The following standards and parameters are provided to ensure a level of quality that must be complied with or satisfied in all planned residential developments (PRD). In addition to the general provisions of the underlying zone and Chapter 16.16 (Combining and Overlay Districts), a PRD shall comply with the following standards. Parameters are provided to allow flexibility by providing options for implementing specific standards. In order to meet a certain standard, one or a combination of parameters shall be incorporated in the project’s design. In some instances, there will be no parameter(s) identified for a particular standard and this will be noted.
A. Site Planning. The following standards and parameters deal with the internal organization of planned residential developments. The intent of the standards and parameters is to ensure that the relation-ships of units to each other and to other on-site uses are functional, attractive, and create a visual variety along the project's streets.
1. Lot Layout.
a. Standard: A project may be designed using one, two or all three of the lot designs within the project. Attached single-family units with up three units within a building may be option as well for any of the three lot designs with implementation of a modified typical interior setback(s) (See Table 16.16-2 “PRD General Development Standards” for additional details). All other PRD standards would apply for this type of attached configuration. The standards that apply to any given lot will depend upon where access to the garage is obtained. A neo-traditional (Refer to Diagram 16.16-1) lot will have garage access from the front of the house to the project local street. Cluster courtyards and alley access lots will have garage access to the side of the house from either a courtyard or an alley.
Parameters:
1) The neo-traditional development consists of detached single-family dwellings on individuals lots. Lots are of approximately equal size, and are placed adjacent to one another throughout the entire project area. Common open space areas are dispersed throughout the project. A two-car garage shall be provided for each unit.
2) The courtyard cluster or alley access development layout (Refer to Diagram 16.16-2) permits a reduction in lot area, resulting in an increase in the overall density of the project. Single-family homes are clustered around an access courtyard or provided with rear alley access, Garages have access from the courtyard or from the alley. Common usable open space areas are provided throughout the project. Private fenced patio area is provided for each unit. A two-car garage shall be provided for each unit.
Diagram 16.16-2 – Courtyard Cluster and Alley Access Development Lot Configuration – Single-Family Home Typical Layout
2. Parking.
a. Standard: All units shall have at least two full-size enclosed residential parking spaces. A three -car garage is not permitted, unless the third space is located within a tandem configuration.
Parameters: None.
b. Standard: Driveways for a neo-traditional lot design shall be large enough to provide for additional off-street parking. Driveway length is measured from back of sidewalk, or back of curb where there is no sidewalk.
Parameters:
1) Driveways for neo-traditional lots shall have a minimum of twenty (20) feet in length.
c. Standard: Visitor parking shall be provided. Standards set forth in Section 16.34.040 regarding the number of spaces to be provided shall be followed.
Parameters:
1) On-street parallel parking on project streets may satisfy this requirement. On-street parallel parking on at least one side of the street is strongly encouraged. If the project lacks adequate on-street parking, additional parking bays dispersed throughout the project shall be provided.
d. Standard: Additional parking spaces, in excess of the required visitor parking, at a ratio of one space per ten units included in the entire project, shall be provided at the primary recreation facility.
Parameters: None.
3. Common Recreational Space.
a. Standard: Open space areas designed for common recreation use shall be provided for all residential developments at a ratio of four hundred twenty-five (425) square feet per unit for neo- traditional units and seven hundred fifty (750) square feet per unit for courtyard cluster or alley access units.
Parameters: None.
b. Standard: Specifically excluded from meeting the common usable open/recreational space requirement are driveways, parking areas, fenced areas, which are inaccessible to residents, areas with slopes of fifteen (15) percent or greater, and any other areas deemed not to be primarily used for open recreational purposes by the planning commission or city council.
Parameters: None.
c. Standard: For all projects, common usable space areas shall be designed so that a horizontal rectangle inscribed within it has no dimension less than ten feet.
Parameters: None.
d. Standard: Residential projects with twenty-five (25) to seventy-four (74) units shall provide at least one common, active recreation area with a minimum size of four thousand (4,000) square feet, to meet a portion of these requirements. Residential projects with seventy-five (75) units or more shall provide at least two common, active recreation areas with a minimum size of four thousand (4,000) square feet or one area with a minimum size of eight thousand square feet to meet a portion of these requirements.
Parameters: None.
e. Standard: Each recreation area shall provide amenities to commensurate with the project's unit count and expected residents.
Parameters: Examples include swimming pool, jungle gym, sand pit, basketball court, sand volleyball court, swing set, barbeques and picnic tables.
4. Streets.
a. Standard: Private streets are required within a planned residential development, provided their width and geometric design must be related to the function, topography and needs of the development, and their structural design, pavement and construction must comply with the requirement of the city’s street improvement standards.
Parameters: None.
b. Standard: Private streets may incorporate one of the following parameters:
Parameters:
1) Streets with two lanes and parking on both sides, shall have a minimum width of thirty- six (36) feet.
2) Streets with two lanes and parking on one side, shall have a minimum width of thirty-two (32) feet.
3) Streets with two lanes and no parking shall have a minimum width of twenty-eight (28) feet.
4) Alleys which are not considered fire lanes by the fire official, may have a minimum width of twenty-four (24) feet.
c. Standard: No parking shall be permitted on private alleys.
Parameters: None.
d. Standard: Streets with curves or jogs at intervals of no more than three hundred (300) feet are strongly encouraged in all PRDs to enhance the visual quality of the streetscape.
Parameters: None.
5. Setbacks.
a. Front Yards on Streets: Front yard setbacks along private streets shall be varied throughout the project. Alternative placement of homes and garages closer to and farther back from the street create different patterns of open space along the street edge and break up an otherwise monotonous view of houses built along the same setback. The project may achieve this by incorporating one of the following parameters:
Parameters:
1) Varying architectural features, such as bay windows, porches, and side-loaded garages.
2) No more than two adjacent residences shall incorporate the same setback.
b. Yards Abutting Common Open Space: Courtyard clusters and alley access units may have entries that face common open space. In this case, a minimum five-foot setback shall be provided to the lot line. When the private patio area abuts common open space, no setback is required to the patio wall or fence.
c. Garage Setbacks: Garages taking access from a courtyard or alley must have garage doors set back between two to five feet, or at least twenty (20) feet. Setbacks between five and twenty (20) feet are specifically prohibited to preclude parking in front of garage doors without adequate depth to accommodate the car.
6. Private Open Space.
a. Standard: Each lot shall contain a private outdoor yard and/or patio area enclosed by a wall or fence. This area shall be usable for the exclusive use of the residents of the lot.
Parameters:
1) For neo-traditional lots, the required rear yard area shall include a level private outdoor area of at least six hundred(600) square feet in area with a minimum dimension of fifteen (15) feet(See “Table 16.16-2 PRD General Development Standards” for the two neo-traditional types and additional criteria).
2) For cluster courtyards or alley access lots, a level private outdoor area of an area of three hundred fifty (350) square feet, with a minimum dimension of ten feet, shall be provided on each lot. This area may be located in the front of the unit, between the unit and a detached garage, or within the side yard setback.
3) The private exterior area where proposed mechanical equipment (i.e. air conditioning condensing units, etc.) is proposed shall not count towards the required square footage.
7. Recreational Vehicle Storage.
a. Standard: All projects containing twenty-five (25) units or more shall provide space to store campers, trailers, boats, etc. The storage space shall be located in specifically designated areas, and be made available for the exclusive use of the residents of the planned development.
Parameters:
1) The area provided for recreational vehicle storage shall be equal to at least twenty (20) square feet for each unit.
b. Standard: One space per ten dwelling units at a size of two hundred (200) square feet for each required space.
Parameters: None.
c. Standard: The required storage space shall be adequately screened from all residences and adjoining properties.
Parameters:
1) A view-obscuring wall may be constructed between the open parking area and the adjacent residences.
2) Landscaping techniques may be used to screen the open parking area from the adjacent residences.
B. Parkland Dedication.
a. Standard: Each project will be required to fulfill one hundred (100) percent of Quimby Act requirements. No credits will be provided for private open space.
Parameters: None.
C. Lighting.
a. Standard: Lighting shall be provided on-site consistent with city standards for pedestrian safety, vehicular safety, and for security purposes.
Parameters: None.
D. Utilities.
a. Standard: There shall be separate utility systems for each unit.
Parameters: None.
E. Landscaping.
1. Walls and Fences.
a. Standard: The project shall follow wall and fence guidelines found in Chapter 16.08 of the Murrieta development code.
Parameters: None.
2. Project Entry.
a. Standard: All projects shall provide a project entry. The minimum parameters are required:
Parameters:
1) The use of landscaping to create themes which will continue throughout the project.
2) The use of decorative paving in order to enhance the entry to the residential project.
3) Wall signs which identify the project.
b. Standard: At least one of the following “sense of place” components:
Parameters:
1) Incorporation of water features such as fountains and/or small pools pursuant to State requirements regulating water usage.
2) The use of a thematic vertical elements at the main entrance.
3) The use of decorative benches and other types of exterior seating which are thematic to the project.
F. Homeowner's Association.
a. Standard: All projects shall create a homeowner's association in order to address maintenance of the common open space. The CC&Rs for the project will be subject to review and approval of the city attorney.
Parameters: None.
G. Home Types and Styles.
a. Standard: A minimum of fifteen (15) percent of the residences within a PRD may be required by the city to be one-story, with a height not exceeding twenty (20) feet.
Parameters: None.
b. Standard: Additional front and/or side yard setbacks may be required by the city for two-story homes within a PRD.
Parameters: None.
c. Standard: Varied architectural styles and/or exterior materials may be required by the city for the homes within a PRD.
Parameters: None.
(Ord. 574-22, Exhibit B-3 (part), 2022; Ord. 538, Exhibit A (part), 2018; Ord. 293 § 1 (part), 2004; Ord. 252 (part), 2002)