ORDINANCE 1401ORDINANCE NO. 1401
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING El SEGUNDO MUNICIPAL CODE
( "ESMC ") CHAPTERS 15-4A (SINGLE- FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (R -1)
ZONE SITE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS); 15 -1 (DEFINITIONS); 15 -2
(OPEN SPACE ENCROACHMENTS); AND 15 -15 (PARKING
STANDARDS).
SECTION 1 The City Council finds and declares as follows
A A review of the El Segundo Municipal Code ( "ESMC ") shows that there
are numerous updates that the Council desires to make to various
regulations for zoning, and other, similar matters for purposes of
promoting the health, safety and welfare interests of the City,
B This Ordinance is consistent with the City's procedures and standards as
set forth in the ESMC,
C On May 3, 2005, the City Council established an Ad Hoc Council Sub -
Committee and directed staff to study the Single - Family Residential (R -1)
Zone Site Development Standards,
D On October 12, 2005, City staff conducted a public meeting to review and
discuss the Single -Family Residential (R -1) Zone Site Development
Standards and receive public testimony regarding the proposed
amendment,
E On November 4, 2005, the City of El Segundo initiated an application for
Environmental Assessment No EA -685 and Zone Text Amendment No
05 -03 to amend ESMC Chapters 154A (Single - Family Residential (R -1)
Zone Site Development Standards), 15 -1 (Definitions), 15 -2 (Open Space
Encroachments), and 15 -15 (Parking Standards),
F The application was prepared and reviewed by the City's Planning and
Building Safety Department for, in part, consistency with the General Plan
and conformity with the ESMC,
G In addition, the City reviewed the project's environmental impacts under
the California Environmental Quality Act (Public Resources Code §§
21000, et seq , "CEQA ") the regulations promulgated thereunder (14 Cal
Code of Regulations §§ 15000, et seq , the "CEQA Guidelines ") and the
City's Environmental Guidelines (City Council Resolution No 3805,
adopted March 16, 1993),
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H On November 9, 2005, the City Council and the Planning Commission
held a meeting to review and discuss the Single - Family Residential (R -1)
Zone Site Development Standards and proposed amendments and
considered the information provided by City staff and public testimony,
On December 19, 2005, City staff conducted a public meeting to review
and discuss the Single - Family Residential (R -1) Zone Site Development
Standards and the proposed amendments,
J On January 16, 2006, City staff conducted a public meeting to review and
discuss the Single - Family Residential (R -1) Zone Site Development
Standards and the proposed amendments,
K On March 4, 2006, the City Council held a meeting to review and discuss
the Single- Family Residential (R -1) Zone Site Development Standards
and proposed amendments and considered the information provided by
City staff and public testimony,
L On March 13, 2006, City staff conducted a public meeting to review and
discuss the Single -Family Residential (R -1) Zone Site Development
Standards and the proposed amendments,
M. On May 16, 2006, the City Council held a meeting to review and discuss
the Single - Family Residential (R -1) Zone Site Development Standards
and proposed amendments and considered the information provided by
City staff and public testimony,
N On May 16, 2006, the City Council directed staff to prepare an
amendment to the ESMC to modify the Single - Family Residential (R -1)
Zone Site Development Standards, Definitions, Open Space
Encroachments, and Parking Standards to allow the use of "Vehicle Lifts"
in the Single -Family Residential (R -1) Zone and the Two -Family
Residential (R -2) Zone,
O The Planning and Budding Safety Department completed its review and
scheduled the public heanng regarding the application before the Planning
Commission for September 14, 2006,
P On September 14, 2006, the Planning Commission held a public hearing
to receive public testimony and other evidence regarding the proposed
amendment, including, without limitation, information provided to the
Planning Commission by City staff and public testimony,
Q On September 14, 2006, the Planning Commission voted not to
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recommend that the City Council adopt the draft regulations Instead, the
Planning Commission recommended that the City Council consider
adopting an ordinance with somewhat different regulations including,
without limitation, exempting small lots (25 feet or less in width) from the
proposed regulations and exempting lots 40 feet or less from modulation
requirements,
R On September 19, 2006, the City Council held a public hearing and
considered the information provided by City staff and public testimony
After considering the public testimony, documentary evidence, and the
recommendations from the Planning Commission, the City Council
directed that the ordinance be redrafted in a number of ways and returned
for City Council consideration at its continued regular meeting scheduled
for September 25, 2006,
S On September 25, 2006, the City Council resumed its regular meeting
from September 19, 2006 to consider this redrafted Ordinance After
further considering the documentary evidence, the City Council redrafted
the ordinance in a number of ways and introduced this Ordinance,
T In adopting this Ordinance, the Council intends simply to regulate
aesthetics, impose the community's design standards, and protect public
health and safety Nothing in this Ordinance is intended to affect the
density of dwelling units per acre, and
U When adopting this Ordinance, the City considered the entire
administrative record concerning Single -Family Residential Site
Development Standards, adding Definitions, Open Space Encroachments,
and Parking Area Development Standards to allow the use of 'Vehicle
Lifts" in the Single -Family Residential and Two - Family Residential Zone,
regulations including, without limitation, information set forth in staff
reports presented to the El Segundo Planning Commission and City
Council, public testimony, the City's General Plan, and other evidence set
forth in the record or commonly known to the community
SECTION 2 Factual Findings and Conclusions The City Council finds that the
following facts exist and makes the following conclusions
A The proposed amendments to the ESMC modifies ESMC Chapters 15 -4A,
15 -1, 15 -2, and 15 -15
B The General Plan Land Use designation for the affected properties in the
Single -Family Residential (R -1) Zone is Single - Family Residential
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C The General Plan Land Use designation for the affected properties in the
Two -Family Residential (R -2) Zone is Two - Family Residential
D The amendments to the ESMC affecting Single -Family Residential (R -1)
Zone Site Development Standards do not increase the density of dwelling
units per acre
E The amendments to the ESMC affecting Single -Family Residential (R -1)
Zone Site Development Standards do not permit an increase to the height
of buildings or structures above that of existing regulations in the Single -
Family Residential (R -1) Zone.
F The amendments to the ESMC affecting Single -Family Residential (R -1)
Zone Site Development Standards add encroachments into the front yard
setback for architectural features
G The amendments to the ESMC affecting Single -Family Residential (R -1)
Zone Site Development Standards increase the side -yard setback
requirements and add modulation requirements for lots greater than 40
feet in width
H The amendments to the ESMC affecting Single - Family Residential (R -1)
Zone Site Development Standards establish regulations for accessory
structures
The amendments to the ESMC affecting Single -Family Residential (R -1)
Zone Site Development Standards establish a floor area ratio requirement
J The amendments to the ESMC affecting Single- Family Residential (R -1)
Zone Site Development Standards establish new lot coverage
requirements that decrease the allowed lot coverage for two -story
structures and increase the allowed lot coverage for single -story and
predominantly single -story structures
K Amendments to the ESMC affecting Single - Family Residential and Two -
Family Residential parking standards do not reduce the minimum number
of required parking spaces
L Amendments to the ESMC affecting Single -Family Residential and Two -
Family Residential parking standards establish regulations allowing use of
vehicle lifts in the Single - Family Residential (R -1) and Two -Family
Residential Zones
M Amendments to the ESMC affecting Open Space and Encroachments add
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encroachments into setback for minor architectural features
N The proposed amendments to the ESMC relate only to new construction
in a residential zone, alterations and additions to existing residential
structures that involve negligible expansion of an existing use; repair and
maintenance of existing residential structures that involve no expansion of
an existing use, new construction of accessory structures including
garages, carports and patios, and minor alterations to land including new
gardening or landscaping
SECTION 3 General Plan Findings As required by Government Code § 65454,
the ESMC amendments proposed by the Ordinance are consistent with the City's
General Plan as follows-
A The amendment to the ESMC relating to the City's Single - Family
Residential Site Development Standards conforms with the Land Use
Element Goals, Objectives and Policies Specifically, the amendment is
consistent with Goal LU1, Objective LU1 -1, Goal LU3, in that the
amendment creates policies, design standards, and helps create a sense
of place for the entire City, preserves and maintains the City's low- medium
density residential nature, with low building height profile and character,
and minimum development standards, adopting the amendments ensures
the preservation, protection and extension of existing single -family
residential uses, and promotes public health, safety, and welfare by
adopting appropriate community standards for residential land uses
B The proposed text amendment to the Single -Family (R -1) Zone Site
Development Standards, Definitions, Open Space Encroachments, and
Off - Street Parking Requirements conforms with the General Plan The
proposed changes do not modify or increase the maximum density of
dwelling units per acre currently allowed in the Single - Family Residential
Land Use designation As a result, the proposed Zone Text Amendment
conforms to the Land Use Element of the General Plan
SECTION 4 Zone Text Amendment Findings Based on the findings set forth in
Section 2, the proposed Zone Text Amendment is consistent with the goals, policies,
and objectives of the General Plan Moreover, the proposed Amendment will not
adversely affect surrounding properties, to the contrary, these regulations are intended
to help preserve the integrity of R -1 neighborhoods while still allowing reasonably sized
single -family residences Finally, the proposed Amendment promotes the general
purpose of the zoning regulations set forth in Title 15 to the ESMC by carefully
balancing the needs of residential neighborhoods with individual owner's rights to
develop their private property
Page 5 of 25
SECTION 5 El Segundo Municipal Code ( "ESMC") § 15 -1 -6 is amended to read as
follows
"15 -2 -2 LIMITATION ON LAND USE, PROHIBITION
Except as provided in this Title, it is unlawful to construct, reconstruct, or
structurally alter any budding or use any real property_for any purpose
other than is specifically permitted in the zone in which the budding or land
is located Using any building or real property for a purpose prohibited by
federal law, state law, or this Code is a misdemeanor "
SECTION 6 ESMC § 15 -1 -6 is amended to add the following definitions-
"15 -1 -6: DEFINITIONS:
Arbor A shelter of shrubs and branches or of latticework intertwined with plant
material usually comprised of climbing vines and flowers
Courtyard A court that is open to the sky and is adjacent to or within a budding
mostly or entirely surrounded by walls and /or buildings on all four (4) sides
Deck An open, unroofed porch or platform extending from a house or other
budding
Lattice A structure of interwoven, crossed strips arranged to form a regular
pattern of open spaces that is usually made of wood or metal
Pergola A structure of parallel colonnades supporting an open roof of beams
and crossing rafters or trelliswork, over which climbing plants are trained to grow
Porch A covered platform that is an exterior appendage to a building, usually
having a separate roof from the budding, that may have railings and /or supporting
columns, which forms a covered entrance or vestibule to a doorway
Porte - cochere A porte - cochere is a porch roof projecting over a driveway at or
adjacent to the entrance to a building that shelters those getting in and out of
vehicles
Stoop A raised platform that is approached by steps at the entrance to a
budding. A stoop may have a roof projecting out from the budding wall over the
Page 6 of 25
budding entrance that does not have any columns supporting it
Tower A budding or structure, usually round or square in plan and
characteristically taller than its diameter, forming a part of a larger building and is
often located at a corner of the budding
Turret A small, slender ornamental tower that begins above ground level that
usually projects from a corner of the building to which it is attached
Trellis A system of horizontal latticework supported on posts, designed to
support growing vines and plants
Vehicle Lift A stationary mechanical device with four (4) permanently anchored
posts that vertically lifts a vehicle to allow the storage of a second vehicle below
and must be designed with an automatic locking mechanism for safety.
Veranda A large, open porch, usually roofed and partly enclosed, as by a
railing, often extending across the front and sides of a house "
SECTION 7: ESMC § 15 -2 -7 is amended to read as follows
"15 -2 -7: OPEN SPACE AREAS AND ENCROACHMENTS: A porte cochere
(open carport) may be placed over a driveway in the front twenty feet (20') of one
side yard setback, outside of the front yard setback, or attached to the front
twenty feet (20') of one dwelling unit closest to the front lot line, provided the
structure is not more than one story in height, is unenclosed on three (3) sides,
and is entirely open except for the necessary supporting columns and
architectural features
A Every required yard must be open and unobstructed from the ground up,
except the following intrusions may project two feet (2') into required yards,
provided the required yard cannot be reduced to less than three feet (3') in width
1 Cornices, belt courses, sills, eaves or similar architectural features. Eaves may
project six inches (6 ") into any nonconforming side yard which is three feet (3') in
width Shutters, corbels, and dentils may project six inches (6 ") Columns may
project one foot (1'),
2 Fireplace structures not wider than eight feet (8') measured in the general
direction of the wall of which it is a part,
3 Uncovered porches and platforms which do not extend above the floor level of
Page 7 of 25
the first floor,
4 Planting boxes or masonry planters not exceeding forty two inches (42 ") in
height,
5 Guard railing for safety protection around ramps,
6 Mechanical equipment, such as pool heaters, water heaters, and air
conditioners not wider than eight feet (8') measured in the general direction of the
wall of which it is a part, and adequately soundproofed, but not encroaching into
the front yard setback,
7 Bay windows, on the first floor in any setback and on the second floor only in
the front yard setback, not wider than eight feet (8') measured in the general
direction of the wall of which it is a part, and
8 Greenhouse windows "
SECTION 8 ESMC § 15 -4A -6 is amended to read as follows
"15 -4A -6: SITE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS:
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, must share a
common wall and be internally integrated and connected to the existing dwelling
unit
B Height The height of all dwelling units cannot exceed twenty six feet (26') and
two (2) stories, except as provided in subsection H of this Section The height of
all other one (1) story buildings and detached accessory structures, including
detached garages, cannot exceed fourteen feet (14')
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Structure
Average of
Highest Gable
The height of all other two (2) story buildings and detached accessory structures,
including detached garages, cannot exceed the height of the primary dwelling
Structure
Average o4
Highest Gable
u•M"
C Lot Area A minimum of five thousand (5,000) square feet
D Setbacks
1 Front And Rear Yard The combined total of setbacks for the front and rear
yard must be at least thirty feet (30'), with no front yard setback less than twenty
two feet (22') and no rear yard setback less than five feet (5') Front yard
setbacks for two -car and three -car garages located in the front half of a lot must
be as described in the Placement Of Buildings And Structures requirements in
subsection G of this Section
a) Permitted Front Yard Setback Encroachments
1 Porches or verandas in 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 (6') in depth,
2 The first floor front yard setback facing exterior wall of a dwelling may
encroach up to two feet (2') for a width not exceeding thirty feet (30')
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 (6') in depth combined for both the
dwelling structure and a porch or veranda, for a maximum 50% of the
Page 9 of 25
,5t1#
Structure
Average of
Highest Gable
The height of all other two (2) story buildings and detached accessory structures,
including detached garages, cannot exceed the height of the primary dwelling
Structure
Average o4
Highest Gable
u•M"
C Lot Area A minimum of five thousand (5,000) square feet
D Setbacks
1 Front And Rear Yard The combined total of setbacks for the front and rear
yard must be at least thirty feet (30'), with no front yard setback less than twenty
two feet (22') and no rear yard setback less than five feet (5') Front yard
setbacks for two -car and three -car garages located in the front half of a lot must
be as described in the Placement Of Buildings And Structures requirements in
subsection G of this Section
a) Permitted Front Yard Setback Encroachments
1 Porches or verandas in 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 (6') in depth,
2 The first floor front yard setback facing exterior wall of a dwelling may
encroach up to two feet (2') for a width not exceeding thirty feet (30')
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 (6') in depth combined for both the
dwelling structure and a porch or veranda, for a maximum 50% of the
Page 9 of 25
building width not to exceed thirty feet (30'),
3 Courtyards (with walls not exceeding forty two (42 ") inches in height) may
encroach into the front yard setback a maximum of six feet (6') and 50%
of the building width not to exceed twenty feet (20'),
4 Raised decks not greater than twenty four (24 ") inches above grade
constructed in conjunction with a lattice deck cover not greater than ten
feet (10') above grade may encroach into the front yard setback a
maximum of six feet (6') in depth and fifty percent (50 %) of the building
width not to exceed twenty feet (20'),
5 Lattice patio covers not greater than ten feet (10') above grade may
encroach into the front yard setback a maximum of six feet (6') in depth
and fifty percent (50 %) of the building width not to exceed twenty feet
(20'),
6 Architectural elements such as towers or turrets not greater than eight
feet (8') in diameter may encroach into the front setback a maximum of
four feet (4'),
7 Pergolas not greater than ten feet (10') in height that are attached to the
dwelling may encroach into the front setback a maximum of six feet (6') in
depth and 50% of the width not to exceed twenty (20') in width,
8 An arbor or trellis, not exceeding eight feet (8') in height and eight feet (8')
in width may encroach into the front yard setback
2 Side Yard Structures must maintain a minimum setback on each side of the
lot of ten percent (10 %) of the width of the lot, but can never be less than three
feet (3') and need not be more than six feet (6') Side yard setbacks need not be
more than five (5) feet for any single -story additions, or for a second story
addition that does not add more than 500 square feet to the existing structure
Side yard setbacks for new dwellings, second floor additions to dwellings, or
additions to dwellings that add more than 500 square feet in area to the existing
structure must comply with the following additional requirements if located on a
lot greater than forty (40) feet wide
a) Modulation of the second floor exterior perimeter walls must occur on the
second floor of the dwelling that is equal to a minimum of fifteen percent
(15 %) of the building area (including garages and carports) on the ground
floor, but not less than 200 square feet of area
Page 10 of 25
b) Modulation of the second floor exterior perimeter walls must occur on the side
of the structure that faces the side yards
c) The total area required to be modulated must be divided equally between
both sides of the budding facing the side yards
d) Modulation must be a minimum of four feet (4') in depth and must be a
maximum of six feet (6') in depth
e) No additional modulation is required if the exterior walls of the second floor
facing each side yard is set back an amount that is equal to the 10% of the lot
width and an additional four feet (4') in depth
f) If a portion of the second floor facing a side yard is set back an amount that is
equal to 10% of the lot width plus an additional four feet (4') to six feet (6') in
depth, that portion may count towards the total required area of modulation as
required in Subsection D(2)(a) above
3 Detached accessory structures, including garages, must maintain a
minimum setback on each side of the lot of ten percent (10 %) of the width of the
lot, but cannot be less than three feet (3') and need not be more than six feet (6')
on the first floor and a minimum setback on each side of the lot of ten percent
(10 %) of the width of the lot plus an additional setback of two feet (2'), but cannot
be less than five feet (5') and need not be more than eight feet (8') on the second
floor Detached accessory structures, including garages, that are only one story
in height and are located in the rear one -third (1/3) of the lot, must maintain a
minimum side setback of two feet (2') Detached accessory structures two
stories high, located in the rear one -third (1/3) of the lot, must maintain a
minimum side setback of two feet (2') on the first floor and a minimum five feet
(5') on the second floor Attached garages on twenty five foot (25') wide lots
only, located on the rear one -third (1/3) of the lot, are allowed zero setback on
one interior side lot line Rooftop decks with required guard railings are permitted
on either single -story accessory structures and on top of the single -story portions
of two (2) story accessory structures Rooftop decks are not permitted on top of
two (2) story accessory structures Rooftop decks must maintain a minimum
setback on each side of the lot of ten percent (10 %) of the width of the lot, plus
an additional setback of two feet (2') but can never be less than five feet (5')
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
fifteen feet (15') 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 (2) other
Page 11 of 25
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
5 Rear Yard Structures must maintain a minimum setback of five feet (5') on the
first and second floor Detached accessory structures must maintain a minimum
setback of three feet (3') from the rear property line on the first floor and must
maintain a minimum setback of five feet (5') from the rear property line on the
second floor.
Corrwined SeWck Example.
Front + Hear o Combined
22' + V m 30'
5,000 at Min.
i.ol Size C a
---T— -
50' Mm
at Hear or
Front Yard
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 (3 ") in width so long as that certain structure
located along that thirty foot (30') 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 (3') in
width so long as that certain structure located along that twenty foot (20')
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 Every lot created after the effective date hereof must maintain a
width of not less than fifty feet (50') at the rear line of the required front yard
However, any lot or parcel of land of record on May 14, 1954, having a street
Page 12 of 25
frontage not exceeding two hundred feet (200'), may be subdivided into two (2) or
more parcels having a width of not less than the average width of the narrowest
twenty percent (20 %) of the lots fronting on its block The block is defined as the
area on both sides of the street between the nearest intersecting streets Each
parcel must have an area of not less than five thousand (5,000) square feet
F Budding Area No minimum requirement The total gross floor area of all
buildings, as defined in Section 15 -1 -6 of this Title, on any parcel or lot 40 feet or
wider in width cannot exceed the total square footage of the parcel or lot area
multiplied by 0 53, thereby giving a floor area ratio of 0 53 1 The floor area ratio
requirement would exclude square footage of second dwelling units and
basements where at least eighty percent (80 %) of the exterior perimeter walls of
the second dwelling unit or basements are fully below natural grade
G Placement Of Buildings And Structures
1 The distance between buildings is regulated by the California Budding Code,
2 - A detached single -story accessory structure in the rear one -third (1/3) 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 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 single -story detached accessory
structure may be built to the interior lot side line, but no building must be erected
closer than five feet (5') 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 located in the front half of the lot
facing the front property line must be setback a minimum of twenty four feet (24')
from the front property line unless the budding has a porch, veranda, courtyard or
deck at least eight feet (8') in width by four feet (4') in depth, then a minimum
front setback of twenty two feet (22') is permitted
Page 13 of 25
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 parking 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 budding wall are permitted, but
cannot encroach in a required setback and cannot be roofed They may be
enclosed with walls on three (3) sides and a shower door on one (1) side
H Lot Coverage All buildings greater than eighteen feet (18') in height,
including detached accessory buildings, cannot cover more than thirty five
percent (35 %) of the lot area This coverage may be increased to sixty percent
(60 %) if all buildings on the lot are single story and do not exceed eighteen feet
(18') in height If the buildings located on the lot are a combination of one and
two stories, where 60 percent of the total building area does not exceed eighteen
(18') in height, the lot coverage must not be more than forty three percent (43 %)
Properties that are permitted to have a second dwelling unit cannot cover more
than forty percent (40 %) of the lot area if there are buildings over eighteen feet
(18') in height on the lot Properties that are permitted to have a second dwelling
unit cannot cover more than forty seven percent (47 %) of the lot area if all
buildings on the lot do not exceed eighteen feet (18') in height Covered porches
and eaves do not count toward lot coverage
Page 14 of 25
i i i i i i
7A FA I
A +B 535% if A +B 560% if A +B 543% if no
bldg height is bldg height is more than 40% of
over 18' single -story bldg B is over 18'
in height
I Building Wall Modulation Architectural building features, in conformance with
the definition of "architectural building feature" in Section 15 -1 -6 of this Title,
must be included to modulate the one -story exterior building walls subject to the
approval of the Director of Planning and Budding Safety and for two -story
structures as specified in subsection D ( "Setbacks ") of this Section
J Detached Accessory Buildings
1 Any detached accessory budding or combination of accessory buildings,
except the garage, cannot be larger in gross floor area than six hundred (600)
square feet,
2 Detached accessory buildings are limited to two stories, and 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 Budding Code (CBC) and National Electrical Code (NEC),
3 Detached accessory buildings cannot contain a kitchen or kitchen facilities, a
bathtub or shower and cannot be used for sleeping purposes or as an "R"
occupancy, as defined by the California Budding Code (CBC), except that they
may contain a sink and a toilet,
4 Detached accessory buildings cannot be rented or used as a separate
Page 15 of 25
dwelling unit; and
5 Before the City issues a building permit for a detached accessory structure,
except a garage, the Director of Planning and Building Safety must require that a
covenant running with the land be recorded stating that the accessory structure
cannot be used as a dwelling unit or used in violation of this Section "
SECTION 9 A new § 15 -4A -6A is added to the ESMC to read as follows
"15 -4A-6: SITE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS:
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, must share a
common wall and be internally integrated and connected to the existing dwelling
unit
B Height The height of all dwelling units cannot exceed twenty six feet (26') and
two (2) stories, except as provided in subsection H of this Section The height of
all other buildings and detached accessory structures, including detached
garages, cannot exceed fourteen feet (14')
Average of
Highest Gable
mom
u g
� p N
Structure
C Lot Area A minimum of five thousand (5,000) square feet
D Setbacks
Page 16 of 25
1 Front And Rear Yard The combined total of setbacks for the front and rear
yard must be at least thirty feet (30'), with no front yard setback less than twenty
two feet (22') and no rear yard setback less than five feet (5')
2 Side Yard Structures must maintain a minimum setback on each side of the
lot of ten percent (10 %) of the width of the lot, but can never be less than
three feet (3') and need not be more than five feet (5)
Detached accessory structures located in the rear one -third (1/3) of the lot, are
allowed zero setback on one interior side lot line Attached garages on twenty
five foot (25') wide lots only, located on the rear one -third (1/3) of the lot, are also
allowed zero setback on one interior side lot line
3 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
fifteen feet (15') 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 (2) 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
4 Rear Yard Structures must maintain a minimum setback of five feet (5')
Detached accessory structures are allowed zero setback on the rear property
line
5,000 st Min.
Lot Sme
at Hear of
Front Yard
Combined Setback Example.
Front + near a Combined
22' + 8' • 30'
25' + 6 a 30'
5 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
Page 17 of 25
30 feet, must be three inches (3") in width so long as that certain structure
located along that thirty foot (30') distance which existed on January 11, 1973,
remains in existence Upon the removal or destruction of said budding, this
property shall no longer be 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 (3') in
width so long as that certain structure located along that twenty foot (20')
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 Every lot created after the effective date hereof must maintain a
width of not less than fifty feet (50') at the rear line of the required front yard
However, any lot or parcel of land of record on May 14, 1954, having a street
frontage not exceeding two hundred feet (200'), may be subdivided into two (2) or
more parcels having a width of not less than the average width of the narrowest
twenty percent (20 %) of the lots fronting on its block The block is defined as the
area on both sides of the street between the nearest intersecting streets Each
parcel must have an area of not less than five thousand (5,000) square feet
F Budding Area No minimum requirement
G Placement Of Buildings And Structures
1 The distance between buildings is regulated by the California Building Code,
2 - A detached accessory structure in the rear one -third (1/3) 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
Page 18 of 25
be built to the interior lot side line, but no building must be erected closer than
five feet (5') 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 budding may be built to the
rear lot line
H Lot Coverage All buildings, including detached accessory buildings, shall not
cover more than forty percent (40 %) of the lot area This coverage may be
increased to forty seven percent (47 %) if the height of the structure is limited to
eighteen feet (18') If a budding exceeds eighteen feet (18') in height, the lot
coverage shall not exceed forty percent (40 %) under any circumstances
I Building Wall Modulation Architectural budding features, in conformance with
the definition of "architectural budding feature" in Section 15 -1 -6 of this Title,
must be included to modulate the budding walls subject to the approval of the
Director of Planning and Budding Safety
J Detached Accessory Buildings
1 Any detached accessory budding or combination of accessory buildings,
except the garage, cannot be larger in gross floor area than six hundred (600)
square feet,
Page 19 of 25
FA
I I
I I
B
I g I
I I
A +B —<40% if
A +B u47% if
bldg height is
bldg height is
over 18'
18'orunder
I Building Wall Modulation Architectural budding features, in conformance with
the definition of "architectural budding feature" in Section 15 -1 -6 of this Title,
must be included to modulate the budding walls subject to the approval of the
Director of Planning and Budding Safety
J Detached Accessory Buildings
1 Any detached accessory budding or combination of accessory buildings,
except the garage, cannot be larger in gross floor area than six hundred (600)
square feet,
Page 19 of 25
2. 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 Budding Code (CBC) and National Electrical Code (NEC),
3 Detached accessory buildings cannot contain a kitchen or kitchen facilities, a
bathtub or shower and cannot be used for sleeping purposes or as an "R"
occupancy, as defined by the California Budding Code (CBC), except that they
may contain a sink and a toilet,
4 Detached accessory buildings cannot be rented or used as a separate
dwelling unit, and
5 Before the City issues a budding permit for a detached accessory structure,
except a garage, the Director of Planning and Budding Safety must require that a
covenant running with the land be recorded stating that the accessory structure
cannot be used as a dwelling unit or used in violation of this Section "
SECTION 10 ESMC § 15 -4A -7 is amended to read as follows
"15 -4A -7: LANDSCAPING:
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 soft (plantings) and hard (rock, brick, concrete)
landscape materials, except for those portions devoted to vehicular parking
A A minimum of 25% of the front yard setback area must be maintained with
permanent landscaping that contains a combination of lawn, trees, vines,
bushes and groundcovers, and does not include hard landscape materials
for lots less than 50 feet in width
B A minimum of 35% of the front yard setback area must be maintained with
permanent landscaping that contains a combination of lawn, trees, vines,
bushes and groundcovers, and does not include hard landscape materials
for lots that are 50 feet or greater in width "
SECTION 11 ESMC § 15 -4A -8 is amended to read as follows
"15 -4A-8: OFF - STREET PARKING AND LOADING SPACES:
Off - street parking must be provided as required by Chapter 15 of this Title, but in
Page 20 of 25
no case can a driveway or curb cut be less than ten feet (10') in width Where
the driveway access and curb cut is to a two (2) car or larger garage which exits
directly onto the front street, the driveway and curb cut cannot be less than
sixteen feet (16') in width Driveway entrances and exit locations must be
provided in conformance with subsection 15 -15 -5F of this Title "
SECTION 12 A new § 15- 15- 5(A)(3) is added to the ESMC to read as follows
"15 -15 -5: PARKING AREA DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS:
A Stall Sizes And Aisle Widths
3 Parking Stall Sizes For Vehicle Lifts is as follows
Single -Family Residential and Two- Width Depth
Family Residential Zones (Outside
Dimensions)
One Vehicle Lift Space 12 feet 22 feet "
SECTION 13 ESMC § 15- 15 -5(F) is amended to read as follows
"15 -15 -5: PARKING AREA DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS:
F Entrances And Exits The location and design of all driveway entrances and exits is
subject to the approval of the Director of Planning and Budding Safety and must
comply with the criteria listed below
Distance From
Zone Side Property Line
All n/a
zones,
Curb Cut And
Driveway Width
Minimum 10 feet
Maximum 30 feet
Page 21 of 25
except
R -1
and R-
3
R -1
n/a
Minimum 10 feet
Maximum 20 feet for lots less than 50 feet in
width and a maximum of 50% of the lot width
for lots 50 feet or greater in width
R -3
5 feet minimum in front
Minimum 12 feet
2/3 of lot Entrance or
No more than 20 percent of lot
exit on or from an alley
width or maximum 30 feet "
may be less
SECTION 14 A new § 15- 15 -5(H) is added to the ESMC to read as follows
"15 -15 -5: PARKING AREA DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS:
H Vehicle Lifts Vehicle lifts may be used by right to provide off - street parking
spaces on lots in the Single - Family Residential (R -1) Zone and the Two -
Family Residential (R -2) Zone where the vehicle lifts provide parking in
excess of the minimum number of required parking spaces subject to the
standards in this Section and in this Chapter Vehicle lifts may be
conditionally permitted for required off - street parking spaces on lots in the
Two - Family Residential (R -2) Zone subject to the following
1 The vehicle lift must be located only within a fully enclosed garage
2 A vehicle lift may only be used to store two vehicles vertically where a
minimum vertical height clearance from the floor to the ceding plate of the
garage is a minimum of fourteen feet (14') clear of obstructions.
3 A vehicle lift must be designed and used as a designated parking space
for use only by occupants in the same dwelling unit as the parking space
located directly below the vehicle lift
4 A vehicle lift must be permitted only with a key locking mechanism
5 A vehicle lift must be permitted only if it is operated with an automatic shut-
off safety device and is installed in accordance to manufacturer specifications
Vehicle lifts may be conditionally permitted for required off - street parking
spaces on lots in the Two - Family Residential (R -2) Zone subject to the
following
1 The vehicle lift must be used only on a lot less than forty five feet (45') in
width
Page 22 of 25
2 The vehicle lift must be located only within a fully enclosed garage
3 A vehicle lift must only be used to meet the minimum number of required
off - street parking spaces in addition to a minimum of two (2) fully accessible
parking stalls located on the floor surface within a garage or garages
4 A Conditional Use Permit subject to ESMC Chapter 15 -23 must be
obtained for use of a vehicle lift that is provided to meet the minimum number
of off - street parking spaces in the R -2 Zone
5 A vehicle lift may only be used to store two vehicles vertically where a
minimum vertical height clearance from the floor to the ceiling plate of the
garage is a minimum of fourteen feet (14') clear of obstructions
6 A vehicle lift must be designed and used as a designated parking space
for use only by occupants in the same dwelling unit as the parking space
located directly below the vehicle lift
7 A vehicle lift must be permitted only with a key locking mechanism
8 A vehicle lift must be permitted only if it is operated with an automatic shut-
off safety device and is installed in accordance to manufacturer
specifications "
SECTION 15 Environmental Assessment The City Council determines that the
proposed ordinance is exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality
Act (California Public Resources Code §§ 21000, et seq , "CEQK) and the regulations
promulgated thereunder (14 California Code of Regulations §§ 15000, et seq , the
"State CEQA Guidelines ") because it consists only of minor revisions and clarifications
to an existing zoning code and specification of procedures related thereto and will not
have the effect of deleting or substantially changing any regulatory standards or findings
required therefor The proposed Ordinance is an action that does not have the potential
to cause significant effects on the environment, but rather will help reduce the impact of
new construction in residential zone property on the environment Accordingly, the
proposed Ordinance constitutes a Class 1 (existing facilities), Class 3 (new construction
or conversion of small structures), and Class 4 (minor alteration to land use) categorical
exemptions in accordance with CEQA Guidelines §§ 15301, 15303, and 15304,
respectively
SECTION 16 Repeal of any provision of the ESMC herein will 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 17 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
Page 23 of 25
SECTION 18 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 19 Budding plans that are submitted to the City of El Segundo for plan
check and that are determined to be substantially complete by the City of El Segundo
Planning and Budding Safety Department (that is, detailed architectural plans have been
submitted and plan check fees have been paid to the City) prior to the expiration of 60
days following the Council's adoption of this Ordinance are exempt from the regulations
contained within this Ordinance Persons may appeal the Director's decision in
accordance with ESMC § 15 -25 -2
SECTION 20 This Ordinance will become effective on the thirty -first (31st) day
following its passage and adoption
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 3rd day o'
Page 24 of 25
ATTEST
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) SS
CITY OF EL SEGUNDO )
I, Cindy Mortesen, 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 1401 was duly introduced by said City Council at a regular meeting
held on the 19th day of September , 2006, and was duly passed and
adopted by said City Council, approved and signed by the Mayor, and attesteg tg by the
City Clerk, all at a regular meeting of said Council held on the r day
of October 2006, and the same was so passed and adopted by the
following vote
AYES McDowell, Boulgarides, Fisher, Jacobson
NOES Busch
ABSENT None
ABSTAIN None
4q�arnv�
Cindy Mort sen, City Clerk
APPROVED
Mark D Hen
M
P \Planning and Building Safety \PROJECTS \676 - 700 \EA - 685\2006
Page 25 of 25
City Attorney
EA -685 R -1 CC Ordinance doc