(Added by Ord. No. 179,883, Eff. 6/29/08.)
A. Purpose. This section sets forth procedures and guidelines for the establishment of “RFA” Residential Floor Area Districts in residential areas of the City. The purpose of the “RFA” Residential Floor Area District is to permit residential floor area maximums in residential zones to be higher or lower than normally permitted by this Code in areas where the proposed district will further enhance the existing scale of homes and help to preserve the existing character of the neighborhood as effectively as the residential floor area limitations established in this Code; and where the increased or decreased residential floor area maximums will be consistent with the policies and objectives set forth in the applicable Community Plan.
B. Establishment of the District. The procedures set forth in Sec. 13B.1.4. (Zone Change) of Chapter 1A
of this Code shall be followed, however each “RFA” Residential Floor Area District shall include only properties in the RA, RE, RS, or R1 zones. The district shall not generally be less than 100 acres in area. The precise boundary of a district may be adjusted for urban features such as topography, freeways or streets / highways. Boundaries shall be along street frontages and shall not split parcels. An “RFA” Residential Floor Area District may encompass an area, which is designated, in whole or in part, as a Historic Preservation Overlay Zone and/or Specific Plan. The “RFA” Residential Floor Area District shall include contiguous parcels, which may only be separated by public streets, ways or alleys or other physical features, or as set forth in the rules approved by the Director of Planning. Precise boundaries are required at the time of application for or initiation of an individual district. (Amended by Ord. No. 187,712, Eff. 1/23/23, Oper. 1/22/24; Ord. No. 187,930, Eff. 7/7/23.)
C. Development Regulations. The Department of Building and Safety shall not issue a building permit for a residential structure within an “RFA” Residential Floor Area District unless the residential structure conforms to the regulations set forth in a specific “RFA” Residential Floor Area District. The development regulations for each “RFA” Residential Floor Area District shall be determined at the time the district is established. The development regulations shall enhance the character of the district.