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Chapter 17.70 — R-7 ZONE (HIGHEST DENSITY RESIDENTIAL)

Idyllwild Zoning Code · 2026-06 edition · updated 2026-07-06 · Idyllwild

Chapter 17.70 - R-7 ZONE (HIGHEST DENSITY RESIDENTIAL)[[2]]

Sections:

Footnotes:

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Editor's note— Ord. No. 348.4950, § 10, adopted March 2, 2021, amended chapter 17.70 in its entirety to read as herein set out. Former chapter 17.70, §§ 17.70.010—17.70.040, pertained to similar subject matter, and derived from Ord. No. 348.4840, § 1, 12-6-2016.

17.70.010 - Purpose and intent.

The purpose of this article is to establish the highest density residential (R-7) zone. The intent of the R-7 zone is to implement the highest density residential land use designation of the general plan in an effort to accommodate the county's regional housing needs assessment (RHNA) allocation.

(Ord. No. 348.4950, § 10(8.301), 3-2-2021)

17.70.020 - Permitted uses.

A.

The following uses shall be permitted in the R-7 zone:

1.

One-family dwelling on an existing legal lot.

2.

Home occupations.

3.

Multiple family dwellings.

Community gardens.

B.

The following uses shall be permitted provided a plot plan has been approved pursuant to the provisions of chapter 17.216 of this ordinance:

1.

Boarding, rooming and lodging houses.

2.

Child day care centers.

3.

Churches, temples and other places of religious worship.

4.

Libraries, museums and art galleries.

5.

Public and private parks and playgrounds.

C.

The following uses shall be permitted provided a conditional use permit has been approved pursuant to the provisions of chapter 17.200 of this ordinance:

1.

Mobile home parks.

D.

Any use not specifically listed in subsection B. or C. may be considered a permitted or conditionally permitted use provided that the planning director finds that the proposed use is substantially the same in character and intensity as those listed in the designated subsections. Such a use is subject to the permit process which governs the category in which it falls.

(Ord. No. 348.4950, § 10(8.302), 3-2-2021)

17.70.030 - Development standards in the R-7 zone.

A.

Lot size. There is no minimum lot size.

B.

Lot width. There is no minimum lot width.

C.

Lot depth. There is no minimum lot depth.

D.

Frontage. There is no minimum frontage.

E.

Height. The maximum height of any buildings or structures shall be no greater than seventy-five (75) feet.

F.

Screening. All roof-mounted equipment, excluding solar panels, shall be screened from the ground elevation view to a minimum sight distance of six hundred sixty (660) feet for residential buildings and one thousand three hundred twenty (1,320) feet for non-residential buildings.

G.

Lot coverage. There is no maximum lot coverage.

H.

Front setback. There is no front setback requirement, except for one-family dwellings or associated structure(s), which shall have a minimum front setback of no less than twenty-five (25) feet.

I.

Side setback. There is no side setback requirement, except for the following:

1.

One-family dwellings or associated structure(s) shall have a minimum side setback of no less than five feet.

2.

For lots zoned R-7 that abut lots zoned R-R, R-A, R-1 and R-1-A, the minimum side setback shall be no less than five feet.

J.

Rear setback. There is no rear setback requirement, except for the following:

1.

One-family dwellings or associated structure(s) shall have a minimum rear setback of no less than fifteen (15) feet.

2.

For lots zoned R-7 that abut lots zoned R-R, R-A, R-1 and R-1-A, the minimum rear setback shall be no less than fifteen (15) feet.

K.

Open space.

1.

Any development with more than ten (10) multiple family dwelling units shall provide at least one hundred (100) square feet of common use area (CUA) for each unit above ten (10) units. A CUA is a recreational open space area, such as a park, sport field, pool, gym, or passive recreational area, associated with and located on the same lot or lots as the primary use. A reduction in this requirement may be applied pursuant to the following:

a.

A five percent reduction for developments that provide more than two hundred (200) dwelling units.

b.

A five percent reduction for developments that provide housing for very low, low or moderate income households, as defined in the Riverside County's General Plan Housing Element, with applicable affordability restrictions.

2.

Any development with multiple family dwelling units shall provide at least fifty (50) square feet of private open space (POA) per unit. A POA is a private usable open space area, such as a patio or balcony, which is not encumbered with structures and is attached to the primary dwelling unit.

L.

Site requirements.

1.

Refuse and recyclable material storage area. A refuse and recyclable material storage area shall be provided for any new development, or existing development that will add thirty (30) percent or more units or floor area. This area must be fully enclosed and have adequate separation from any habitable areas. This area shall be screened using landscape or architectural features.

2.

Encroachments. No setback or yard encroachments are permitted, except as provided in section 17.172.140 of this ordinance.

Lighting. All onsite lighting shall be focused, directed, or arranged to prevent glare or direct illumination on adjacent residential uses.

4.

Parking. Off-street parking shall be provided pursuant to chapter 17.188 of this ordinance.

5.

Landscape. There is no minimum landscape area requirement.

(Ord. No. 348.4950, § 10(8.303), 3-2-2021)

17.70.040 - Development design and phasing.

A.

Phasing plan. For phased developments, a site development phasing plan shall be submitted with the land use application or design review application and include maps, exhibits and a description of the following: phasing for development and infrastructure, and the development of multi-modal transportation connectivity with the neighborhood and adjoining community areas.

B.

Design review. For multiple family dwellings, a site design plan shall be submitted to the Planning Director for review and shall include the following:

1.

Site plan with building footprint.

2.

Floor plans.

3.

Landscape plan, as necessary.

4.

Wall and fencing plan.

5.

Elevation plan.

6.

Architectural design.

Photometric plan, as necessary.

8.

Traffic analysis.

C.

Public review period. A thirty-day public review period shall be provided prior to the planning director considering the site design plan submitted for multiple family dwellings. Notice of the public review period shall be given in the same manner as provided in Section 18.26.c. subsections (2), (4), (5), (6) and (7) of this ordinance. The notice shall include the mailing address to send comments to, the dates for the public review period, location where the site design plan may be reviewed, and explain that the public may comment on the site design plan for the multiple family dwellings.

D.

Design approval. The above referenced site design plan shall be approved by the planning director if the site design plan is consistent with all of the following:

1.

The Riverside County General Plan;

2.

This ordinance;

3.

The countywide design guidelines;

4.

There is no specific, adverse impact upon the public health or safety. A specific adverse impact means a significant, quantifiable, direct, and unavoidable impact, based on objective, identified written public health or safety standards, policies or conditions as they existed on the date the application was deemed complete; or

5.

If there is a specific adverse impact upon the public health or safety, the development has been conditioned to develop at a lower density which removes the specific adverse impact.

E.

Approval period. An applicant of a site design plan shall obtain building permits within two years of the site design approval for any multiple family dwellings, pursuant to this section. The planning director may grant a request for a one-year extension of time of this requirement, if the request is submitted by the applicant at

least six months prior to the expiration of the original time limit with the appropriate fee. If an extension is granted, the total time allowed for a site design plan approval shall not exceed three years.

(Ord. No. 348.4950, § 10(8.304), 3-2-2021)

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Contents — Idyllwild Zoning Code
Idyllwild Zoning Code
  1. Chapter 17.04 — COUNTY LAND USE
  2. Chapter 17.08 — GENERAL PLAN AND SPECIFIC PLANS
  3. Chapter 17.12 — ZONE CLASSIFICATIONS AND DISTRICTS
  4. Chapter 17.16 — R-R RURAL RESIDENTIAL ZONE
  5. Chapter 17.20 — R-R-O RURAL RESIDENTIAL, OUTDOOR ADVERTISING Z…
  6. Chapter 17.24 — R-1 ONE-FAMILY DWELLING ZONE
  7. Chapter 17.28 — R-1A ONE-FAMILY DWELLINGS, MOUNTAIN RESORT ZONE
  8. Chapter 17.32 — R-A RESIDENTIAL AGRICULTURAL ZONE
  9. Chapter 17.36 — R-2 MULTIPLE-FAMILY DWELLING ZONE
  10. Chapter 17.40 — R-2A LIMITED MULTIPLE-FAMILY DWELLING ZONE
  11. Chapter 17.44 — R-3 GENERAL RESIDENTIAL ZONE
  12. Chapter 17.48 — R-3A VILLAGE TOURIST RESIDENTIAL ZONE
  13. Chapter 17.52 — R-T MOBILEHOME SUBDIVISIONS AND MOBILEHOME PAR…
  14. Chapter 17.56 — R-T-R MOBILEHOME SUBDIVISION, RURAL ZONE
  15. Chapter 17.60 — R-4 PLANNED RESIDENTIAL ZONE
  16. Chapter 17.64 — R-5 OPEN AREA COMBINING ZONE, RESIDENTIAL DEVE…
  17. Chapter 17.67 — SP ZONE REQUIREMENTS AND STANDARDS FOR SPECIFI…
  18. Chapter 17.68 — R-6 RESIDENTIAL INCENTIVE ZONE
  19. Chapter 17.70 — R-7 ZONE (HIGHEST DENSITY RESIDENTIAL)
  20. Chapter 17.72 — C-1 AND C-P GENERAL COMMERCIAL ZONES
  21. Chapter 17.73 — SP ZONE REQUIREMENTS AND STANDARDS FOR SPECIFI…
  22. Chapter 17.76 — SP ZONE REQUIREMENTS AND STANDARDS FOR SPECIFI…
  23. Chapter 17.78 — SP ZONE REQUIREMENTS AND STANDARDS FOR SPECIFI…
  24. Chapter 17.79 — C-T ZONE (TOURIST COMMERCIAL)
  25. Chapter 17.80 — C-P-S SCENIC HIGHWAY COMMERCIAL ZONE
  26. Chapter 17.82 — SP ZONE REQUIREMENTS AND STANDARDS FOR
  27. Chapter 17.84 — C-R RURAL COMMERCIAL ZONE
  28. Chapter 17.88 — C-O COMMERCIAL OFFICE ZONE
  29. Chapter 17.90 — SP ZONE REQUIREMENTS AND STANDARDS FOR SPECIFI…
  30. Chapter 17.92 — R-VC RUBIDOUX-VILLAGE COMMERCIAL ZONE
  31. Chapter 17.94 — MU ZONE (MIXED USE)
  32. Chapter 17.96 — I-P INDUSTRIAL PARK ZONE
  33. Chapter 17.97 — SP ZONE REQUIREMENTS AND STANDARDS FOR SPECIFI…
  34. Chapter 17.100 — M-SC MANUFACTURING-SERVICE COMMERCIAL ZONE
  35. Chapter 17.104 — M-M MANUFACTURING-MEDIUM ZONE
  36. Chapter 17.105 — SP ZONE REQUIREMENTS AND STANDARDS FOR SPECIF…
  37. Chapter 17.106 — SP ZONE REQUIREMENTS AND STANDARDS FOR SPECIF…
  38. Chapter 17.107 — SP ZONE REQUIREMENTS AND STANDARDS FOR SPECIF…
  39. Chapter 17.108 — M-H MANUFACTURING-HEAVY ZONE
  40. Chapter 17.109 — SP ZONE REQUIREMENTS AND STANDARDS FOR SPECIF…
  41. Chapter 17.110 — SP ZONE REQUIREMENTS AND STANDARDS FOR SPECIF…
  42. Chapter 17.111 — SP ZONE REQUIREMENTS AND STANDARDS FOR SPECIF…
  43. Chapter 17.112 — SP ZONE REQUIREMENTS AND STANDARDS FOR SPECIF…
  44. Chapter 17.113 — M-R MINERAL RESOURCES ZONE
  45. Chapter 17.114 — SP ZONE REQUIREMENTS AND STANDARDS FOR SPECIF…
  46. Chapter 17.115 — MIXED USE OVERLAYS
  47. Chapter 17.116 — M-R-A MINERAL RESOURCES AND RELATED MANUFACTU…
  48. Chapter 17.120 — A-1 LIGHT AGRICULTURE ZONE
  49. Chapter 17.123 — SP ZONE REQUIREMENTS AND STANDARDS FOR SPECIF…
  50. Chapter 17.124 — A-P LIGHT AGRICULTURE WITH POULTRY ZONE
  51. Chapter 17.128 — A-2 HEAVY AGRICULTURE ZONE
  52. Chapter 17.132 — A-D AGRICULTURE-DAIRY ZONE
  53. Chapter 17.136 — C/V CITRUS/VINEYARD ZONE
  54. Chapter 17.140 — C-C/V COMMERCIAL CITRUS/VINEYARD ZONE
  55. Chapter 17.142 — WINE COUNTRY ZONES (WC)
  56. Chapter 17.144 — W-2 CONTROLLED DEVELOPMENT AREAS ZONE
  57. Chapter 17.148 — R-D REGULATED DEVELOPMENT AREAS ZONE
  58. Chapter 17.152 — N-A NATURAL ASSETS ZONE
  59. Chapter 17.156 — W-2-M CONTROLLED DEVELOPMENT AREA WITH MOBILE…
  60. Chapter 17.160 — W-1 WATERCOURSE, WATERSHED AND CONSERVATION A…
  61. Chapter 17.164 — W-E WIND ENERGY RESOURCE ZONE
  62. Chapter 17.168 — SP SPECIFIC PLAN ZONE
  63. Chapter 17.172 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
  64. Chapter 17.176 — SPECIAL STUDIES ZONES—GEOLOGIC REPORT REQUIRE…
  65. Chapter 17.180 — STANDARDS FOR PLANNED RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS
  66. Chapter 17.188 — OFF-STREET VEHICLE PARKING STANDARDS
  67. Chapter 17.192 — PERMIT APPLICATIONS
  68. Chapter 17.196 — VARIANCES
  69. Chapter 17.200 — CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS
  70. Chapter 17.206 — CROWING FOWL PERMITS
  71. Chapter 17.208 — PUBLIC USE PERMITS
  72. Chapter 17.212 — FAMILY DAY CARE HOMES
  73. Chapter 17.216 — PLOT PLANS
  74. Chapter 17.220 — REVOCATION OF VARIANCES AND PERMITS
  75. Chapter 17.224 — COMMERCIAL WIND ENERGY CONVERSION SYSTEMS (WE…
  76. Chapter 17.228 — MODIFICATIONS TO APPROVED PERMITS
  77. Chapter 17.232 — HAZARDOUS WASTE FACILITY SITING PERMIT
  78. Chapter 17.236 — KENNELS AND CATTERIES
  79. Chapter 17.240 — MINI-WAREHOUSES
  80. Chapter 17.244 — RECYCLING FACILITIES
  81. Chapter 17.248 — ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE SALES
  82. Chapter 17.252 — ADVERTISING REGULATIONS
  83. Chapter 17.254 — TERMPORARY SIGNS
  84. Chapter 17.256 — TEMPORARY EVENTS
  85. Chapter 17.260 — MOBILEHOMES
  86. Chapter 17.264 — MOBILEHOME PARKS IN RESIDENTIAL ZONES
  87. Chapter 17.268 — RECREATIONAL VEHICLE PARKS
  88. Chapter 17.272 — COMMUNITY CARE FACILITIES
  89. Chapter 17.276 — WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE REQUIREMENTS
  90. Chapter 17.277 — WIRELESS FACILITIES
  91. Chapter 17.280 — AMENDMENTS AND CHANGE OF ZONE
  92. Chapter 17.284 — ENCROACHMENT PERMITS
  93. Chapter 17.288 — METAL SHIPPING CONTAINERS
  94. Chapter 17.290 — PAROLEE-PROBATIONER HOMES
  95. Chapter 17.291 — COTTAGE FOOD OPERATIONS
  96. Chapter 17.292 — BERMUDA DUNES NEIGHBORHOOD PRESERVATION OVERL…
  97. Chapter 17.294 — ADDITIONAL RESIDENTIAL ACCOMMODATIONS
  98. Chapter 17.296 — SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS
  99. Chapter 17.298 — UNATTENDED DONATION BINS
  100. Chapter 17.300 — Mobile Food Trucks
  101. Chapter 17.302 — COMMERCIAL CANNABIS ACTIVITIES
  102. Chapter 17.306 — INDUSTRIAL HEMP ACTIVITIES
  103. Chapter 17.310 — SINGLE ROOM OCCUPANCY UNITS
  104. Chapter 17.314 — HOUSING ALTERNATIVES
  105. Chapter 17.318 — RANCHO COMMUNITY EVENT FACILITIES

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