(A) Purpose. This section establishes standards for small lot subdivisions in the multi-family zoning districts. The intent of these standards is to:
(1) Facilitate the development of infill housing on vacant and underutilized properties;
(2) Increase opportunities for fee-simple home ownership in higher density areas of Eureka;
(3) Expand the types of housing available for purchase in Eureka, including lower-cost housing for first-time homebuyers and seniors looking to downsize; and
(4) Ensure that development on small lot subdivisions is well designed and minimizes impacts on neighboring properties.
(B) Where allowed. Small lot subdivisions are allowed only in the R2 and R3 Zoning Districts.
(C) Optional/not mandatory. Small lot subdivisions are an available option, not a mandatory requirement. Lots in the R2 and R3 Zoning Districts may also be subdivided using generally applicable subdivision requirements. Conventional subdivisions, however, are not eligible for relaxed development standards in § 155.332.020(E) (Development Standards).
(D) Approvals required. Small lot subdivisions require city approval of a tentative and final or parcel map as required by the California Subdivision Map Act and Municipal Code Ch. 154 (Subdivision Regulations). Proposed small lot subdivisions shall be clearly identified as such on the tentative map.
(E) Development standards.
(1) Lot area.
(a) The minimum lot area in a small lot subdivision is 2,000 square feet.
(b) The maximum lot area in a small lot subdivision is 4,999 square feet except an existing primary residence, including accessory structures located on the same resultant lot as the primary residence, is not limited to the 4,999 square foot maximum.
(2) Minimum setbacks.
(a) There are no minimum setbacks from lot lines within a small lot subdivision that do not abut a lot outside of the small lot subdivision. See Figure 332-1.
(b) Setbacks from lot lines that abut a property outside of the small lot subdivision are as required by the applicable zoning district.
Figure 332-1: Small Lot Subdivision Setbacks
(3) Lot access. Newly created lots must comply with street frontage and access standards in § 155.308.010(C) (Street Frontage and Access). For lots without direct vehicle access from a street or alley, utility access easements must be granted to the city. See Figure 332-2.
(4) Parking.
(a) On-site parking is required consistent with § 155.324 (Parking); except that, the Director may waive the on-site parking requirement with an Administrative Adjustment for lots without street or alley frontage where it is physically impossible for a vehicle to access a lot.
(b) To approve the administrative adjustment, the Director must make the findings in § 155.412.030(F) (Findings for Approval) and the following additional findings:
1. It is physically impossible to provide vehicular access to the lot due to the location of existing structures; or
2. Proposed development on the lot cannot be reasonably reconfigured in any way that would allow for vehicular access to the lot.
Figure 332-2: Lot Access
(5) Other standards. Except for minimum setbacks, small lot subdivisions are subject to all development standards (e.g., height, FAR, site coverage) in the applicable zoning district.
(F) Subdivision configurations.
(2) Example configurations. Figures 332-3 and 332-4 illustrate example lot configuration and building placement permitted in small lot subdivisions. Other configurations are permitted, provided they comply with the requirements of this section.
Figure 332-3: Small Lot Subdivision Example Configurations - Interior Lots
Figure 332-4: Small Lot Subdivision Example Configurations - Corner Lots
(Ord. 885-C.S., passed 5-21-19; Am. Ord. 931-C.S., passed 2-15-22)