A. Purpose. The purpose of establishing the Residential Hillsides Overlay (-RH) is to provide area-specific zoning regulations necessary for the incremental improvement and sustainable development of hillside neighborhoods in Culver City.
B. Allowable land uses and permit requirements. Allowable land uses and required permits shall be established by the applicable underlying zone.
C. Definitions. The following definitions will relate to residential zoned property in the-RH Overlay:
Floor Area, Residential. Residential floor area shall include mezzanines, covered porches, covered patios, and accessory buildings in addition to any floor area, confined from exterior wall to exterior wall, within the main dwelling unit. Garages shall be included in the floor area with the exception that up to 200 square feet of attached and front-facing garages shall be exempted from floor area. Interior areas with ceiling heights greater than fourteen (14) feet shall be counted twice towards the floor area.
D. Development requirements. Development requirements shall be regulated by Table 2-12 (Residential Hillsides Overlay Development Standards). Wherever the-RH Overlay zone is silent on a matter, the corresponding regulation of the underlying zone shall apply.
Table 2-12
Residential Hillsides Overlay Development Standards (-RH)
Development Feature | Requirement by-RH Overlay | |
Development Feature | Requirement by-RH Overlay | |
Maximum Number of Dwelling Units Allowed per Parcel (1) | 1 Unit | |
Dwelling Size (2) | ||
Maximum Area | Slope (3) | FAR |
<15% | 0.45 | |
15% to 30% | 0.40 | |
>30% to 45% | 0.35 | |
>45% to 60% | 0.30 | |
>60% | 0.25 | |
Setbacks (4) | Minimum setbacks required. See § 17.300.020 (Setback Regulations and Exceptions) | |
Front | 20 feet - Single Story Structure | |
30 feet - Second Story of Two Story Structure | ||
Side (5) | First Floor: 10% of lot width, but not <5 feet and not > 10 feet | |
Second Floor (Narrow Setback): 16% of lot width, but not <8 feet and not >16 feet | ||
Second Floor (Wide or Street-Facing Setback): 24% of lot width, but not <12 feet and not >24 feet | ||
Rear | 15 Feet | |
Height Limit (6) | Slope | Height |
<50% | Flat Roof - 2 stories and 27 feet | |
Sloped Roof - 2 stories and 30 feet | ||
50% to 100% | 1 Story and 14 feet | |
Notes: (1) For standards for Accessory Dwelling Units, see § 17.400.095. (2) Minimum by-right floor area in the hillside area, regardless of lot size, is 2,500 square feet. (3) Existing slope is to be established with topographic survey and slope analysis of existing conditions prior to issuance of Building Permit. (4) For exceptions to setback standards, see § 17.260.040.E. (5) Building may exceed minimum required setback but cannot reduce minimum required setback. Applicant may choose which of the two (2) side setbacks is narrow and which is wide, but wide setback will automatically apply to a street facing side yard. (6) Any parapet is included as part of the flat roof height standard. | ||
E. Setback and stepback exceptions findings. Exceptions to setback standards shall be reviewed by the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission shall consider and record the decision in writing with the findings on which the decision is based. The exception may be approved, with or without conditions, only after making all of the following findings:
1. There are special circumstances applicable to the property (e.g. location, shape, size, depth, surroundings, and/or topography), or to the intended use of the property, so that the strict application of this Title denies the property owner privileges enjoyed by other property owners in the vicinity and under identical zoning districts.
2. Approval of the exception would not be detrimental to the public health, interest, safety, or general welfare and would not be detrimental or injurious to property or improvements in the vicinity and in the same zoning district.
F. Parking. Uncovered, 1/2 covered, and fully covered parking shall be permitted in the Hillsides Overlay Zone. Any uncovered parking located behind the front yard setback line shall be placed within fifteen (15) feet of a maximum of one (1) interior side yard and/or shall be fully screened from view of the public right-of-way by the primary structure. Front yard-facing parking not located within fifteen (15) feet of a side yard shall be fully covered and enclosed. See Figure 3-11 (Allowable Residential Uncovered Parking Placement) provided in § 17.320.035.
(Ord. No. 2019-006 § 2; Ord. No. 2020-010)