338 ORDINANCE NO. 338
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GRAND
TERRACE ESTABLISHING REGULATIONS FOR URBAN LOT SPLITS
AND TWO-UNIT DEVELOPMENTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH SENATE
BILL 9
WHEREAS, the City Council adopted Urgency Ordinance 336-U on January 25,
2022, establishing objective standards and regulations regarding second units, two-unit
developments, and urban lot splits authorized by SB 9; and
WHEREAS, out of an abundance of caution, the City Council now wishes to adopt
the same regulations through the regular ordinance process, and also wishes to make
certain revisions to the previously adopted SB 9 regulations; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission considered this ordinance at the Planning
Commission Noticed Public Hearing meeting held on March 3, 2022, and voted
unanimously 4-0 adopting a resolution recommending City Council approval; and
WHEREAS, on April 21, 2022, the City Council and Planning Commission held a
joint session to further discuss proposed SB 9 and accessory dwelling unit regulations;
and
WHEREAS, on May 10, 2022, the City Council of the City of Grand Terrace
conducted a duly noticed public hearing at the Grand Terrace City Hall Council Chambers
located 22795 Barton Road and conclude the hearing on said date; and
WHEREAS, on May 24, 2022, the City Council of the City of Grand Terrace
adopted the proposed Ordinance; and
WHEREAS, all legal prerequisites to the adoption of this Ordinance have occurred.
NOW THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GRAND TERRACE
DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. Recitals. The above recitals are incorporated by reference.
SECTION 2. CEQA. The City Council finds and determines that these ordinance
amendments are not a "project" for purposes of California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) pursuant to Government Code Sections 65852.210) and 66411.7(n), and
therefore do not require any environmental review under CEQA.
SECTION 3. Urgency Ordinance 336-U is hereby repealed in its entirety and all
changes to the Grand Terrace Municipal Code made therein are hereby repealed.
SECTION 4. Section 17.04.040, subjection H, of the Grand Terrace Municipal
Code is hereby amended as follows with the remainder of Section 17.04.040 remaining
unchanged (deletions in bG11d strikethrough; additions in bold italics):
Ord No. 338 Page 1 of 24 May 24,2022
H. The construction, financing or leasing of dwelling units pursuant to
California Government Code Section 65852.1 or seeend accessory
dwelling units pursuant to California Government Code Section
65852.2; but this Title shall apply to the sale or transfer, but not the
leasing of those units;
SECTION 5. Table 17.04.050 (Review, approval and appeal body) is hereby
amended as follows (additions in bold italics):
Table 17.04.050 Review, approval and appeal body
TYPE OF REVIEW APPROVAL APPEAL
ACTION BODY BODY BODY
Tentative maps Planning City Council N/A
Commission
Vesting tentative Planning City Council N/A
maps Commission
Tentative parcel maps Planning City Council N/A
Commission
Tentative map City staff and other Director Planning
extensions responsible agencies Commission
Parcel maps (4 or less City staff and other City Council N/A
lots) res onsible agencies
Final maps (5 or City staff and other City Council N/A
more lots) responsible agencies
Waivers of parcel City staff and other City Engineer Planning
maps res onsible agencies Commission
Urban Lot Splits City staff and other City Engineer Planning
responsible agencies Commission
Reversion to Planning City Council N/A
acreage Commission
Lot and parcel City staff and other Director Planning
mergers responsible agencies Commission
Lot line adjustments City staff and other Director Planning
responsible agencies Commission
Certificate of City staff and other City Engineer Planning
Compliance I responsible agencies I I Commission
Ord No. 338 Page 2 of 24 May 24, 2022
SECTION 6. Section 17.08.020 of the Grand Terrace Municipal Code is hereby
amended to add a definition of "Urban lot split" as follows, with all other definitions in
Section 17.08.020, except those shown below, remaining unchanged (deletions in bell
stFiikethrGugh; additions in bold italics):
GG. "Urban lot split"shall mean the division of a single parcel into
two separate parcels in compliance with the provisions of
Chapter 17.30 (Urban Lot Splits).
6G-. HH. "Vesting tentative map" shall mean a tentative map prepared
in accordance with the provisions of this Title that shall have printed
conspicuously on its face the words "Vesting Tentative Map" at the
time it is filed.
HH-. ll."Zoning code" shall mean Title 18 of the Grand Terrace Municipal
Code, including all text and maps, as it may be amended from time
to time.
SECTION 7. Chapter 17.30 (Urban Lot Splits) is hereby added to the Grand
Terrace Municipal Code and shall read as follows (additions in bold italics):
Chapter 17.30 - URBAN LOT SPLITS
17.30.010 - Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to establish procedures and standards
for urban lot splits in accordance with the requirements of
Government Code Section 66411.7.
17.30.020 - Permitted applicants; ministerial review; standard for
denial; courtesy notice.
A. Only individual property owners may apply for an urban lot split.
"Individual property owner"means a natural person holding fee
title individually or jointly in the person's own name or as a
beneficiary of a trust that holds fee title. "Individual property
owner" does not include any corporation or corporate person
of any kind (partnership, LP, LLC, C corp, S corp, etc.) except
for a "community land trust," as defined in Revenue and
Taxation Code Section 402.1(a)(11)(C)(ii), or a "qualified
nonprofit corporation" as described in Revenue and Taxation
Code Section 214.15.
B. Notwithstanding any other provision of this code, an
application for an urban lot split shall be considered
ministerially, without discretionary review or a hearing, and
shall be approved if it meets all of the requirements of this
chapter.
Ord No. 338 Page 3 of 24 May 24, 2022
C. An application for an urban lot split shall be approved or denied
by the City Engineer, and the decision may be appealed in
accordance with Section 17.16.150.
D. Notwithstanding subsection B, the City may deny an
application for an urban lot split if the building official, or
designee, makes a written finding, based upon a preponderance
of the evidence, that the proposed urban lot split would have a
specific, adverse impact, as defined in subsection (d)(2) of
Government Code Section 65589.5, upon public health and
safety or the physical environment and for which there is no
feasible method-to satisfactorily mitigate or avoid the specific,
adverse impact.
E. At least seven (7) days prior to making a determination on an
application for an urban lot split, the City Engineer shall mail a
courtesy notice to the owner(s) of each property immediately
adjacent to the property where the proposed lot split will be
located informing the owner(s) of the submitted application.
17.30.030 - Parcel requirements.
The parcel that is proposed for subdivision through an urban lot split:
A. Shall be located in an RH, R1-20, R1-10, or R1-7.2 zoning
district;
B. Shall have at least one residential dwelling unit located on it on
the date that the urban lot split is approved, unless the parcel is
owned by a "community land trust,"as defined in Revenue and
Taxation Code Section 402.1(a)(11)(C)(ii), or a "qualified
nonprofit corporation" as described in Revenue and Taxation
Code Section 214.15;
C. Shall only have residential uses located on it on the date the
urban lot split is approved;
D. Shall not be located on a parcel that is any of the following, as
more particularly described and defined in Government Code
Section 65913.4(a)(6)(B) through (a)(6)(K):
1. Prime farmland, farmland of statewide importance, or
land zoned or designated for agricultural protection by an
approved local ballot measure;
Ord No. 338 Page 4 of 24 May 24, 2022
2. Wetlands;
3. Within a very high fire hazard severity zone as determined
by the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, unless
the site has adopted fire hazard mitigation measures
pursuant to existing building standards or state fire
mitigation measures;
4. A hazardous waste site that has not been cleared for
residential use;
5. Within a delineated earthquake fault zone unless the
development complies with all applicable state and local
seismic protection building code standards;
6. Within a special flood hazard area subject to inundation
by a 100-year flood, unless:
a. The site has been subject to a Letter of Map
Revision prepared by the Federal Emergency
Management Agency and issued to the city; or
b. The site meets Federal Emergency Management
Agency requirements necessary to meet minimum
flood plain management criteria of the National
Flood Insurance Program;
7. Within a regulatory floodway, unless the development
has received a no-rise certification;
8. Lands identified for conservation in an adopted natural
community conservation plan, habitat conservation plan,
or other adopted natural resource protection plan;
9. Habitat for protected species; or
10. Land under a conservation easement;
E. Shall not be located within a historic district or on property
included on the State Historic Resources Inventory, as defined
in Public Resources Code Section 5020.1, or within a site that is
designated or listed as a City or county landmark or historic
property or district pursuant to a City or county ordinance;
F. Shall not have been created through a previous urban lot split;
and
Ord No. 338 Page 5 of 24 May 24, 2022
G. Shall not be adjacent to a parcel that was previously subdivided
through an urban lot split by the owner of the parcel on which
the urban lot split is proposed or any person acting in concert
with the owner.
17.30.040 -Additional requirements.
A. An urban lot split shall subdivide an existing parcel to create no
more than two new parcels of approximately equal lot area,
provided that.
1. Neither resulting parcel shall be smaller than 40 percent
of the lot area of the original parcel proposed for
subdivision;
2. Neither resulting parcel shall be smaller than 1,200
square feet; and
3. The dividing line between the two resulting parcels shall
be a single straight line extending from the right-of-way
to the rear lot line.
B. An urban lot split shall not result in the creation of a parcel with
more than two existing units, as defined in Section 17.30.060.
C. An urban lot split shall not require or allow the demolition or
alteration of any of the following types of housing:
1. Housing that is subject to a recorded covenant,
ordinance, or law that restricts rents to levels affordable
to persons and families of moderate, low, or very low
income.
2. Housing that is subject to any form of rent or price control
through a public entity's valid exercise of its police
power.
3. A parcel on which an owner of residential real property
has exercised the owner's rights under Chapter 12.75
(commencing with Section 7060) of Division 7 of Title 1 of
the Government Code to withdraw accommodations from
rent or lease within 15 years before the date that the
development proponent submits an application.
Ord No. 338 Page 6 of 24 May 24, 2022
4. Housing that has been occupied by a tenant in the last
three years.
D. As a condition of approval for an urban lot split, the owner of
the parcel being split shall sign an affidavit, in a form approved
by the City Attorney, stating that:
1. The proposed urban lot split will not violate the
requirements of subsection C of this section;
2. Neither the owner, nor any person acting in concert with
the owner, has previously subdivided an adjacent parcel
using an urban lot split, and
3. The owner intends to occupy a residential dwelling unit
on one of the parcels created by the urban lot split as
their primary residence fora minimum of three years from
the date of the approval of the urban lot split. This
subsection D.3 shall not apply if the owner of the parcel
is a "community land trust," as defined in Revenue and
Taxation Code Section 402.1(a)(11)(C)(ii), or a "qualified
nonprofit corporation" as described in Revenue and
Taxation Code Section 214.15.
E. As a condition of approval of an urban lot split, the owner shall
dedicate all easements over the resulting parcels required for
the provision of public services and facilities, as determined by
the City Engineer.
F. Each parcel resulting from an urban lot split shall have access
to or adjoin the public right-of-way, and, if necessary, provide
the other parcel with access to the right-of-way through an
easement.
G. The City shall not require as a condition of approval of an urban
lot split.
1. Dedications of rights-of-way or the construction of offsite
improvements; or
2. The correction of non-conforming zoning conditions
existing on the parcel that will be divided.
Ord No. 338 Page 7 of 24 May 24, 2022
H. An urban lot split:
1. Shall conform with all the requirements of the
Subdivision Map Act; and
2. Shall conform with all the requirements applicable to lot
splits under this code, except for those requirements that
conflict with the requirements of this chapter, in which
case the provisions of this chapter shall control.
17.30.050 - Limitations applicable to new parcels.
A. Parcels created by an urban lot split shall only be used for
residential uses, notwithstanding the fact that other uses may
be permitted in the zoning district in which the parcels are
located.
B. Residential units constructed on parcels created by an urban
lot split shall not be rented for a term of less than thirty-one (31)
consecutive days.
C. A parcel created through an urban lot split may not be further
subdivided by a subsequent urban lot split.
D. Separate conveyance of the lots resulting from an urban lot split
is permitted. If dwellings or other structures (such as garages)
on different lots are adjacent or attached to each other, the
urban lot split boundary may separate them for conveyance
purposes if the structures meet building code safety standards
and are sufficient to allow separate conveyance. If any attached
structures span or will span the new lot line, the owner must
record appropriate CC&Rs, easements, or other documentation
that is necessary to allocate rights and responsibilities between
the owners of the two lots.
17.30.060 - Limitation on number of units.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this code, no more than two
units are permitted on any parcel created by an urban lot split. For the
purposes of this section, "unit" means any dwelling unit, including,
but not limited to, a primary dwelling unit, a unit or units created
pursuant to Chapter 18.65 (Second Units and Two-Unit
Developments), an accessory dwelling unit, or a junior accessory
dwelling unit.
Ord No. 338 Page 8 of 24 May 24, 2022
17.30.070 - Deed restriction.
As a condition of approval of an urban lot split, the owner of the parcel
to be divided shall execute a deed restriction, in a form approved by
the city attorney, which shall be recorded on each of the resulting
parcels, at the property owner's cost, and shall limit the use of each
parcel in accordance with the standards of this chapter. Violation of
the deed restriction shall be considered a violation of this code and
may be enforced in a manner that this code may be enforced.
SECTION B. Section 18.06.020 (Accessory structure) is hereby renumbered to
Section 18.06.025, and Section 18.06.025 (Accessory living quarters) is hereby
renumbered to Section 18.06.020, so as to put these two definitions in alphabetical order.
SECTION 9. Section 18.06.083 (Single-family detached) is hereby deleted in its
entirety.
SECTION 10. Section 18.06.246 (Dwelling, single-family detached) is hereby
added to the Grand Terrace Municipal Code and shall read as follows (additions in bold
italics):
18.06.246- Dwelling, single-family detached.
"Single-family detached dwelling" means one residential structure
containing no more than one dwelling and complying with a minimum
living area requirement of one thousand three hundred fifty square
feet. It shall also be known as a full sized single-family unit or single-
family dwelling.
SECTION 11. Section 18.06.683 (Second unit) is hereby added to the Grand
Terrace Municipal Code and shall read as follows (additions in bold italics):
18.06.683 - Second unit.
"Second unit"means a second residential dwelling unit, other than an
accessory dwelling unit or junior accessory dwelling unit, on a parcel
with one and only one existing primary dwelling unit.
SECTION 12. Section 18.06.929 (Two-unit development) is hereby added to the
Grand Terrace Municipal Code and shall read as follows (additions in bold italics):
18.06.929 - Two-unit development.
"Two-unit development"means the simultaneous development of two
new residential dwelling units on a parcel with no existing primary
dwelling units.
SECTION 13. Table 18.10.030 of the Grand Terrace Municipal Code shall be
amended, a new footnote(e) shall be added to multiple uses under"Other Uses,"footnote
Ord No. 338 Page 9 of 24 May 24, 2022
(e)shall be amended, and a new footnote (g)shall be added, as follows(deletions in bold
StFlkethr-Gugh; additions in bold italic):
TABLE 18.10.030
LAND USE REGULATIONS
Permitted Uses 1- 1- 1- 3 3- 3-
0 10 .2 S 4
A.Residential Uses
Single-Family(Detached),Full Sized a pb
Second Units (Subject to Chapter 17.30 and 18.65)
Two-Unit Developments (Subject to Chapter 17.30 and 18.65)
Single-Family Attached (Duplexes,Triplexes, and Fo lexes - - - - P P -
Multi le Family Units - - - - p P -
Manufactured Housing As Permitted Per Chapter 18.66 - -
Mobile Home Park - - - - C C - -
Senior Citizen Housing pd
B.Residential Accessory Structures
Accessory Structure p p p p p p pd
Accessory Dwelling Unit(Subject to Chapter 17.30 and 18.69)
Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit(Subject to Chapter 17.30 and 18.69)
Guest House C IC C IC IC C
- -
Private Garage P P P P P P -
Private Swimming Pool p p p p p p pd
Home occupation As Permitted Per Chapter 5.06 a
Keeping of Cats and Dogs aximum of Two Each a Ip
Other Accessory Uses As Approved by the Planning Director a
C. Other Uses
Churches Minimum Three-Acre Parcel e C C C C C C - -
Schools Private and Parochial e C C C C C C - -
Public Park and Playgrounde p p p p p P - -
Public Facilities AndQuasi- Public)' C C C C C C - -
Famil Day Care (Eight or Less Children)' - -
Family Day Care Center(Nine or More Children e C C C C C IC - -
Residential Care Facility Six or Less Persons
Residential Care Facility Seven or More Persons f C C - -
Sin le Room Occupancy C C - -
Utility or Service Facilitye C C C C C C - -
Outdoor Recreation Facility' C C C C C C - -
. Temporary uses
Temporary Uses As approved by Planning Director a
Temporary Trailers As Approved by Planning Director a
Ord No. 338 Page 10 of 24 May 24, 2022
Footnotes:
a. A second single-family detached unit (full-sized single-family detached dwelling)
shall be permitted in the R2 zone provided that the lot or parcel in question meets
the minimum area requirement for the R2 zone and that said lot or parcel is
developed with no more than one single-family detached dwelling. A site and
architectural review application for the second-family detached unit in accordance
with Chapter 18.63 of the Zoning Code shall be required to be approved prior to
the issuance of building permits. In addition, all development standards of the
underlying zone must be adhered to; and any division in ownership among the
structures on the lot or parcel in question shall conform to the subdivision laws of
the state and city.
b. A second-family detached unit (full sized single-family detached dwelling) shall be
permitted in the R3 zone provided that the lot or parcel in question meets the
minimum area requirements for the R3 zone and that said lot or parcel is
developed with no more than one single-family detached dwelling. A site and
architectural review application for the second-family detached unit in accordance
with Chapter 18.63 of the Zoning Code shall be required to be approved prior to
the issuance of building permits. In addition, all development standards of the
underlying zone must be adhered to; and any division in ownership among the
structures on the lot or parcel in question shall conform to the subdivision laws of
the state and city.
c. "P" stands for"Permitted Use" where the use is permitted by right; and "C" stands
for"Conditional Use" where the use requires a conditional use permit.
d. Senior citizen housing is allowed in the R3-S up to a maximum density of twenty
unit/acre. A specific plan will be required for all senior citizen housing projects in
this zone. Some accessory and temporary uses as indicated will be allowed in the
R3-S zone with the approval of the Community Development Director.
e. S 'cc t to- m'i inisa�tiye site and aFGhiteGt oral re.,.e.... Notwithstanding
anything indicating otherwise in this Table, this use is prohibited on a parcel
that was created by an urban lot split, pursuant to Section 17.30.050(A).
f. Subject to administrative conditional use permit.
g. Notwithstanding anything indicating otherwise in this Table, this use shall be
prohibited if the finding of a specific, adverse impact is made in accordance
with Section 18.65.020(C).
SECTION 14. Chapter 18.60.030, subsection A, of the Grand Terrace Municipal
Code is hereby amended as follows (additions in bold italics):
Ord No. 338 Page 11 of 24 May 24, 2022
The requirements for off-street parking shall be as follows:
A. Residential Uses.
1. Single-family dwellings (detached):
a. Two parking spaces for each residential unit shall be
provided on the same parcel of land as the residential
unit,
b. The required spaces shall be located within a garage;
2. Multiple-family dwellings:
a. One parking space for each studio or efficiency unit.
b. Two parking spaces for each one-, two- or three-
bedroom unit.
C. Three parking spaces for each four-bedroom unit or
more,
d. At least one space shall be located within a garage or
carport, and all required spaces shall be located within
150 feet of the unit being served.
e. Guest parking shall be provided at a ratio of 0.25
spaces for each residential unit, and shall be rounded
up to the next whole number.
f. Guest parking:
(i) Shall be identified as "Guest Parking";
(ii) Shall not be used for the storage of recreational
vehicles, boats, trailers or other similar items;
(iii) Shall be located on the same parcel of land as
the residential units and shall be within
reasonable walking distance of said units;
(iv) May be uncovered spaces; and
(v) May be located on a private street within the site
or in a common parking area.
3. Second units and two-unit developments: See Chapter
18.65.
4. Accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling
units: See Chapter 18.69.
Ord No. 338 Page 12 of 24 May 24, 2022
SECTION 15. Subsections B and C of Section 18.63.020 of the Grand Terrace
Municipal Code are hereby amended as follows (additions in bold italics):
B. Land Use Application. The purpose of this section is to empower the
community development director or representative with
responsibilities for site and architectural review of minor items, yet
which may have potential to adversely affect the environment.
Noticing to adjacent property owners will be at the discretion of the
community development director, with the exception of satellite
dishes.
1. Land use application, regardless of need for a permit, shall be
required in the event any of the following actions or
construction occur:
a. Any new construction exceeding six feet in height;
b. Any remodeling or renovation of a structure which
results in:
i. A change in use or intensity of use(includes any
proposed use of a structure which has been
vacant for a period of six months or more), or
ii. An increase in building size (including bulk area
and floor area), or
iii. Increased capacity, or
iv. Additional street access;
C. Plan check or clearance of building plans including, but
not limited to: swimming pools, spas, patio covers,
enclosures, all types of accessory structures, walls,
fences and other structures which do not require
administrative or formal site and architectural review.
2. The following items may be approved by the planning director
without going to the site and architectural review board:
a. Sunrooms, provided they strictly meet the planning
commission setback policies, UBC and other
construction code regulations;
b. Satellite dish antennae, provided they can be screened
from the street in accordance with code and design
standards. Notice including location map or site plan
shall be mailed to adjacent property owners requesting
comments at least two weeks in advance of the
Planning Director's decision;
Ord No. 338 Page 13 of 24 May 24, 2022
C. Overhead decks, provided they strictly meet the
Planning Commission design guidelines;
d. Ground floor additions to existing residential structures
located in an R1 district where the addition is less than
500 square feet gross floor area and the exterior
design and materials of the addition match the exterior
design and materials of the existing structure;
e. Fences or walls which do not meet Section 18.73.070;
f. All construction of elevated decks;
g. Construction of playhouses according to Section
18.63.110 of this Chapter;
h. Temporary uses with insignificant adverse, long-term
impact on the environment, i.e., parking lot sales,
rummage sales, Christmas tree sales, seasonal sales
and others in the commercial and industrial areas other
than residential areas;
i. In the case of damaged or partially damaged structures
due to fire, earthquake, explosion or other natural
disasters, and the structure will be reconstructed in the
exact condition prior to the disaster and in
conformance with applicable City codes and the
Zoning Code.
i i�AGGesseF dwelling elling units that Gomply with Chanter
'1 . 9.
Any item which could not be satisfactorily reviewed at staff level may
be subject to site and architectural review at the discretion of the
Community Development Director. The Community Development
Director's decisions shall be final unless appealed to the Planning
Commission within ten calendar days. Appeals shall be filed with the
Planning Department and follow similar rules as the appeals to the
City Council (Section 18.63.070).
C. Administrative Site and Architectural Review Application. The
purpose of this application is to allow staff level review of projects of
medium scale and impact without the need for a public hearing,
related costs and noticing procedures.
The following items may be approved by the Planning Director
without going to the Site and Architectural Review Board. However,
the plans must be routed to all reviewing agencies and notices shall
Ord No. 338 Page 14 of 24 May 24, 2022
be mailed to adjacent property owners requesting comments within
two weeks.
The Planning Director's decisions shall be final unless appealed to
the Planning Commission within ten calendar days.
Appeals shall be filed with the Planning Department and follow
similar rules as the appeals to the City Council (Section 18.63.070).
1. All accessory structures, except:
a. Structures with 65 percent or more of the square
footage of the main residence living area. Living area
does not include porches, patios, carports, garages,
storage areas, or auxiliary rooms;
b. Structures 1,200 square feet or more in size;
C. Structures with lot coverage higher than 25 percent;
2. All room additions, except room additions with 65 percent or
more of the square footage of the main residence living area.
Living area does not include porches, patios, carports,
garages, storage areas, or auxiliary rooms;
3. Large scale temporary uses of insignificant adverse impact on
the environment, i.e., parking lot sales which require review
by fire, health and other agencies;
4. In case of damaged structures due to fire, earthquakes, or
other natural disasters where the structure will be
reconstructed with alterations but not sufficient to trigger a
public hearing.
5. Developments within the R3-24 and R3-24 Overlay districts.
Such developments shall not constitute a "project" for
purposes of Division 13 (commencing with Section 21000) of
the Public Resources Code.
6. Applications for second units and two-unit developments
in accordance with Chapter 18.65.
7. Applications for accessory dwelling units and junior
accessory dwelling units in accordance with Chapter
18.69.
Ord No. 338 Page 15 of 24 May 24, 2022
SECTION 16. Chapter 18.65 (Second Units and Two-Unit Developments) is
hereby added to the Grand Terrace Municipal Code and shall read as follows (additions
in bold italics):
Chapter 18.65 - SECOND UNITS AND TWO-UNIT DEVELOPMENTS
18.65.010 -Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to establish procedures and standards
for the approval and creation of second units and two-unit
developments in accordance with the requirements of Government
Code Section 65852.21.
18.65.020 - Ministerial review; standard for denial, courtesy notice.
A. Notwithstanding any other provision of this code, an
application for a second unit or a two-unit development shall be
considered ministerially, without discretionary review or a
hearing, and shall be approved if it meets all of the requirements
of this chapter.
B. An application for a second unit or a two-unit development shall
be reviewed by the Planning Director through the administrative
site and architectural review process, as described in Chapter
18.63, and the decision may be appealed in accordance with
Section 18.63.020(C).
C. Notwithstanding subsection A, the City may deny an
application for a second unit or two-unit development if the
building official, or designee, makes a written finding, based
upon a preponderance of the evidence, that the proposed
second unit or two-unit development would have a specific,
adverse impact, as. defined in subsection (d)(2) of Government
Code Section 65589.5, upon public health and safety or the
physical environment and for which there is no feasible method
to satisfactorily mitigate or avoid the specific, adverse impact.
D. At least seven (7) days prior to making a determination on an
application for a second unit or two-unit development, the
Planning Director shall mail a courtesy notice to the owner(s) of
each property immediately adjacent to the property where the
proposed development will be located informing the owner(s)
of the submitted application.
Ord No. 338 Page 16 of 24 May 24, 2022
18.65.030- General requirements.
Proposed second units and two-unit developments:
A. Shall be located in the RH, R1-20, R1-10, or R1-7.2 zoning
district;
B. Shall not be located on a parcel that is any of the following, as
more particularly described and defined in Government Code
Section 65913.4(a)(6)(B) through (a)(6)(K):
1. Prime farmland, farmland of statewide importance, or
land zoned or designated for agricultural protection by an
approved local ballot measure;
2. Wetlands;
3. Within a very high fire hazard severity zone as determined
by the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, unless
the site has adopted fire hazard mitigation measures
pursuant to existing building standards or state fire
mitigation measures;
4. A hazardous waste site that has not been cleared for
residential use;
5. Within a delineated earthquake fault zone unless the
development complies with all applicable state and local
seismic protection building code standards;
6. Within a special flood hazard area subject to inundation
by a 100-year flood, unless:
a. The site has been subject to a Letter of Map
Revision prepared by the Federal Emergency
Management Agency and issued to the city; or
b. The site meets Federal Emergency Management
Agency requirements necessary to meet minimum
flood plain management criteria of the National
Flood Insurance Program;
7. Within a regulatory floodway, unless the development
has received a no-rise certification;
Ord No. 338 Page 17 of 24 May 24, 2022
8. Lands identified for conservation in an adopted natural
community conservation plan, habitat conservation plan,
or other adopted natural resource protection plan;
9. Habitat for protected species; or
10. Land under a conservation easement;
C. Shall not require or allow the demolition or alteration of any of
the following types of housing:
1. Housing that is subject to a - recorded covenant,
ordinance, or law that restricts rents to levels affordable
to persons and families of moderate, low, or very low
income.
2. Housing that is subject to any form of rent or price control
through a public entity's valid exercise of its police
power.
3. Housing that has been occupied by a tenant in the last
three years;
D. Shall not require or allow the demolition of more than 25 percent
of the existing exterior structure walls on the parcel if the parcel
has been occupied by a tenant in the last three years;
E. Shall not be located on a parcel on which an owner of residential
real property has exercised the owner's rights under_ Chapter
12.75 (commencing with Section 7060) of Division 7 of Title 1 of
the Government Code to withdraw accommodations from rent
or lease within 15 years before the date that the development
proponent submits an application; and
F. Shall not be located within a historic district or on property
included on the State Historic Resources Inventory, as defined
in Public Resources Code Section 5020.1, or within a site that is
designated or listed as a City or county landmark or historic
property or district pursuant to a City or county ordinance.
18.65.040 - Development standards.
A second unit, and both of the units in a two-unit development, shall
comply with all of the following development standards:
A. Configuration. A second unit may be attached to or detached
from the other primary dwelling unit on the parcel, subject to
Ord No. 338 Page 18 of 24 May 24, 2022
subsections C and D of Section 18.65.030. Subject to the
requirements of this chapter, a second unit may be added to a
parcel either by(i) the construction of a new residential dwelling
unit, (ii) the conversion of an existing structure into a residential
dwelling unit, or (iii) the bifurcation of an existing residential
dwelling unit into two separate residential dwelling units.
B. Size. A second unit, and both of the units in a two-unit
development, are subject to the following size limitations:
1. There is no maximum size limit.
2. Second units and both units in a two-unit development
shall comply with setback requirements, the minimum
separation between detached units in subsection (E), the
open space requirements and maximum lot coverage
requirements applicable to the parcel on which each unit
is located, and all other development standards in this
Section 18.65.040.
3. A second unit shall not be larger than an existing primary
unit on the same lot.
4. Notwithstanding subsections (B)(2) and (B)(3), and with
the exception of the side and rear setback requirements,
the City will not enforce any development standard to the
extent that it would have the effect of physically
precluding the construction of a second unit or two-unit
development on a parcel, or would physically preclude
either the second unit or both units of a two-unit
development from being at least 800 square feet in floor
area.
C. Height. A second unit, and both of the units in a two-unit
development, are limited to two (2) stories, or to one (1) story if
built on top of a one-story structure.
D. Setbacks. No setback beyond the existing setback shall be
required for an existing structure or for a unit constructed in the
same location and to the same dimensions as an existing
structure. In all other circumstances, second units, and both
units of a two-unit development, shall be set back at least 4 feet
from the side and rear lot lines.
E. Separation Between Detached Units. There shall be at least 15
feet of separation between the walls of second units, and each
Ord No. 338 Page 19 of 24 May 24, 2022
unit of a two unit development, and walls of other detached
structures on the same parcel.
F. Parkin_g.
1. One new on-site off-street parking space is required for a
second unit and one new on-site off-street parking space
per unit is required for each unit of a two-unit
development. Such parking spaces shall be in addition to
all existing parking spaces on the parcel.
2. Notwithstanding subsection F.1, no parking spaces are
required for a second unit or a two-unit development if
either.
a. The parcel is located within one-half mile walking
distance of either a high-quality transit corridor, as
defined in subsection (b) of Public Resources
Code Section 21155, or a major transit stop, as
defined in Public Resources Code Section 21064.3;
or
b. There is a car share vehicle located within one
block of the parcel.
G. Wastewater, Water Service.
1. Sewer.
Prior to issuance of a building permit for a second unit or
either unit of a two-unit development, the City Engineer
shall inspect existing sewer lines and determine the
sewer capacity limits. If the City Engineer determines that
the addition of a new unit or units would result in a
violation of the requirements of the California Plumbing
Code, and/or other objective sewer or septic system
requirements in local or state law, then the City shall
impose conditions of approval on the development that
are necessary to ensure compliance with such
requirements.
2. Septic System.
a. If a parcel relies on an onsite wastewater treatment
system, and it is within 200 feet of an existing sewer
system, then all existing and proposed units on the parcel
Ord No. 338 Page 20 of 24 May 24, 2022
shall be disconnected from the onsite wastewater
treatment system and connected to the sewer system as
a condition of approval of the development.
b. If the City determines that the second unit would exceed
the current capacity of the onsite wastewater system or
result in a violation of the requirements of the California
Plumbing Code, the requirements of the Santa Ana
Regional Water Quality Control Board, and/or other
objective City waste disposal system requirements, then
the City shall impose conditions of approval on the
development that are necessary to ensure compliance
with such requirements.
c. If a proposed second unit would be located on the only
part of the parcel that could accommodate a new onsite
wastewater treatment system in the event the existing
system needed to be replaced, then all existing and
proposed units on the parcel shall be disconnected from
the onsite wastewater treatment system and connected
to the sewer system as a condition of approval of the
development. If such disconnection and connection is
not possible, or would require off-site improvements,
then the building official, or designee, shall consider
whether such circumstances are grounds for denial of
the proposed project pursuant to Section 18.65.020.C.
3. A second unit, and both of the units in a two-unit
development, shall each have a separate connection to
the main water service line in the street and the applicant
shall submit plans for such line(s) to the Riverside
Highland Water Company for review and approval. The
applicant shall comply will all objective requirements of
the Riverside Highland Water Company for the
construction and operation of the water line(s).
H. Separate Entrances; Pathway. A second unit, and both of the
units in a two-unit development, shall each have a separate
entrance. Furthermore, each second unit, and each units in a
two-unit development, shall have an unobstructed pathway,
constructed of impermeable materials, leading up to its main
entrance, sufficient to provide access to the unit by public
safety personnel and the resident of the unit.
Ord No. 338 Page 21 of 24 May 24,2022
1. Unobstructed Area Adjacent to Unit. There shall be at least four
(4) feet of unobstructed space adjacent to each exterior wall of
a second unit and each unit of a two-unit development in order
to ensure that the unit is accessible by public safety personnel.
This space shall remain unobstructed at all times.
J. Additional Development Standards. Except as provided in
subsections A through 1, second units, and each unit of a two-
unit development, shall comply with all development standards
that would be applicable to a primary dwelling unit on the same
parcel.
18.65.050 - Total number of units.
A. This chapter does not authorize or require the approval of more
than two primary dwelling units on a single parcel. For purposes
of this subsection, "primary dwelling units" means dwelling
units other than accessory dwelling units or junior accessory
dwelling units.
B. Notwithstanding any other provision in this chapter, the
approval of second units and two-unit developments on a parcel
that was created through an urban lot split shall be limited as
described in Section 17.30.060.
18.65.060 - Design standards.
A. Second units, and each unit of a two-unit development, shall
comply with all objective design standards that would be
applicable to a primary dwelling unit on the same parcel.
B. The architectural design and detailing, roof material, roof pitch,
exterior color, and finish materials of a second unit shall be the
same as those of the primary dwelling unit, except that a flat
roof shall not be permitted even if all or a portion of the roof on
the primary dwelling is flat. Both units of a two-unit
development shall have the same roof material, roof pitch,
exterior color, and finish materials. The roof shall have a
minimum 16-inch overhang, except that the outermost edge of
the roof shall be at least three (3) feet from any side or rear lot
line.
Ord No. 338 Page 22 of 24 May 24, 2022
18.65.070-Rental term;rental property program compliance;separate
conveyance.
A. Second units and both units in a two-unit development shall not
be rented for a term of less than thirty-one (31) consecutive
days.
B. Unless the owner of the property provides the City with an
annual certification that a unit is owner-occupied, second units
and both units in a two-unit development shall be assumed to
be rental units and shall be subject to the requirements in
Chapter 5.80 (Non-Owner Occupied/Rental Property Program).
C. A second primary unit may not be turned into a condominium
or otherwise sold separately from the other primary unit on the
parcel. The units in a two-unit development may not be turned
into condominiums or otherwise sold separately from one
another.
18.65.080 - Deed restriction.
As a condition of approval of, and prior to the issuance of a certificate
of occupancy for, a second unit or two-unit development, the property
owner shall execute a deed restriction, in a form approved by the city
attorney, which shall be recorded on the property, at the property
owner's cost, and shall require that the second unit or two-unit
development only be used and developed in accordance with the
requirements in this chapter. Violation of the deed restriction shall be
considered a violation of this code and may be enforced in a manner
that this code may be enforced.
18.65.090 Development impact fees.
As a condition of receiving a certificate of occupancy for a second unit
or two-unit development, the applicant shall pay development impact
fees in an amount established by city council resolution.
SECTION 17. Severability. If any provision(s) of this Ordinance or the application
thereof to any person or circumstances is held invalid or unconstitutional by any court of
competent jurisdiction, such invalidity or unconstitutionality shall not affect any other
provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this ordinance are declared to
be severable. The City Council hereby declares that they would have adopted this
ordinance and each section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, part, or portion
thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, clauses,
phrases, parts or portions thereof be declared invalid or unconstitutional.
Ord No. 338 Page 23 of 24 May 24, 2022
SECTION 18. Posting. The City Clerk shall certify to the passage and adoption of
this Ordinance by the City Council and shall cause this ordinance to be published or
posted in accordance with Government Code Section 36933 as required by law.
SECTION 19. This Ordinance shall take effect and be in full force and effect from
and after thirty (30) calendar days after its final passage and adoption.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Grand
Terrace at a regular meeting held on the 24th day of May 2022.
DarR Mc
Mayor
ATTEST:
ebra Thomas
City Clerk .
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Adrian R. Guerra
City Attorney
Ord No. 338 Page 24 of 24 May 24, 2022
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO )
CITY OF GRAND TERRACE )
I Debra L. Thomas, City Clerk of the CITY OF GRAND TERRACE, CALIFORNIA,
DO HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Ordinance, being Ordinance No. 338 was
duly passed, approved and adopted by the City Council, approved and signed by the
Mayor, and attested by the City Clerk, at the regular meeting of said City Council held
on the 24th day of May 2022, and that the same was passed and adopted by the
following vote:
AYES: Council Members Allen, Wilson, Robles; Mayor Pro Tern Hussey;
Mayor McNaboe
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
Executed this 26th day of May 2022, at Grand Terrace, California.
6;bra L. Thomas
City Clerk
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