitted Uses
15-46-3: Site Development Standards For Lots Wider Than Twenty -Five Feet
15-46-3-1: Site Development Standards For Lots Twenty -Five Feet Wide Or Less
15-46-4: Landscaping All Lots
15-41B5: Off Street Parking And Loading Spaces All Lots
16-4B-6: Signs All Lots
15-4B-7': Vehicular Access All Lots
City of El Segundo
Ordinance No. 1672
Page 4 of 25
15-413-1: PURPOSE:
The purpose of this zone is to provide consistency with and implement policies related to
those locations which are designated Single -Family on the General Plan land use map
and in the General Plan text. This zone is to provide for and promote the development of
single-family homes within a safe and healthy environment for existing and future
residents.
15-413-2: PERMITTED USES:
Permitted uses, permitted accessory uses, and uses subject to conditional use permit for
all residential zones are listed in Article 15-4A of this Title.
15-413-3: SITE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR LOTS WIDER THAN TWENTY-
FIVE FEET:
All uses on lots that are wider than 25 feet within the R-1 Zone must comply with the
development standards contained in this section.
A. General Provisions:
1. As provided by chapter 2 of this title.
2. New dwelling units must be internally integrated and connected.
3. An addition to, or extension of, a dwelling unit, except a garage or an accessory
dwelling unit, must share a common wall and be internally integrated and connected to
the existing dwelling unit.
4. Mobile and manufactured homes are subject to the following requirements:
a. The mobile or manufactured homes has been certified pursuant to the National
Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974, and has not been
altered in violation of applicable codes; and
b. The mobile or manufactured home must be installed on a permanent foundation
in compliance with all applicable building regulations and division 13, part 2 (commencing
with section 18000) of the California Health and Safety Code.
B. Height:
1. The height of all buildings or structures with a pitched roof must not exceed 32
feet and two stories. Buildings or structures with a flat roof must not exceed 26 feet and
two stories.
2. A maximum grade differential of six feet is permitted on sloping lots. The height
which exceeds the maximum grade differential is included in measuring the maximum
building height. On sloped lots, a segmented grade plane may be applied to different
portions of a building.
3. See section 15-2-3 of this title for exceptions to building height.
City of Ell Segundo
Ordinance No. 1672
Page 5 of 25
C. Lot Area: A minimum of 5,000 square feet.
D. Setbacks:
1. Front yard: Minimum setback of 22 feet. Front yard setbacks for two car and three
car garages located in the front half of a lot must comply with the standards contained in
subsection G of this section.
a. Permitted front yard setback encroachments:
(1) Porches or verandas in a front yard setback not fully enclosed on three sides
(railings and/or columns permitted) may encroach into the front setback a maximum of
six feet;
(2) The first floor front yard setback facing exterior wall of a dwelling may encroach
up to two feet for a width not exceeding 30 feet when a first floor porch or veranda, not
fully enclosed on three sides, is also projecting into the front yard setback. The total
amount of encroachment may not exceed six feet in depth combined for both the dwelling
structure and a porch or veranda, for a minimum 50 percent of the building width;
(3) Raised decks, where the walking surface is not greater than 24 inches above
adjacent grade, in conjunction with a lattice deck cover not greater than 10 feet above
adjacent grade may encroach into the front yard setback a maximum of six feet in depth
and 50 percent of the building width;
(4) Lattice patio covers, pergolas, arbors, or trellises not greater than 10 feet in
height (as measured from the lowest adjacent grade to the highest point of the cover)
may encroach into the front yard setback a maximum of six feet in depth and 50 percent
of the building width;
(5) Architectural elements such as towers or turrets not greater than eight feet in
diameter may encroach into the front setback a maximum of four feet;
2. Side yard: StrwGtuir sPrimary structures must maintain a minimum sides.
setback edf t of 10 percent of the width of the lot, but can never be less
than three feet and need not be more than six feet.
3. Setbacks for detached accessory structures:
a. Detached accessory structures, including garages, must maintain a minimum
aideyarsetbackeecsi of 10 percent of the width of the lot, but may not
be less than three feet and need not be more than six feet on the first floor.
b. The second floor of a detached accessory structure, including garages, must
maintain a minimum sides setbacks si o of 10 percent of the width
of the lot plus an additional setback of two feet, but must not be less than five feet and
need not be more than eight feet.
c. Detached accessory structures, including garages, tat-afe--c"�c eStGFY `n
hejgb-t-4Rd-a,re-located in the rear third of the lot, must maintain a minimum side yard
setback of two feet.. on the first floor and five feet on the second floor.
City of Ell Segundo
Ordinance No. 1672
Page 6 of 25
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ed. Detached accessory structures must maintain a minimum rear Ord setback of
three feet f ;-t Iron the first floor and- -°-m i ate' `'
sett of five feet fro° Iv - My4ine the second floor.
fe. Rooftop decks with required railings are permitted on single -story accessory
structures and on top of the single -story portions of two-story accessory structures.
Rooftop decks are not permitted on top of two-story accessory structures. Rooftop decks
must maintain a minimum side yard setback- e- � of 10 percent of the
width of the lot, plus an additional setback of two feet but can never be less than five feet,
as measured from the property line to the required railing of the rooftop deck.
4. Side yard, Reversed Corner: Reversed corner lots must have the following side
yard with a triangular area described as follows: One angle must be formed by the rear
and street side property lines, and the sides of this angle must be 15 feet in length,
measured along the rear and street side property lines. The third side of this triangle must
be a straight line connecting the two other lines at their endpoints. This triangular side
yard setback area is in addition to the other side yard setback requirements described in
subsections D2 and D3 of this section.
5. Rear yard: Primary structures must maintain a minimum setback of five feet.
6. Exceptions: Notwithstanding the provisions of this subsection D, the west side
yard of 618 W. Oak Avenue, more particularly described as the north 142.5 feet of the
south 285 feet of the east 50.265 feet of Lot 14, Block 9, Tract No. 1685, commencing 63
feet south of the front lot line and continuing south a distance of 30 feet, must be three
inches in width so long as that certain structure located along that 30-foot distance which
existed on January 11, 1973, remains in existence. Upon the removal or destruction of
said building, this property is no longer exempt from this subsection D.
Notwithstanding the provisions of this subsection D, the south side yard of 724 Penn
Street, more particularly described as the south 55 feet of the north 110 feet of Lot 8,
Block 92, El Segundo Sheet No. 4, commencing 84 feet east of the front lot line and
continuing east a distance of 20 feet, must be three feet in width so long as that certain
structure located along that 20 foot distance which existed on January 11, 1973, remains
in existence. Upon the removal or destruction of said building, this property is no longer
exempt from this subsection D.
E. Lot Width: A minimum of 50 feet.
F. Minimum Unit Size and Floor Area Ratio: The minimum dwelling unit size shall be
250 square feet and the floor area ratio shall be as follows:
1. The maximum total building area on the lot shall not exceed an overall floor area
ratio (FAR) of 0.60. There is no minimum building size.
2. The maximum FAR for the second floor of the primary structure shall not exceed
0.25.
City of El Segundo
Ordinance No. 1672
Page 7 of 25
3. In calculating the overall FAR, floor area is measured to the interior of a building's
perimeter walls and shall include all floors of the primary dwelling (i.e., main structure),
attached and detached accessory dwelling units, habitable attic space, accessory
buildings, balconies, decks, verandas, and porches.
4. Areas where the vertical measurement between the floor and ceiling directly
above is 14 feet or more shall be counted on both the first and second stories for FAR
calculations (areas such as rotundas, spaces with vaulted ceilings, and other similar
areas with volume).
5. Stairs and elevators are counted once and are applied to the first floor.
6. For purposes of calculating floor area, the following are not included:
a. Basements as defined in section 15-1-6 of this title;
b. Up to 500 square feet of interior floor area of an attached or detached garage;
c. Detached accessory structures measuring not more than 120 square feet;
d. First floor decks, verandas and porches under 30 inches in height (as measured
from adjacent grade to the walking surface).
e. Up to 500 square feet cumulative of first floor decks, verandas and porches,
covered or uncovered, attached or detached, and at least 30 inches in height (as
measured from adjacent grade to the walking surface), provided that the deck, veranda
or porch is at least 50 percent open on the sides.
f. Second floor balconies and decks that are not covered.
g. Up to 12 square feet of second floor decks and balconies that are covered by a
roof, lattice or trellis.
h. The area of decks, balconies, verandas or porches covered by eave projections
up to 18 inches.
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G. Placement of buildings and structures:
1. A minimum distance of three feet must be maintained between buildings.
2. A detached single -story accessory structure in the rear third of the lot may be
located as described in the requirements for setbacks in subsection D of this section,
unless one of the following conditions exists:
a. Where the lot abuts an alley and the vehicular entrance to the detached
accessory structure is from the alley, such detached accessory structure must be set back
a distance measured from the opposite side of the alley that will provide a turning radius
as follows:
City of Ell Segundo
Ordinance No. 1672
Page 8 of 25
90 degrees - 25 feet
75 degrees - 21 feet
60 degrees - 18 feet
45 degrees - 15 feet
b. On the rear third of a reversed corner lot a single -story detached accessory
structure may be built to the interior lot side line, but no building may be erected closer
than five feet to the property line of any abutting lot to the rear. However, if an alley
intervenes and the vehicular entrance to the detached accessory building is directly from
the street side, a detached accessory building may be built to the rear lot line.
3. A garage that is attached to a dwelling that is i.,..., in the front half of the lot
facing the front property line must be set back a minimum of 24 feet from the front property
line unless the building has a porch, veranda, or deck at least eight feet in width by four
feet in depth, then a minimum front setback of 22 feet is permitted.
4. An attached three -car garage located in the front half of the lot that faces the front
property line where one of the stalls is not tandem, must have at least two individual car
door openings. The following garage designs are encouraged:
a. Three -car garages constructed as attached or detached structures at the rear
of a lot.
b. Tandem for parking provided in excess of a two -car garage.
c. Attached three -car garages located on the front of a dwelling face toward the
side property lines.
5. Accessory outdoor showers attached to a building wall are permitted, but must
not encroach in a required setback and must not be roofed. They may be enclosed with
walls on three sides and a shower door on one side.
H. Ent orientation:
1. For street -facing Iota at least one ent door to a residential unit must face
be garaflel to and be directly visible from the adjoining street and sidewalk.
Alternativel if the residential unit has an entry door that takes access froma porch
or veranda measuring a min,imum of four feet by four feet that faces and is directly
visible from the adjoinin_q street and sidewalk the entry door miay face the
side/interior lot lime be perpendicular to the street and sidewalk
#I. Detached accessory buildings as defined in section of this Title:
1. All detached accessory structures may not exceed 1,200 square feet gross floor
area in aggregate per parcel;
City of Ell Segundo
Ordinance No. 1672
Page 9 of 25
2. Except as permitted in Chapter 15-4E related to accessory dwelling units, detached
accessory buildings are limited to two (2) stories, and may include an attic, which may be
used for storage purposes only, provided that access to the attic is not from permanently
fixed stairs (pull down type stairs are permitted), no plumbing is permitted, and electrical
fixtures are limited to the minimum required by the California Building Code and California
Electrical Code;
3. Unless permitted as an accessory dwelling unit, detached accessory buildings may
not contain a kitchen or kitchen facilities, a bathtub or shower and may not be used for
sleeping purposes or as an "R" occupancy, as defined by the California Building Code,
except that they may contain a sink and a toilet;
4. Unless permitted as an accessory dwelling unit, detached accessory buildings may
not be rented or used as a separate dwelling unit; and
5. Before the City issues a building permit for a detached accessory structure, except
an accessory dwelling unit, the Director will require that a covenant running with the land
be recorded stating that the accessory structure may not be used in violation of this
section.
15-413-3-1: SITE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR LOTS TWENTY-FIVE FEET
WIDE OR LESS:
All uses on lots 25 feet wide or less within the R-1 Zone must comply with the
development standards contained in this section.
A. General Provisions:
1. As provided by chapter 2 of this title.
2. New dwelling units must be internally integrated and connected.
3. An addition to, or extension of, a dwelling unit, except a garage or an accessory
dwelling unit, must share a common wall and be internally integrated and connected to
the existing dwelling unit.
4. Mobile and manufactured homes are subject to the following requirements:
a. The mobile or manufactured homes has been certified pursuant to the National
Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974, and has not been
altered in violation of applicable codes; and
b. The mobile or manufactured home must be installed on a permanent foundation
in compliance with all applicable building regulations and division 13, part 2 (commencing
with section 18000) of the California Health and Safety Code.
B. Height:
1. The height of all buildings or structures with a pitched roof must not exceed 32
feet and two stories. Buildings or structures with a flat roof must not exceed 26 feet and
two stories.
City of Ell Segundo
Ordinance No. 1672
Page 10 of 25
2. A maximum grade differential of six feet is permitted on sloping lots. The vertical
height which exceeds the maximum grade differential is included in measuring the
maximum building height. On sloped lots, a segmented grade plane may be applied to
different portions of a building.
3. See section 15-2-3 of this title for exceptions to building height.
C. Lot area: A minimum of 5,000 square feet.
D. Setbacks:
1. Front yard: A minimum of 22 feet.
a. Permitted front yard setback encroachments:
(1) Porches or verandas in a front yard setback not fully enclosed on three sides
(railings and/or columns permitted) may encroach into the front setback a maximum of
six feet;
(2) The first floor front yard setback facing exterior wall of a dwelling may encroach
up to two feet for a width not exceeding 30 feet when a first floor porch or veranda, not
fully enclosed on three sides, is also projecting into the front yard setback. The total
amount of encroachment may not exceed six feet in depth combined for both the dwelling
structure and a porch or veranda, for a minimum 50 percent of the building width;
(3) Raised decks, where the walking surface is not greater than 24 inches above
adjacent grade, in conjunction with a lattice deck cover not greater than 10 feet above
adjacent grade may encroach into the front yard setback a maximum of six feet in depth
and 50 percent of the building width;
(4) Lattice patio covers, pergolas, arbors, or trellises not greater than 10 feet above
adjacent grade (as measured from the lowest adjacent grade to the highest point of the
cover) may encroach into the front yard setback a maximum of six feet in depth and 50
percent of the building width;
(5) Architectural elements such as towers or turrets not greater than eight feet in
diameter may encroach into the front setback a maximum of four feet;
2. Side yard: A minimum of three feet.
3. Detached accessory structures and garages: Detached accessory structures and
attached garages are allowed along the property line on one interior side lot line, provided
that the detached accessory structure or attached garage is in the rear one-third of the
lot.
4. Side yard, reverse corner: Reversed corner lots must have a side yard with a
triangular area described as follows: One angle must be formed by the rear and street
side property lines, and the sides of this angle must be 15 feet in length, measured along
the rear and street side property lines. The third side of this triangle must be a straight
line connecting the two other lines at their endpoints. This triangular side yard setback
area is in addition to the other side yard setback requirements described in subsection
D2 of this section.
City of Ell Segundo
Ordinance No. 1672
Page 11 of 25
5. Rear yard:-fieteel�esey- es
pe4�- Primary structures must maintain a minimum
setback of five feet on the first and second floors..
6. Detached accesso structures and garages: Detached accessory structures and
,garages are allowed a rear vard setback of Nero feet on the first sto and1 must maintain
a rear vard setback of five feet on the second sto .
E. Lot Width: A minimum of 50 feet.
F. Minimum Unit Size: The minimum dwelling unit size shall be 250 square feet.
G. Placement of buildings and structures:
1. A minimum distance of three feet must be maintained between buildings;
2. A detached accessory structure in the rear third of the lot may be located on the
rear and one interior side lot line, unless one of the following conditions exists:
a. Where the lot rears upon an alley and the vehicular entrance to the detached
accessory structure is from the alley, such detached accessory structure must be set back
a distance measured from the opposite side of the alley that will provide a turning radius
as follows:
90 degrees - 25 feet
75 degrees - 21 feet
60 degrees - 18 feet
45 degrees - 15 feet
b. On the rear third of a reversed corner lot a detached accessory structure may
be built to the interior lot side line, but no building must be erected closer than five feet to
the property line of any abutting lot to the rear. However, if an alley intervenes and the
vehicular entrance to the detached accessory building is directly from the street side, a
detached accessory building may be built to the rear lot line.
H. Lot Coverage: All buildings, including detached accessory buildings, shall not cover
more than 4047 percent of the lot area. -This G T-a -tf
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City of El Segundo
Ordinance No. 1672
Page 12 of 25
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I. Ent Orientation
1. For street -facing lots at least one entry door to a residential unit must face
be parallel to and be directly visible from the ad"oinin street and sidewalk.
Alter , native 1vjf the residential unit has anent door that takes access from a porch
or veranda measuring a minimum of four feet by four feet that faces and is directly
visible from the adjoining street and sidewalk the entEy door may face the
side/interior lot line be perpendicular to the street and sidewalk .
I. Building Wall Modulation:
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addition to an doors or windows buildin walls must incor orate at least two architectural
building features as defined in section 15-1-6 of this title on all elevations.
J. Detached accessory buildings, not including detached accessory dwelling units as
defined in section 15-1-6 of this Title:
1. All detached accessory structures may not exceed 1,200 square feet gross floor
area in aggregate per parcel except as permitted in Chapter 15-4D;
City of Ell Segundo
Ordinance No. 1672
Page 13 of 25
2. Except as permitted in Chapter 15-4E related to accessory dwelling units,
detached accessory buildings are limited to one floor, but may include an attic, which may
be used for storage purposes only, provided access to the attic is not from permanently
fixed stairs (pull down type stairs are permitted), no plumbing is permitted, and electrical
fixtures are limited to the minimum required by the California Building Code and California
Electrical Code;
3. Unless permitted as an accessory dwelling unit, detached accessory buildings
may not contain a kitchen or kitchen facilities, a bathtub or shower and may not be used
for sleeping purposes or as an R occupancy, as defined by the California Building Code,
except that they may contain a sink and a toilet;
4. Unless permitted as an accessory dwelling unit, detached accessory buildings
may not be rented or used as a separate dwelling unit; and
5. Before the City issues a building permit for a detached accessory structure, except
an accessory dwelling unit, the Director must require that a covenant running with the
land be recorded stating that the accessory structure may not be used in violation of this
section.
15-413-4: LANDSCAPING (ALL LOTS):
Landscaping and irrigation must be provided within the front and street side setback
areas. Those setback areas fronting upon a public street must incorporate a combination
of softscape and hardscape in the landscape except for those portions devoted to
vehicular parking. They may contain artificial turf or synthetic grass provided that it: 1) is
not harmful to the environment (such as containing lead based or other hazardous
materials); 2) includes a pervious surface to address percolation, drainage, runoff, and
stormwater detention requirements; and 3) is incorporated into a comprehensive
landscaping design and site plan.
A. A minimum of 25 percent of the front yard setback area must be maintained with
permanent landscaping that contains a combination of lawn, trees, vines, bushes and
ground covers, and does not include hardscape materials for lots less than 50 feet in
width.
B. A minimum of 35 percent of the front yard setback area must be maintained with
permanent landscaping that contains a combination of lawn, trees, vines, bushes and
ground covers, and does not include hardscape materials for lots that are 50 feet or
greater in width.
C. A minimum of one 24-inch box tree with irrigation must be planted and maintained
in the front yard in con"unction with the construction of a new Driimary dwellinq unit.
15-413-5: OFF STREET PARKING AND LOADING SPACES (ALL LOTS):
Off street parking must be provided as required by chapter 15 of this title.
City of El Segundo
Ordinance No. 1672
Page 14 of 25
15-413-6: SIGNS (ALL LOTS):
Signs in the R-1 zone must comply with the requirements of chapter 18 of this title.
15-413-7: VEHICULAR ACCESS (ALL •
B. Where a lot abuts an alley and the vehicular entrance to the structure is from the
alley, such vehicular entrance must be set back a distance measured from the
0 Dosite side of the alley that will provide a turning radius as follows:
90 degrees 25 feet
7575 d� 21 feet
60 degrees 18 feet
45 degrees 15 feet
C. Curb cuts and driveways must be installed in conformance with ESMC Section 15-
15-5 (Parkinq Area Development Standards
SECTION 7: Chapter 4 (Residential Zones) of Title 15 (Zoning Regulations) Article G
(Two -Unit Residential Development and Urban Lot Splits in Single -Family Residential
(R1) Zones) of the ESMC is deleted and replaced as follows:
ARTICLE G. TWO -UNIT RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS AND URBAN LOT SPLITS
IN SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (R-1) ZONES
SECTION:
15-4G-1: Purpose
15-4G-2: General Requirements; Eligibility
15-4G-3: General Urban Lot Split Development Standards
15-4G-4: Development Standards For Lots Wider Than Twenty -Five Feet
15-4G-5: Development Standards For Lots Twenty -Five Feet Wide Or Less
15-4G-6: Landscaping (All Lots)
15-4G-7: Of Street Parking And Loading Spaces (All Lots)
City of El Segundo
Ordinance No. 1672
Page 15 of 25
15-4G-8: Signs (All Lots)
15-4G-9: Vehicular Access (All Lots)
15-4G-10: Application Process; Fees
15-4G-11: Tenancy
15-4G-1: PURPOSE:
This article is adopted pursuant to Government Code section 65852.6, 65852.21, and
66411.7 for the purpose of implementing the City's regulation of two -unit residential
development and/or urban lot splits in the City's Single -Family Residential Zone.
Government Code section 65852.21(a) requires the City ministerially approve certain
housing developments containing no more than two residential units within a single-family
residential zone. Government Code section 66411.7(a) requires that the City ministerially
approve a parcel map for an urban lot split, subject to standards set forth in Government
Code section 66411.7(a)(1), (2), and (3).
15-4G-2: GENERAL REQUIREMENTS; ELIGIBILITY:
A. Notwithstanding the standards outlined in this Article G of Chapter 4 of Title 15 of
this code, all other standards provided in Articles A and B of Chapter 4 of Title 15
of this code will apply, unless prohibited by state law.
B. A parcel proposed for a subdivision (lot splits) pursuant to this article must meet
the requirements in subdivision (a) of Government Code Section 66411.7.
C. A proposed housing development proposing a two -unit residential development
(duplex) pursuant to this article must meet the requirements in subdivision (a) of
Government Code Section 65852.21.
15-4G-3: GENERAL URBAN LOT SPLIT DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS:
All urban lot splits with two -unit residential developments within the R-1 Zone must comply
with the R-1 development standards contained in Article 15-413 and the development
standards of this Article 154G. If there are conflicts between the provisions of Article 15-
4B and this Article 154G, the provisions of this Section will govern.
A. Urban lot splits must incorporate all built -form parameters of State of California
Government Code Section 66411.7, including:
1. A parcel map that subdivides an existing R-1 parcel will create no more than two
new parcels of approximately equal lot area and with one of the two created parcels not
smaller than 40 percent of the lot area of the original parcel proposed for subdivision. See
Figure 4G-1.
2. Both newly created parcels will be no smaller than 1,200 square feet in gross
area.
City of El Segundo
Ordinance No. 1672
Page 16 of 25
3. No more than two dwelling units per lot will be constructed on a R-1 urban lot
split.
4. Accessory Dwelling Units or Junior Accessory Dwelling Units are prohibited
where an Urban Lot Split is also developed with a two -unit residential development
pursuant to Sections 15-4G-4 and 1-4G-5.
5. A minimum of one off-street parking spaces will be provided per newly
constructed dwelling unit. No parking is required if the parcel is located within one-half
mile walking distance of a High -quality Transit Corridor or major transit stop or if a car
share vehicle is located within one -block of the parcel.
B. Lot line splits will be parallel to public street frontages. See Figure 4G-2.
C. When cross easements across lot split parcels are required to provide access to
units, or access to vehicle parking spaces, or access to utilities and utility connections, or
access between lot split parcels, or access for any other purpose, a covenant establishing
the cross easement acceptable to the Community Development Department must be
recorded with the Los Angeles County Recorder upon the filing of the Final Parcel Map
described in chapter 14-6 of this code.
tat () _ :.!.4) =t •:Lrt _ tat 0 _ 5:1 .
Lpt O _ .f 01 = LOt 0
Figure 4G-1
City of Ell Segundo
Ordinance No. 1672
Page 17 of 25
Figure 4G-2
15-4G-4: DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR LOTS WIDER THAN TWENTY-FIVE
FEET:
All two -unit residential developments and urban lot splits on lots that are wider than 25
feet within the R-1 Zone must comply with the development standards contained in this
section.
A. General Provisions:
As provided in ESMC Section 15-413-3 (Single -Family Residential Site Development
Standards for Lots Wider than Twenty -Five Feet)
B. Height:
As provided in ESMC Section 15-413-3 (Single -Family Residential Site Development
Standards for Lots Wider than Twenty -Five Feet)
C. Lot Area:
As provided in ESMC Section 15-4G-3 above.
D. Setbacks:
1. Front Yard: A minimum of 22 feet. Front yard setbacks for two car and three car
garages located in the front half of a lot must comply with the standards contained in
subsection H of this section.
a. Permitted front yard setback encroachments:
(1) Porches or verandas in a front yard setback not fully enclosed on three sides
(railings and/or columns permitted) may encroach into the front setback a maximum of
six feet;
City of El Segundo
Ordinance No. 1672
Page 18 of 25
(2) The first floor front yard setback facing exterior wall of a dwelling may encroach
up to two feet for a width not exceeding 30 feet when a first floor porch or veranda, not
fully enclosed on three sides, is also projecting into the front yard setback. The total
amount of encroachment may not exceed six feet in depth combined for both the dwelling
structure and a porch or veranda, for a minimum 50 percent of the building width;
(3) Raised decks, where the walking surface is not greater than 24 inches above
adjacent grade, in conjunction with a lattice deck cover not greater than 10 feet above
adjacent grade may encroach into the front yard setback a maximum of six feet in depth
and 50 percent of the building width;
(4) Lattice patio covers, pergolas, arbors, or trellises not greater than 10 feet above
adjacent grade (as measured from the lowest adjacent grade to the highest point of the
cover) may encroach into the front yard setback a maximum of six feet in depth and 50
percent of the building width;
(5) Architectural elements such as towers or turrets not greater than eight feet in
diameter may encroach into the front setback a maximum of four feet;
2. Side Yard: Primary structures must maintain a minimum setback on each side of
the lot of 10 percent of the width of the lot, but can never be less than three feet and need
not be more than four feet.
3. Rear Yard: Primary structures must maintain a minimum setback of four feet on
the first and second floors.
Notwithstanding Subsections D.1 through D.3 above, the City may not condition its
approval of a two -unit residential development by requiring the applicant to correct a non-
conforming setback for an existing structure or a new structure constructed in the same
location and to the same dimensions of an existing structure.
4. Setbacks for detached accessory structures:
As provided in ESMC Section 15-413-3 (Single -Family Residential Site Development
Standards for Lots Wider than Twenty -Five Feet)
E. Lot Width:
As provided in ESMC Section 15-413-3 (Single -Family Residential Site Development
Standards for Lots Wider than Twenty -Five Feet)
F. Minimum Unit Size:
As provided in ESMC Section 15-413-3 (Single -Family Residential Site Development
Standards for Lots Wider than Twenty -Five Feet)
G. Floor Area Ratio:
1. The maximum total building area on the lot shall not exceed an overall floor area
ratio (FAR) of 0.60. There is no minimum building size.
2. The maximum FAR for the second floor of the primary structure shall not exceed
0.25.
City of El Segundo
Ordinance No. 1672
Page 19 of 25
3. In calculating the overall FAR, floor area is measured to the interior of a building's
perimeter walls and shall include all floors of the primary dwelling (i.e., main structure),
attached and detached accessory dwelling units, habitable attic space, accessory
buildings, balconies, decks, verandas, and porches.
4. Areas where the vertical measurement between the floor and ceiling directly
above is 14 feet or more shall be counted on both the first and second stories for FAR
calculations (areas such as rotundas, spaces with vaulted ceilings, and other similar
areas with volume).
5. Stairs and elevators are counted once and are applied to the first floor.
6. For purposes of calculating floor area, the following are not included:
a. Basements as defined in section 15-1-6 of this title;
b. Up to 500 square feet of interior floor area of an attached or detached garage;
c. Detached accessory structures measuring not more than 120 square feet;
d. First floor decks, verandas and porches under 30 inches in height (as measured
from adjacent grade to the walking surface).
e. Up to 500 square feet cumulative of first floor decks, verandas and porches,
covered or uncovered, attached or detached, and at least 30 inches in height (as
measured from adjacent grade to the walking surface), provided that the deck, veranda
or porch is at least 50 percent open on the sides.
f. Second floor balconies and decks that are not covered.
g. Up to 12 square feet of second floor decks and balconies that are covered by
roof, lattice or trellis.
h. The area of decks, balconies, verandas or porches covered by eave projections
up to 18 inches.
7. Nothing in this Chapter is meant to prohibit a residential dwelling unit of at least
800 square feet of total floor area.
H. Placement of buildings and structures:
As provided in ESMC Section 15-413-3 (Single -Family Residential Site Development
Standards for Lots Wider than Twenty -Five Feet)
I. Entry Orientation
As provided in ESMC Section 15-413-3 (Single -Family Residential Site Development
Standards for Lots Wider than Twenty -Five Feet)
J. Detached accessory buildings as defined in section 1-1-6 of this Title:
As provided in ESMC Section 15-413-3 (Single -Family Residential Site Development
Standards for Lots Wider than Twenty -Five Feet)
City of Ell Segundo
Ordinance No. 1672
Page 20 of 25
15-4G-5: DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR LOTS TWENTY-FIVE FEET WIDE OR
LESS:
All two -unit residential developments and urban lot splits on lots that are 25 feet wide or
less within the R-1 Zone must comply with the development standards contained in this
section.
A. General Provisions:
As provided in ESMC Section 15-413-3-1 (Single -Family Residential Site Development
Standards for Lots Twenty -Five Feet Wide or Less)
B. Height:
As provided in ESMC Section 15-413-3-1 (Single -Family Residential Site Development
Standards for Lots Twenty -Five Feet Wide or Less)
C. Lot area:
As provided in ESMC Section 15-4G-3 above.
D. Setbacks:
1. Front Yard: A minimum of 22 feet.
a. Permitted front yard setback encroachments:
(1) Porches or verandas in a front yard setback not fully enclosed on three sides
(railings and/or columns permitted) may encroach into the front setback a maximum of
six feet;
(2) The first floor front yard setback facing exterior wall of a dwelling may encroach
up to two feet for a width not exceeding 30 feet when a first floor porch or veranda„ not
fully enclosed on three sides, is also projecting into the front yard setback. The total
amount of encroachment may not exceed six feet in depth combined for both the dwelling
structure and a porch or veranda, for a minimum 50 percent of the building width;
(3) Raised decks, where the walking surface is not greater than 24 inches above
adjacent grade, in conjunction with a lattice deck cover not greater than 10 feet above
adjacent grade may encroach into the front yard setback a maximum of six feet in depth
and 50 percent of the building width;
(4) Lattice patio covers, pergolas, arbors, or trellises not greater than 10 feet above
adjacent grade (as measured from the lowest adjacent grade to the highest point of the
cover) may encroach into the front yard setback a maximum of six feet in depth and 50
percent of the building width;
(5) Architectural elements such as towers or turrets not greater than eight feet in
diameter may encroach into the front setback a maximum of four feet.
2. Side Yard: A minimum of three feet.
City of Ell Segundo
Ordinance No. 1672
Page 21 of 25
3,. Detached accessory structures and garages: Detached accessory structures and
attached garages are allowed along the property line on one interior side lot line, provided
that the detached accessory structure or attached garage is in the rear one-third of the
lot.
4. Rear Yard: Primary structures must maintain a minimum setback of four feet on
the first and second floors.
5. Detached accessory structures and garages: Detached accessory structures and
garages are allowed a rear yard setback of zero feet on the first story and must maintain
a rear yard setback of four feet on the second story.
Notwithstanding Subsections D.1 through D.5 above, the City may not condition its
approval of a two -unit residential development by requiring the applicant to correct a non-
conforming setback for an existing structure or a new structure constructed in the same
location and to the same dimensions of an existing structure.
E. Lot Width:
As provided in ESMC Section 15-413-3-1 (Single -Family Residential Site Development
Standards for Lots Twenty -Five Feet Wide or Less)
F. Minimum Unit Size:
As provided in ESMC Section 15-413-3-1 (Single -Family Residential Site Development
Standards for Lots Twenty -Five Feet Wide or Less)
G. Placement of Buildings and Structures:
As provided in ESMC Section 15-413-3-1 (Single -Family Residential Site Development
Standards for Lots Twenty -Five Feet Wide or Less)
H. Entry Orientation:
As provided in ESMC Section 15-413-3-1 (Single -Family Residential Site Development
Standards for Lots Twenty -Five Feet Wide or Less)
I. Building Wall Modulation:
As provided in ESMC Section 15-413-3-1 (Single -Family Residential Site Development
Standards for Lots Twenty -Five Feet Wide or Less)
J. Detached accessory buildings as defined in section 15-1-6 of this Title:
As provided in ESMC Section 15-413-3-1 (Single -Family Residential Site Development
Standards for Lots Twenty -Five Feet Wide or Less)
15-4G-6: LANDSCAPING (ALL LOTS):
As provided in ESMC Section 15-413-4 (Single Family Residential Landscaping — All Lots)
City of Ell Segundo
Ordinance No. 1672
Page 22 of 25
15-4G-7: OFF STREET PARKING AND LOADING SPACES (ALL LOTS):
Off street parking must be provided as required by chapter 15 of this title, except that only
a minimum of one off-street parking space must be provided per newly constructed
dwelling unit. No parking is required if a parcel is located within Y2 mile walking distance
of a High -quality Transit Corridor or major transit stop or if a car share vehicle is located
within one -block of the parcel.
15-4G-8: SIGNS (ALL LOTS):
As provided in ESMC Section 15-413-6 (Single Family Residential Signs — All Lots)
15-4G-9: VEHICULAR ACCESS (ALL LOTS):
As provided in ESMC Section 15-413-7 (Single Family Residential Vehicular Access — All
Lots)
15-4G-10: APPLICATION PROCESS; FEES:
Any application for a building permit to create a two -unit residential development or a lot
created pursuant to an Urban Lot Split in compliance with this Article on a single-family
residential lot will be ministerially approved. Properties developed under this section will
be subject to all applicable fees, including development impact fees, and assessments.
15-4G-11: TENANCY:
A. Each unit created under this chapter may be rented separately, however rental
terms must not be less than 31 consecutive days or allow termination of the tenancy prior
to the expiration of at least one 31-day period occupancy by the same tenant.
B. Urban Lot Split: The applicant for an urban lot split must sign an affidavit, in the
form approved by the City Attorney, stating that the applicant intends to occupy one of
the housing units on the newly created lots as its principal residence for a minimum of
three years from the date of the approval of the Urban Lot Split. This subsection does not
apply to an applicant that is a "community land trust," as defined in clause (ii} of
subparagraph (C) of paragraph (11) of subdivision (a) of Section 402.1 of the Revenue
and Taxation Code or is a "qualified nonprofit corporation" as described in Section 214.15
of the Revenue and Taxation Code.
City of Ell Segundo
Ordinance No. 1672
Page 23 of 25
SECTION 3: Enforceability. Repeal of any provision of the ESMC does not affect any
penalty, forfeiture, or liability incurred before, or preclude prosecution and imposition of
penalties for any violation occurring before this Ordinance's effective date. Any such
repealed part will remain in full force and effect for sustaining action or prosecuting
violations occurring before the effective date of this Ordinance.
SECTION g: Validity of Previous Code Sections. If this entire Ordinance or its application
is deemed invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, any repeal or amendment of the
ESMC or other city ordinance by this Ordinance will be rendered void and cause such
previous ESMC provision or other the city ordinance to remain in full force and effect for
all purposes.
SECTION 13: Severability. If any part of this Ordinance or its application is deemed invalid
by a court of competent jurisdiction, the City Council intends that such invalidity will not
affect the effectiveness of the remaining provisions or applications and, to this end, the
provisions of this Ordinance are severable.
SECTION 11: Recording. The City Clerk is directed to certify the passage and adoption
of this Ordinance; cause it to be entered into the City of El Segundo's book of original
ordinances; make a note of the passage and adoption in the records of this meeting; and,
within fifteen (15) days after the passage and adoption of this Ordinance, cause it to be
published or posted in accordance with California law.
SECTION 12: Execution. The Mayor or presiding officer is hereby authorized to affix his
signature to this Ordinance signifying its adoption by the City Council, and the City Clerk,
or duly appointed deputy, is directed to attest thereto.
SECTION 13: Electronic Signatures. This Ordinance may be executed with electronic
signatures in accordance with Government Code §16.5. Such electronic signatures will
be treated in all respects as having the same effect as an original signature.
City of El Segundo
Ordinance No. 1672
Page 24 of 25
SECTION 14: Effectiveness. This Ordinance will go into effect and be in full force and
effect on the thirty-first (31 st) day after its passage and adoption. If SB 450 is repealed in
whole or in part, the corresponding ESMC chapter and/or sections will also he deemed
repealed.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 20th day of May, 2025.
Chris Pimentel, Mayor
ATTEST;
an ua ity Perk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Mark D. Hensley, City Attorney
City of Ell Segundo
Ordinance No. 1672
Page 25 of 25
CERTIFICATION
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) SS
CITY OF EL SEGUNDO )
I, Susan Truax, City Clerk of the City of El Segundo, California, do hereby certify that the
whole number of members of the City Council of said City is five; that the foregoing
Ordinance No. 1672 was duly introduced by said City Council at a regular meeting held
on the 6th day of May, 2025, and was duly passed and adopted by said City Council,
approved and signed by the Mayor, and attested to by the City Clerk, all at a regular
meeting of said Council held on the 20th day of May, 2025, and the same was so passed
and adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Mayor Pimentel, Mayor Pro Tem Baldino, Council Member Boyles,
Council Member Giroux and Council Member Keldorf
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
WITNESS MY HAND THE OFFICIAL SEAL OF SAID CITY this 20th day of May, 2025.
usan T uax„ City Clerk
of the Cit 'of El Segundo,
California