Chapter 17.28
RD RESIDENTIAL ZONE (MULTIPLE-FAMILY)

Sections:

17.28.010    Intent and purpose.

17.28.020    Density.

17.28.030    Land use regulations (permitted and conditionally permitted uses).

17.28.040    Property development standards.

17.28.050    Additions to existing buildings.

17.28.060    Building height exceptions – Permitted projections above limit.

17.28.070    Small lot single-family development.

17.28.080    Multifamily residential supplemental regulations.

17.28.090    Building types with specific building design and architectural standards.

17.28.100    Condominium conversions.

17.28.110    Performance standards.

17.28.120    Submittal requirements and applications.

17.28.130    Review process, approval authority, and appeal procedures.

17.28.140    Findings and conditions.

    Prior legislation: 1964 Code Appx. A §§ 3.50 through 3.57 and Ords. 1182, 1254, 1267, 1303, 1315, 1325, 1350, 1445, 1503, 1543, 1594, 1643, 1679, 1707, 92-1740, 95-1797, 98-1830, 04-1901, 17-14, 18-05, 19-07 and 20-10.

17.28.010 Intent and purpose.

A. Intent. The RD zone intends to provide a full range of housing types and densities consistent with the general plan. The housing types may range from small-lot single-family detached houses, duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, courtyard housing, townhouses, condominiums, and apartments.

B. Purpose. The purpose of the RD multiple-family zone is to do the following:

1. Preserve, protect, and enhance the character of residential neighborhoods; and

2. Provide a physical environment that contributes to and enhances the quality of life of city residents; and

3. Ensure adequate light, air, privacy, and open space for each dwelling; and

4. Ensure that the scale and design of new development and alterations to existing structures are compatible with surrounding homes and appropriate to the physical characteristics of the site and the area where the project is proposed; and

5. Provide an adequate supply and range of housing types and prices that will accommodate the city’s future population growth; and

6. Ensure the provisions of public services and facilities needed to accommodate planned population densities. (Ord. 21-09 § 4 (Exh. A), 2021.)

17.28.020 Density.

A. Allowed Density. The zoning districts RD 3400 up to RD 5000 within the Covina official zoning map are designated as medium density residential, consistent with the general plan. The zoning districts RD 1250 and up to RD 3000 within the Covina official zoning map are designated as high density residential, consistent with the general plan. The intent and purpose section of this chapter and all development regulations apply to all the RD zones listed in the table below:

Table 17.28.020

RD 5000 or less on the zoning map Medium density residential 7 to 14 dwelling units per acre	RD 3000 or less on the zoning map High density residential zones 14.01 to 22 dwelling units per acre
RD 5000 – 5,000 square feet per unit	RD 3000 – 3,000 square feet per unit
RD 4000 – 4,000 square feet per unit	RD 2950 – 2,950 square feet per unit
	RD 2900 – 2,900 square feet per unit
RD 3900 – 3,900 square feet per unit	RD 2500 – 2,500 square feet per unit
RD 3500 – 3,500 square feet per unit	RD 2000 – 2,000 square feet per unit
RD 3400 – 3,400 square feet per unit	RD 1500 – 1,500 square feet per unit
	RD 1250 – 1,250 square feet per unit

B. The yield of the number of units or lots per acre will depend on the following: the size and the dimensions of the lot; the compliance with all development regulations such as but not limited to setbacks, building height stepbacks or terracing, parking requirements, open space (common and private), accesses and driveways; and the burden of underlying easements such as flood control channel. (Ord. 21-09 § 4 (Exh. A), 2021.)

17.28.030 Land use regulations (permitted and conditionally permitted uses).

Table 17.28.030 identifies the uses allowed in each residential zoning district and the land use permit required to establish each use. The activities of all land uses must conduct wholly inside the building premises unless otherwise permitted under this section or Chapter 17.62 CMC (Conditional Use Permits). In cases where specific land use or activity is not defined, the director shall assign the land use or activity to a classification that is substantially similar in character, in compliance with Chapter 17.60 CMC.

 

Table 17.28.030

Land Use Regulations – RD Zone District 

	P = Permitted Use	C = Conditional Use Permit Required	“–” = Use Prohibited or Not Allowed
Land Use Classification	RD 5000 or less	RD 3000 or less	Additional Regulations
Residential Uses
Single-family houses, detached	P	–
Duplex, triplex, fourplex	P	P
Townhouses (condominiums)	P	P
Townhouses (fee simple)	P	P
Apartments	P	P
Accessory dwelling unit (ADU) and junior accessory dwelling unit (JADU)	P	P	Subject to provisions of Chapter 17.69 CMC
Family daycare (small, 8 or fewer children)	P	P
Family daycare (large, up to 14 children)	P	P
Boarding houses, fraternity and sorority houses	C	C
Residential care facilities (small, 6 or fewer residents)	P	P
Residential care facilities (large, 7 or more)	C	C
In-home business (business license required)	P	P	Subject to provisions of CMC 17.26.035
Senior housing, assisted living facility, and memory care facility	C	C
Educational Services
Private school (Pre-K – 12)	C	C
Public school (Pre-K – 12)	P	P
Colleges	C	C
Community/Public Assembly
Religious institutions	C	C
Lodges and meeting halls	C	C
Cultural institutions such as museums	C	C
Libraries	C	C
Day care centers	C	C
Public Uses
Public park	P	P
Community center (public)	P	P
Communications and Utilities
Telecommunication facility	C	C
Accessory Uses
Keeping of domestic pets	P	P	Dogs, cats, guinea pigs, hamsters, parrots, and parakeets; not more than 3 of each animal and a maximum of 9 for a combination of the list
Pool and spa	P	P
Recreation building/pool house	P	P
Recreation courts (tennis and basketball)	P	P
Laundry facility	P	P
Other Specific Uses
Nonconforming lots, buildings, and uses	Subject to provisions of Chapter 17.70 CMC

(Ord. 21-09 § 4 (Exh. A), 2021.)

17.28.040 Property development standards.

Subdivisions, new land uses, new construction and structures, and alterations to existing land uses and structures must comply with the RD zone property development standards under Table 17.28.040, including all applicable zoning code provisions, design guidelines and 2021 Covina Multifamily Objective Design Standards.

Table 17.28.040

RD Property Development Standards 

Standards	Medium Density – RD 5000 or less		High Density – RD 3000 or less		Notes
Parcel/lot size (square feet)	15,000 or less	15,000 and more	15,000 or less	15,000 and more
Lot and Density Standards
Density (dwelling units per acre, CMC 17.28.020)	6.1 to 10	10.1 to 14	14.1 to 17	17.1 to 22
Lot size, single-family detached houses (sq. ft. min.)	3,500, 4,000 average	3,000	N/A	N/A	See CMC 17.28.070 for zero lot line homes.
Lot size, attached housing types (sq. ft. min.)	15,000	15,000	15,000	15,000
Minimum Lot Requirements
Lot width	See CMC 17.28.070, Small Lot Residential Development/Zero Lot Line		100	100
Corner lot width			120	120
Lot depth			100	100
Frontage for flag lot or cul-de-sac lot			40	40
Lot coverage (max. percentage)			35%	35%
Minimum Dwelling Size (square feet)
Studio	500	500	500	500
One bedroom	700	700	700	700
Two bedrooms	1,000	1,000	1,000	1,000
More than two bedrooms	+150 each additional bedroom
Building Form and Location
Minimum Setbacks (feet)
Front	20	20	15	15	5 feet encroachment allowed in front yard setback for porches.
Street side	12.5	12.5	10	10
Reversed corner	15	15	10	10
Interior side	5	5	5	5
Rear	15	15	15	15
Public alley (dwelling)	10	10	10	10
Public alley (garage)	5	5	5	5
Building height (feet)	35	35	35	35	Buildings may exceed limits per provisions of CMC 17.28.060.
Number of stories	2	2	3	3
Minimum Setbacks – Second Story or Greater (feet)
Street side setback	17.5	17.5	15	15
Reversed corner	20	20	15	15
Interior side	10	10	10	10
Rear	25	25	20	20
Minimum Distance Between Buildings Elevations (feet)
Front to Front	15	15	15	15
Front to Side	10	10	10	10
Side to Side	7.5	7.5	7.5	7.5
Open Space (Applicable to Multifamily Dwellings)
Private open space (sq. ft. per dwelling unit)	100	100	100	100
Common open space (sq. ft. per dwelling unit)	120	120	120	120

NOTES:

1. The projections and exceptions to maximum building height are subject to provisions in CMC 17.28.060.

2. An existing lot of record that is substandard as to the minimum lot size shall be permitted the development rights of the zone in which it is located except that the maximum density shall be limited to the minimum allowed within the density range.

(Ord. 21-09 § 4 (Exh. A), 2021.)

17.28.050 Additions to existing buildings.

The exterior and roof of all enclosed room additions to existing buildings shall be the same as or similar to the architecture and materials of the existing building. Reasonable variations in design are permitted, subject to the approval of the director. (Ord. 21-09 § 4 (Exh. A), 2021.)

17.28.060 Building height exceptions – Permitted projections above limit.

The structures listed in Table 17.28.060, Allowed Projections Above Height Limits, may exceed the maximum permitted building height in the RD zone, subject to the limitations stated. Further, no portion of a structure exceeding the building height limit may contain habitable area. Additional height above this limit may be approved with a conditional use permit, in compliance with the provisions of Chapter 17.62 CMC.

Table 17.28.060

Allowed Projections Above Height Limits 

Structures Allowed Above the Height Limit	Maximum Vertical Projection Above the Height Limit	Maximum Coverage and Locational Limitation
Skylights	1 foot	None.
Chimneys	8 feet	None.
Decorative features including spires, cupolas, etc. Rooftop open space features including sundecks, sunshade and windscreens, trellises, and landscaping	10 feet	Limited to a total of 20% of roof area, inclusive of all structures. Must be set back from the exterior wall one foot for every foot of projection above the height limit.
Elevator and stair towers (for multi-unit residential and nonresidential buildings only)	16 feet	Limited to a total of 10% of roof area. Must be set back from the exterior wall one foot for every foot of projection above the height limit.
Mechanical equipment	5 feet	Must set back from the exterior wall one foot for every foot of projection above the height limit and screened from view from adjacent at-grade public streets.
Fire escapes, catwalks, and open railings required by law	No restriction	None.
Telecommunications facilities, antennas, microwave equipment, and radio towers	Subject to the provisions of Chapter 17.65 CMC, Wireless Communication Facilities.

(Ord. 21-09 § 4 (Exh. A), 2021.)

17.28.070 Small lot single-family development.

The following development standards shall apply to the medium density (seven to 14 dwelling units per acre) residential development including single-family detached or single-family attached or zero lot line. In addition to the development standards of this section, all small lot single-family development shall comply with CMC 17.28.080 (Multifamily residential supplemental regulations) and Multifamily Covina Objective Design Standards (2021).

A. Dwelling Placement.

1. Small lot development may include center-plot or zero lot line configurations.

2. Zero lot line development shall place a detached single-family dwelling adjacent to one interior side lot line with zero feet required setback while maintaining a 10-foot setback on the other side. The interior side lot line where the dwelling has zero building setback is a common property line shared with the adjacent property owner.

3. The opposite 10-foot side yard shall be permanently maintained free of any obstructions other than a required solid decorative masonry garden wall that shall be architecturally treated on both sides and be subject to the approval of the director. The masonry wall shall intersect with the rear property line.

B. Maintenance Easement.

1. Provide a permanent five-foot-wide maintenance easement along the interior zero lot line for the length of the lot depth to maintain and repair structures and fences or walls.

2. Easements shall be shown on the parcel or tract map and incorporated into each deed, transferring title to the subject property.

C. Roof and Eave Design. Design the roofs of the structures to ensure that water runoff from the dwelling located on the common lot line is limited to the easement area. The eaves shall not be less than three feet from the property line.

D. Development Standards. Table 17.28.070(D) shows the development standards for small lot development. Non-fee simple housing such as condominiums would be exempt from minimum lot requirements. Building setback requirements are for public or private streets.

 

Table 17.28.070(D)

Small Lot Development Standards 

Minimum lot size (sq. feet)	3,500
Lot width (min. feet)	40
Corner lot width (min. feet)	60
Lot depth (min. feet)	85
Lot coverage (max. percentage)	45%
Minimum street frontage (feet)	25
Development and building standards	Table 17.28.040
Building setbacks (min.)
Front (feet)	15
Front-on garage facing street (feet)	18
Side-on garage facing street (feet)	10
Interior side (feet)	5
Interior side for zero lot line product (feet)	10 feet one side
Corner side (feet)	10
Rear (feet)	Minimum 10; average 15

E. Outdoor Open Space. Each dwelling shall have a minimum of 400 square feet of private usable outdoor open space, with a minimum dimension of 10 feet.

F. Private Streets or Alleys. Private streets or alleys may provide vehicular access to individual units and provide waste collection and other public or private services. No parking is allowed within the alleys.

G. Projections Prohibited. Structures or architectural elements shall not project over any property line. Porches or stoops may encroach in the front setback no more than five feet.

H. Rights-of-Way. The zero side yard shall not be adjacent to any private or public street.

I. Walls. Fences or walls along the zero lot line shall use solid decorative masonry or similar materials that are low maintenance, subject to the approval of the director. (Ord. 23-10 § 9, 2023; Ord. 21-09 § 4 (Exh. A), 2021.)

17.28.080 Multifamily residential supplemental regulations.

A. Site Planning.

1. Neighborhood Compatibility. Design all multifamily development to be compatible with one- or two-story single-family detached homes and meet the following design standards:

a. Multifamily residential projects located across the street from single-family neighborhoods shall orient the following features toward the street: individual entries, patio areas, and landscaping.

b. Design the multifamily structures to transition in scale through height changes or stepbacks on the second or higher floors. The height of the portion of the multifamily structures within 50 feet of the common boundary of single-family homes shall be no greater than 25 feet.

c. Parking lot areas and carports shall not be located along single-family neighborhood street frontages.

B. Access, Pedestrian Orientation, and Connections.

1. The following standards apply to the design of pedestrian circulation and access within multifamily projects and the surrounding neighborhoods:

a. Pedestrian walkways shall connect all buildings on a site to each other, on-site automobile and bicycle parking areas, and any on-site open space areas or pedestrian amenities.

b. An on-site walkway shall connect the primary building entry or entries to a public sidewalk along each street right-of-way.

c. Walkways shall be a minimum of four feet wide and paved with concrete.

2. Access and Circulation, Including Fire Access.

a. Drive aisles or private streets minimum width is 25 feet.

b. Fire accessways minimum width is 28 feet. The accessway shall be free from any overhead obstruction and posted as a fire accessway with no parking permitted within 28 feet.

c. All drive aisles, private streets, or fire accessways shall have all-weather surfaces such as asphalt or concrete.

d. A fully dedicated and improved street or alley is acceptable as a fire accessway.

C. Off-street parking shall follow the parking requirements outlined in Chapter 17.72 CMC and the 2021 Covina Multifamily Objective Design Standards.

D. Common and Private Open Space.

1. Common open space is required for all multifamily projects and must comply with the following standards:

a. Incorporate common open space into the site plan as a primary design feature and not just as remnant pieces of land used as open space. Centrally locate the common open space and position it within the nearest units’ views, such that the residents can watch over the area.

b. Provide common open space at a rate of 120 square feet of open space per dwelling unit.

c. Common open space is open space used commonly by residents of a building. Common open space may be designed as one centralized open space area or may have several open space areas. Each common open space area shall have a minimum dimension of 15 feet in any direction and a minimum area of 300 square feet.

d. Common open space may have features as follows:

i. Patios with picnic tables.

ii. BBQ areas with shade structure(s).

iii. Community gardens.

iv. Swimming pools or spas. Standards per subsection (P)(1) of this section.

v. Natural open space area with benches for viewing, trails.

vi. Play structures.

vii. Sports courts (e.g., tennis, basketball, volleyball). Standards per subsection (P)(3) of this section.

viii. Recreation building/pool house. Standards per subsection (P)(2) of this section.

ix. Other active or passive recreation areas accessible to building residents and their visitors.

x. Common open space features not listed above may be considered subject to planning commission review and approval.

e. Multifamily developments up to 10 units are required to have at least one common open space feature.

f. Multifamily developments having between 10 and 50 units are required to have at least three common open space features.

g. Multifamily developments having over 50 to 100 units are required to have at least four common open space features.

h. For each 50 units above the first 100 units, another set of four common open space features shall be provided.

i. Common open space shall not include driveways, pedestrian access to units from common pedestrian walkways, parking areas, private open space, or required front, side, or rear setback areas.

j. A minimum of 60 percent of the common open space must be landscaped areas or gardens.

k. Common open space does not include the front, side, street side and rear yards areas.

2. Private open space is required for all multifamily projects and must comply with the following standards:

a. Provide private open space at a rate of 100 square feet per each unit.

b. Private open space may be a combination of ground-level patios and balconies.

c. Ground level patios or balconies must have one minimum dimension of not less than seven feet.

d. Delineate private outdoor space by a wall, fence, or hedge.

e. Private open space is a usable open space adjoining and directly accessible to a dwelling unit, reserved for the exclusive use of residents of the dwelling unit and their guests. Examples include patios, screened decks, or balconies.

f. Use accent elements to demarcate pedestrian entrances to a multifamily development and common open space areas on the interior of a project site. Accent elements shall include the following: wood trellises, arches, arbors, columns, or low monument features.

E. Landscaping.

1. Landscaping around the building perimeter is required at a rate of one tree per 20 lineal feet.

2. Within the landscaped area between the right-of-way and buildings, plant trees at a rate of one tree for every 20 square feet of landscaped area. Locate trees between four and 10 feet from the back of the sidewalk. The landscaped area shall include shrubs, ground covers, other natural growth, storm water quality features, and drainage treatments.

3. Plantings shall not exceed 42 inches (three and one-half feet in height) within the required front yard setback.

4. All planting areas, plant materials, and irrigation shall conform with the city’s water-efficient landscaping regulations.

5. Landscaping and open space shall follow the building type standards in 2021 Covina Multifamily Objective Design Standards.

F. Fences, Walls and Hedges.

1. Fences, walls, hedges, and similar structures are limited to a maximum height as follows:

Table 17.28.080(F)(1) 

	Fences, walls and hedges		Height (feet)	Additional regulations
a.	Within required front setbacks		3	An additional foot of fencing is allowed; provided, that all fencing above 3 feet in height is at least 50% open.
b.	Within required street side setbacks
	i.	Within 10 feet of the property line	3	An additional foot of fencing is allowed; provided, that all fencing above 3 feet in height is at least 50% open.
	ii.	Within 5 feet of a separated sidewalk	3	An additional foot of fencing is allowed; provided, that all fencing above 3 feet in height is at least 50% open.
	iii.	Other areas of the required street side setback	6
c.	Within required interior side setbacks		6
d.	Within required rear setbacks		6

2. Design of Fences and Walls.

a. All wall and fence designs shall integrate materials and details used on the primary buildings (e.g., pilasters, stonework, wrought iron, or colors).

b. Construct walls with decorative masonry materials, such as but not limited to enhanced precision block, split-face block, or material of similar appearance, maintenance, and structural durability.

c. Fences may use wood or vinyl, subject to the approval of the director. Chain link fence material is prohibited.

d. Fences and walls located along the side or rear property lines which are not along street frontages shall be solid fences or walls. Open fences, which feature wrought iron/tubular steel, may be permitted to capture scenic views offered by a property line that adjoins a permanent open space area and where the yard does not require screening.

e. Fencing between private yards and common open spaces shall have a minimum height of four feet and a maximum height of six feet.

f. Where screening is necessary as part of the site design, block walls may be constructed within the front yard setback and along the street frontage but must be decorative masonry, have a decorative cap, and feature a landscape setback.

g. At street intersections, structures located on a property at any corner from intersecting streets may not exceed a height of three feet within the vision triangle formed by drawing imaginary lines between points 30 feet from where the curb lines of the intersection quadrant meet.

Figure 17.28.10: Visibility at Intersections

G. Screening Parking Areas.

1. Parking areas, covered and uncovered, must be screened from view from public rights-of-way with landscaping. Landscape screening includes such features as but not limited to ground cover, shrubs, and trees, a planted earth berm (no greater than two feet in height), hedges, walls, or some combination of these.

2. Provide a perimeter landscaped strip at least five feet wide for any parking area adjacent to the side or rear property line. The perimeter landscaped strip may be within the required setback area.

H. Screening of Accessory Features and Refuse Storage Areas.

1. Screening of Accessory Features. Screen exterior trash, refuse storage, utility boxes, and electric and gas meters from the public rights-of-way with landscaping, fences, or walls, or a combination of these.

2. Refuse Storage Areas.

a. Developments with attached garages may have individual refuse containers. Anticipate storage for three refuse containers for each dwelling unit. Refuse containers must be provided with a location to be stored for trash pickup day, which is out of view from pedestrian walkways and internal and external roadways.

b. Developments without attached garages shall have shared refuse dumpsters within enclosures or buildings. The applicant shall provide the city with information from the refuse pickup provider verifying the size and number of dumpsters required by the projects.

c. Design refuse enclosures according to city standards and specifications. Roof covering and drainage is required. The enclosure walls shall have decorative materials such as concrete or solid masonry with a solid gate of durable wood, metal, or approved material, subject to the approval of the director.

d. Locate refuse enclosures to be easily accessible for trash pickup.

e. No refuse dumpsters shall be under an eave overhang.

I. Storage Areas. Provide a minimum 175 cubic feet of storage area within garages. The minimum dimension of this storage shall be four feet.

J. Sustainability.

1. New development must achieve the mandatory elements of CALGreen as required by state law but should seek opportunities to exceed, pursue, and achieve CALGreen Tier 1 or 2.

2. Parking spaces specifically designated and conveniently located for fuel-efficient vehicles shall be provided in conjunction with development projects in compliance with regulations contained in CALGreen Title 24, Part 11.

K. Lighting.

1. Provide illumination for all entryways, pathways, open spaces, and parking lots per city standards.

2. Use high-efficiency, warm white light.

3. Arrange lighting to reflect or direct light away from adjacent residential properties.

4. Provide lighting at refuse enclosures for nighttime security and use.

5. Average one foot-candle minimum and maximum. Provide photometric diagram.

6.  The maximum height of the freestanding light pole and fixtures is 20 feet, measured from the finished base to the top of the pole or light fixture.

L. Signs.

1. Address signs indicating the street address number, not to exceed one square foot in size and four feet in height above ground. Limit to one such sign per lot per street frontage.

2. Display of Building Addresses for Multifamily Development.

a. Street address numbers shall have a minimum of six-inch up to a maximum of eight-inch numbers or letters.

b. Place street address numbers no higher than the second-story plate, between 15 feet and 20 feet.

3. On-site directional signs, not to exceed two square feet in area or three feet in height.

4. The development of more than eight units must have a sign program, subject to the approval of the director.

5. On-site construction, real estate, and subdivision signs; provided, that they are removed within 30 days after the sale, lease, or completion of construction, per the following:

a. Construction signs are not to exceed 32 square feet in size, six feet in height, nor more than one sign per street frontage.

b. Real estate signs are not to exceed six square feet in size if the site is one acre in size or less, or 16 square feet in size if the site is larger than one acre. The maximum height is six feet. One real estate sign is allowed per parcel or development, plus an additional real estate sign for every 350 feet of street frontage. Real estate signs can advertise only the sale, lease, or hire of the premises on which they are located.

c. Subdivision signs are not to exceed 16 square feet in size and six feet in height. One subdivision sign may be located at each entrance to the subdivision, plus an additional sign for every 350 feet of street frontage.

6. Signs for Conditionally Allowed Uses Such as Churches and Educational Institutions.

a. Chapter 17.62 CMC, Conditional Use Permits, shall apply for any proposed signage and subject to director approval.

b. One wall sign not to exceed five percent of the area of the first story height of the building or a maximum of 50 square feet, whichever is greater.

c. One monument sign not to exceed a maximum 20 square feet in area and maximum six feet in height.

d. In lieu of one wall sign and one monument sign, the director may approve one monument sign not to exceed maximum 50 square feet in area and maximum eight feet in height.

e. All signs shall be designed with same as or similar to the architecture and materials of the existing building and in harmony with the surrounding residential area.

f. One pedestrian-oriented information sign not to exceed 16 square feet in area.

g. Directional and traffic safety signs not exceeding a maximum of 16 square feet in area and a maximum height of four feet as determined necessary by the director.

M. Utility Services.

1. All utility services shall be underground.

2. All utility laterals for condominiums, townhouses, and community apartments shall access each unit from the common yard area.

3. All utility of the development shall comply with the provisions of CMC 17.64.120 and 17.64.130.

N. Street improvements shall comply with the provisions of CMC 17.64.120 and 17.64.130.

O. Variance for minor deviation shall comply with the provisions of CMC 17.78.160.

P. Accessory Uses and Structures.

1. Swimming Pools and Spas.

a. No swimming pools and spas allowed within the required front yard setback.

b. A minimum 10-foot setback from the street side property line. Where a masonry subdivision perimeter wall encloses the parcel, the street side setback is five feet.

c. A minimum five-foot setback from the interior side or rear property line.

d. Swimming pools or spas must have a separation of a minimum of five feet from the exterior wall of any dwelling unit.

e. Filter, Heating, and Maintenance Systems. All filter, heating, and maintenance systems and equipment shall not locate within any required setback adjacent to a public street, or within five feet of an interior side or rear property line, or within 10 feet of the living area of any dwelling unit on an adjacent parcel unless located entirely within a soundproof enclosure.

2. Recreation Building/Pool House.

a. A pool house or cabana may be approved in conjunction with a proposed pool; provided, that the use of the building is simultaneous with the completion of the pool.

b. A pool house or cabana shall be limited to one story and not exceed 800 square feet.

c. There shall be no kitchen or cooking facilities within a pool house/cabana but may include a bar sink and under-counter refrigerator.

3. Recreation Courts Such as Tennis and Basketball.

a. The minimum parcel size to have a recreation court is 10,000 square feet.

b. No recreation court shall be allowed within any yard or setback area.

c. No more than 30 percent of the usable landscaped open space requirement and outdoor living shall be devoted to recreation court.

d. Install a six-foot-high solid masonry wall on the property line between any recreation court and adjacent property. Provide landscaping within the setback area to screen the recreation court fence.

e. The height of any recreation court fence shall not exceed 10 feet above the court surface.

4. Laundry Facilities.

a. All multifamily units shall have their own private laundry space in each unit. A shared facility within the building or property may be allowed, subject to the approval of the director.

b. All outdoor clothes-drying areas shall be screened from all sides by landscaped screen, fence, or wall not less than six feet in height. (Ord. 23-10 §§ 10, 11, 2023; Ord. 21-09 § 4 (Exh. A), 2021.)

17.28.090 Building types with specific building design and architectural standards.

A. Building Types for Medium Residential Density. The building types in the medium density range include duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, bungalow courts, and mansion apartments. The characteristics of these building types are defined in the Covina Multifamily Objective Design Standards document (2021).

B. Building Types for High Residential Density. The building types in the high density range include courtyard buildings, townhouses, stacked flats, and live-work units within a mixed-use development that includes residential units. The characteristics of these building types are defined in the Covina Multifamily Objective Design Standards document (2021).

C. General Building Design and Site Design Standards. All multifamily housing units shall comply with the general building design and site design standards in the Covina Multifamily Objective Design Standards document (2021). (Ord. 21-09 § 4 (Exh. A), 2021.)

17.28.100 Condominium conversions.

A. Applications. All applicable provisions of CMC Title 16, Subdivisions, shall apply.

B. Condominium conversions shall comply with Chapter 16.12 CMC, Common Interest Development Conversions. (Ord. 21-09 § 4 (Exh. A), 2021.)

17.28.110 Performance standards.

A. Lighting. The operation of uses, activities, and processes must not produce significant and direct glare beyond the property’s boundaries, negatively impacting adjacent properties.

B. Noise. All land uses and their associated activities shall comply with Chapter 9.40 CMC, Noise.

C. Conditions to Use. The following standards shall apply to the use and structures in the RD zone:

1. Maintain all required fences and walls in good condition and provide proper repair at all times.

2. Require routine and proper maintenance of all swimming pools.

3. Corner Cutback Requirements. Maintain the plants or materials in such a condition that they would not cause a visual obstruction in these areas.

4. Maintain off-street parking areas and the access in good condition. Striping must be in a visible state.

5. Maintenance of all safety devices and signs in working condition is required.

6. The property owner is responsible for maintaining all trash, garbage, and refuse enclosures as provided in this chapter. The deposit and storage of trash shall not cause nuisance problems such as harboring rodents or insects.

7. The property owner shall maintain all landscaping areas on site and the contiguous planted areas within the public right-of-way except for street trees. Replace any damaged, dead, diseased, or decaying plant materials within 30 days from the date of damage.

8. Changes in the landscaping areas, architectural features, buildings, and structural elements are not allowed without an amendment to the site plan and architectural review.

9. RV storage and parking, outdoor storage, and use of containers for storage are not allowed. (Ord. 21-09 § 4 (Exh. A), 2021.)

17.28.120 Submittal requirements and applications.

Submittal of new construction, additions and alterations to existing structures, and accessory structures shall comply with those requirements described in Chapter 17.64 CMC, Site Plan Review, and any other requirements as deemed necessary by the director. (Ord. 21-09 § 4 (Exh. A), 2021.)

17.28.130 Review process, approval authority, and appeal procedures.

A. Review Process. The review process from CMC 17.64.060 shall apply. The review and approval process for eligible SB 35 housing projects will follow Government Code Section 65913.4.

B. Applicant’s Responsibility. The applicant is responsible to prepare and submit plans, materials, studies and reports according to the city’s submittal checklists. All plans, materials, studies, and reports must be stamped and signed by licensed professionals.

C. Approval Authority.

1. Director’s Authority.

a. The director shall review all project applications and submittals, and, within 30 days, determine if they are deemed complete. The director may require additional information and details, as appropriate.

b. When deemed complete under the requirements of CMC 17.64.040, the director shall review the project application for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act and make an environmental determination. During this period, the director shall distribute the project application to appropriate city departments and public agencies for review and comment.

c. The director will schedule and notice the planning commission meeting to approve or deny the application after completing CEQA clearance review procedures.

d. The director has the authority to administer, interpret, and enforce all development and design standards and requirements of this chapter.

e. The director’s determination regarding the application’s completeness may be appealed to the planning commission.

f. The director shall have authority to approve, approve with conditions, or deny new residential projects that are four units or less, additions or alterations to existing structures or units, and the addition of accessory structures.

g. The director shall have the authority to approve eligible SB 35 housing development for a project that has 10 units or less.

2. Planning Commission’s Authority.

a. The planning commission shall have the authority to approve, approve with conditions or deny any new subdivisions, new residential projects with five or more units.

b. Approval, conditional approval, or denial of the project application shall be effective 10 calendar days from the date of the planning commission’s action, unless appealed to the city council.

c. The planning commission shall have the authority to approve eligible SB 35 housing development for a project with 11 or more units and without a public hearing. The planning commission’s review shall be limited to determining whether the SB 35 housing development conforms with the multifamily design standards in this chapter and the 2021 Covina Multifamily Objective Design Standards.

D. Appeal Process and Procedures.

1. The decision of the director shall be final unless appealed to the planning commission. Such appeal shall be filed with the director within 10 calendar days after the decision. The planning commission shall review the project application and may affirm, reverse, or modify the director’s decision.

2. The decision of the planning commission shall be final unless appealed to the city council. Such appeal shall be filed with the city clerk within 10 calendar days after the decision. The city council may affirm, reverse, or modify the planning commission’s decision. The decision of the city council on such appeal shall be final.

3. All appeals shall be made in writing, shall be filed during normal business hours at the designated location with the city clerk, and shall specify the decision appealed from, the specific action or relief sought by the appellant in the appeal, and the reasons why the action taken by the planning commission should be modified or reversed. All appeals are subject to public hearings.

4. All appeals shall be accompanied by a deposit or fee required by city council resolution or ordinance. (Ord. 21-09 § 4 (Exh. A), 2021.)

17.28.140 Findings and conditions.

In addition to the findings described in CMC 17.64.070, the director or the planning commission shall make the following findings. The director or the planning commission shall impose conditions of approval as deemed necessary to address the following: protect the public health, safety, and general welfare; to secure a development which is in harmony with other developments in the area; to minimize all undesirable or unsightly appearance; and to provide an orderly and visually aesthetic development within the intent of this chapter.

A. All provisions of this title are complied with.

B. The design of the new development will preserve, protect, and enhance the character of residential neighborhoods, and provide a physical environment that contributes to and enhances the quality of life of city residents; and

C. The scale and design of new development and alterations to existing structures are compatible with surrounding homes and appropriate to the site’s physical characteristics and the area where the project is proposed.

D. The landscaping is incorporated in such a way as to complement the overall development, to enhance visual interest and appeal, and to soften bolder architectural features.

E. The development is in keeping with existing quality improvements in the area, in harmony with the area’s future development, will not be detrimental to surrounding properties nor diminish the value thereof, and comply with the general plan.

F. The development complies with the provisions for utilities and street improvements under CMC 17.64.120 and 17.64.130. (Ord. 21-09 § 4 (Exh. A), 2021.)