Chapter 18.10
LOW-DENSITY RESIDENTIAL (RE, R-2 and RMD) DISTRICTS

Sections:

   18.10.010   Purposes

   18.10.020   Applicable Regulations

   18.10.030   Land Uses

   18.10.040   Development Standards

   18.10.050   Permitted Encroachments, Projections and Exceptions

   18.10.060   Parking

   18.10.070   Accessory and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units

   18.10.080   Accessory Uses and Facilities

   18.10.090   Basements

   18.10.100   Standards for Agricultural Uses

   18.10.110   Home Improvement Exceptions

   18.10.120   Architectural Review

   18.10.130   Historical Review

   18.10.140   Neighborhood Preservation Combining District (NP) Standards

   18.10.150   Grandfathered Uses

18.10.010 Purposes

   Three low-density residential districts are defined in this chapter. Requirements for the single-family residential (R-1) district and related subdistricts and combining districts are included in Chapter 18.12. The specific purpose of each low-density residential district is stated below:

   (a)   Residential Estate District [RE]

   The RE residential estate district is intended to create and maintain single-family living areas characterized by compatibility with the natural terrain and native vegetation. The RE district provides locations for residential, limited agricultural, and open space activities most suitably located in areas of very low density or rural qualities. Accessory dwelling unit(s) and accessory structures or buildings are appropriate where consistent with the site and neighborhood character. Community uses and facilities should be limited unless no net loss of housing units would result.

   (b)   Two Family Residential District [R-2]

   The R-2 two-family residence district is intended to allow a second dwelling unit under the same ownership as the initial dwelling unit on appropriate sites in areas designated for single-family use by the Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan, under regulations that preserve the essential character of single-family use. Community uses and facilities should be limited unless no net loss of housing would result.

   (c)   Two Unit Multiple-Family Residential District [RMD]

   The RMD two-unit multiple-family residence district is intended to allow a second dwelling unit under the same ownership as the initial dwelling unit on appropriate sites in areas designated for multiple-family use by the Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan. The RMD district is intended to minimize incentives to replace existing single-family dwellings, maintain existing neighborhood character and increase the variety of housing opportunities available within the community. The maximum density in this zone shall not exceed seventeen dwelling units per acre.

(Ord. 5412 § 3, 2017: Ord. 4875 § 2 (part), 2005)

18.10.020 Applicable Regulations

   The specific regulations of this chapter and the additional regulations and procedures established by Chapters 18.52 to 18.80 inclusive shall apply to all low-density residential districts. Such regulations shall apply to construction of two units on an RE-zoned lot pursuant to California Government Code Section 65852.21 (SB 9, 2021), except as modified by Section 18.42.180.

(Ord. 5542 § 2, 2022: Ord. 5538 § 2, 2021: Ord. 4875 § 2 (part), 2005)

18.10.030 Land Uses

   Table 1 shows the permitted and conditionally permitted uses for the low-density residential districts.

   TABLE 1
PERMITTED AND CONDITIONALLY PERMITTED LOW-DENSITY RESIDENTIAL USES

[P = Permitted Use -- CUP = Conditional Use Permit Required]

	R-E	R-2	RMD	Subject to Regulations in:
ACCESSORY AND SUPPORT USES
Accessory facilities and uses customarily incidental to permitted uses (no limit on number of plumbing fixtures)	P	P	P	18.10.080
Home Occupations, when accessory to permitted residential uses.	P	P	P	18.42.060
Horticulture, gardening, and growing of food products for consumption by occupants of the site.	P	P	P
Sale of agricultural products produced on the premises (1)	P			18.10.110
Accessory Dwelling Units	P	P	P	18.09
Junior Accessory Dwelling Units	P	P(2)	P(2)	18.09
AGRICULTURE AND OPEN SPACE USES
Agriculture	P			18.10.110
EDUCATIONAL, RELIGIOUS, AND ASSEMBLY USES
Private Educational Facilities	CUP	CUP	CUP
Religious Congregations and Institutions	CUP	CUP	CUP
PUBLIC/QUASI-PUBLIC USES
Community Centers	CUP	CUP	CUP
Utility Facilities essential to provision of utility services to the neighborhood, but excluding business offices, construction or storage yards, maintenance facilities, or corporation yards.	CUP	CUP	CUP
RECREATION USES
Neighborhood Recreational Centers			CUP
Outdoor Recreation Services	CUP	CUP
RESIDENTIAL USES
Single-Family	P	P	P
Two-Family use, under one ownership	P (4)	P	P
Mobile Homes	P	P	P	18.42.100
Residential Care Homes	P	P	P
RETAIL USES
Cemeteries	CUP
Commercial Plant Nurseries	CUP
SERVICE USES
Convalescent Facilities	CUP
Day Care Centers	CUP	CUP	CUP
Small Adult Day Care Homes	P	P	P
Large Adult Day Care Homes	CUP	CUP	CUP
Small Family Day Care Homes	P	P	P
Large Family Day Care Homes	P	P	P
Bed & Breakfast Inns			P(3)
P = Permitted Use		CUP = Conditional Use Permit Required

 

   (1)   Sale of Agricultural Products: No permanent commercial structures for the sale or processing of agricultural products are permitted.

   (2)   Junior Accessory Dwelling Units in R-2 and RMD Zones: A Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit is permitted only in conjunction with a single-family residence, subject to the provisions of Chapter 18.09.

   (3)   Bed and Breakfast Inns: Bed and breakfast inns are limited to no more than 4 units (including the owner/resident's unit) in the RMD district.

   (4)   Two Unit Development Pursuant to California Government Code Section 65852.21 (SB 9, 2021): Construction of two units is permitted on an RE-zoned lot, subject to the regulations in Section 18.42.180.

(Ord. 5587 § 4, 2023: Ord. 5574 § 3, 2023: Ord. 5542 § 3, 2022: Ord. 5538 § 3, 2021: Ord. 5412 § 4, 2017: Ord. 4875 § 2 (part), 2005)