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Title 17›Chapter 4

Shafter Zoning Code § 4.30 Use Regulations for Residential Districts

Shafter Zoning Code · 2026-06 edition · updated 2026-09-09 · Shafter

Cite as: Shafter Zoning Code § 4.30 · Text as of 2026-09-09

  1. Table 4.A of this Chapter identifies those land uses or activities that may be permitted in each of the residential zone districts, subject to the provisions of this Chapter, other provisions of this Title, and applicable General Plan Policies. Table 4.A also identifies, by zone district, those land uses and activities that are permitted, are permitted subject to an approved conditional use permit, or are prohibited.

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Table 4.A Uses Permitted Within Residential Districts

Legend

  • Not Permitted in This District

  • P Permitted Subject to Consistency Assessment

  • C Permitted Subject to Approval of a Conditional Use Permit Application

USE E R-E R-1 R-2 R-3
A. RESIDENTIALUSES
1. Single Family Dwelling
a. One Single Family Dwelling
b. Second Single Family Dwelling (per Section 11.200 of
this Title)
c. Reasonable accommodation under the Fair Housing Acts
per Section 2.80(3)		 P
P
P		 P
P
P		 P
P
P		 P
P
P
P
P
2. Multifamily Dwellings
a. Maximum of three (3) units in a single building on any lot
or a maximum of two (2) detached residential structures
on the same lot.
b. More than three (3) units in a single building on any lot or
more than two (2) detached residential structures on the
same lot.
c. Reasonable accommodation under the Fair Housing Acts
per Section 2.80(3)
d. Multi-family dwellings proposed adjacent to existing
single family residential development or property zoned
for single family residential development shall be subject
to Section 2.80(3)and Section 2.140


P
P		 P
P



P
P		 P
P
3. Mobilehome Subdivision C C C C C
4. Mobilehome Park C C C C
5. Boarding/RoomingHouse(7 or more residents) C C
6. Senior Independent Living C C C C C
7. Board and Care Facility (12 or more residents) C C
8. Senior Congregate Care, Assisted Living C C C C
9. Convalescent Care C C C C
10. Bed and Breakfast Inn C C C C C
B. COMMERCIALUSES
1. Hotels, Motels C
2. Equestrian Centers, Riding Academies/Schools/Businesses,
and Commercial Stables
a. When associated with an equestrian subdivision		 C
C		 C
C
C

3. Fireworks Stand, subject to the provisions of Sect. 11.160 of
this Title		 P P P P P
4. Oil & Gas exploration andproduction C C C C C
5. Parking lots on a parcel adjacent to and for the use of a
commercialpropertywhere inadequateparkingexists.		 C C

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USE E R-E R-1 R-2 R-3
C. PUBLIC/QUASI-PUBLICUSES
1. DayCare Facilities(per State law) P P P P P
2. Post Office Branch C C C
3. Churches C C C C C
4. Clubs, Lodges, Fraternities/Sororities C C C C C
5. Educational Institutions(public andprivate) C C C C C
6. Fire and Police Stations C C C C C
7. Public Libraries and Museums C C
8. Public Parks and Recreation, unless project otherwise entails
apublic hearing, then Permitted.		 C C C C C
9. Public Utility and Public Service Substations, Reservoirs,
Drainage Sumps, Pumping Plants, Transmission Lines, and
similar installations not including Public Utility Offices, unless
project otherwise entails apublic hearing; then Permitted.		 C C C C C
10. Recreational Facilities (e.g. Country Clubs, Tennis and Swim
Clubs, Golf Courses), including Limited Commercial Uses
which are commonly associated with and directly related to
the PrimaryUse		 C C C C C
D. HOMEOCCUPATIONS
1. Home Occupations (Subject to the provisions of Section
11.170 and the issuance of a Home Occupation Permit)		 P P P P P
E. TEMPORARYUSES
1. Temporary Uses (Subject to the provisions of Section 2.90
and the issuance of a TemporaryUse Permit)		 P P P P P
F. ACCESSORYUSES
1. Accessory uses and structures located on the same site as a
permitted use		 P P P P P
2. Other accessory uses and structures located on the same site
as a usepermitted subject to a Conditional Use Permit		 C C C C C
3. Antennas and Satellite Dishes; subject to Section 11.80 of this
Title		 P P P P P
4. Accessory Dwelling Unit/Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit
(ADU/JADU) (per State Law)		 P P P P P
5. Private Garage P P P P P
6. Private SwimmingPool, Tennis Court P P P P P
7. Recreational Vehicle Storage Yard (Associated with
Residential Development)		 C C C C C
8. Feed and Tack Stores accessoryto Commercial Stables C
9. Dormitories accessoryto Educational Institutions C C C C C
10. Medical Cannabis Uses, as defined under Section 1.190 and
subject to the provision of Section 11.290, are prohibited in the
residential districts.
11. Marijuana Uses, as defined under Section 1.190 and subject
to the provisions of Section 11.30 are regulated in the
residential districts.

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USE E R-E R-1 R-2 R-3
G. Other uses similar to, and no more objectionable than the uses
provisions of Section 1.90 of this Title.		 identified above, subject to the

Table 4.B Residential Site Development Standards

E
(Large Lot)		 E R-E R-1 R-2 R-3
1.
Maximum density (dwelling units per acre)		 1.0 3.5 4.0 5.0 14.0 24.0
2.
Minimum lot area (Net
area in sq ft)
a. interior
b. corner		 40,000
(1 Acre Avg)
40,000
(1 Acre Avg)		 10,800
11,500		 7,500
8,385		 6.480
6,835		 9,000
9,385		 12,000
12,500
3.
Minimum lot width
a. interior lot
b. corner lot		 135'
(150' avg)
150'		 90'
100'		 70'
75'		 60'
65'		 75'
80'		 90'
100'
4.
Minimum lot depth
a.
If lot is less than 20,000 sq ft		 200'
---		 120'
100'		 100' 100'
---		 100'
---		 100'
---
5.
Minimum front yard set-back
a.
Lot adjacent to a straight street
b.
Lot less than 20,000 sq ft adjacent to straight st.
c.
Cul-de-sac lot or knuckle lot		 40'
---
40'		 25'
25'
20'		 25'
---
20'		 25'
---
20'		 20'
---
20'		 20'
---
20'
6.
Minimum interior side yard setback
a.
1 story
b.
Any portion of a structure exceeding 1 story
c.
Cul-de-sac lot or knuckle lot		 10'
10'
10'		 SEE NOTE
*******
10'
5'		 5'
10'
---		 5'
10'
---		 5'
10'
---		 5'
10'
---
7.
Minimum street side yard setback:
a.
corner lot
b.
reverse corner lot		 20'
30'		 10'
15'		 15'
15'		 10'
15'		 10'
15'		 10'
15'
8.
Minimum rear yard setback:
a.
Lot with alley
b.
Lot with no alley
c.
Lot less than 20,000 sq ft, with no alley		 N/A
40'
---		 15'
25'
15'		 5'
20'
---		 5'
15'
---		 5'
15'
---		 5'
15'
---
9.
Maximum lot coverage		 25% 30% 35% 40% 50% 60%
10. Maximum height for buildings and structures 35' 35' 35' 35' 35' 35'
11. Minimum dwelling unit size (square feet) 1,850 1,450 1,300 1,150 850 850

Notes:

  • E (Large Lot) refers only to a subdivision subject to the provisions of Sect. 9.070 of the City’s Subdivision Ordinance. Minimum lot width in E, R-E, R-1, and R-2 zone districts along the arc of the front property line shall be 35' for cul-de-sac lots and 40' for knuckle lots. Minimum lot width in an E (large lot) zone district along the arc of the front property line shall be 55' for cul-de-sac lots and 60' for knuckle lots.

  • Minimum building setback from the centerline of sub-standard streets shall be (a) 55' for R-1 lots, and (b) 65' for E lots.

  • A one-hour fire wall, approved by the Building Official, reduces the minimum distance between buildings as follows: (a) within a ' ' Planned Development, 0 ; (b) within all other zone districts, 5 .

  • Minimum apartment size is (a) studio, 450 sq. ft.; (b) 1-bedroom, 650 sq. ft.; and (c) 2-bedroom, 850 sq. ft.

  • In an R-1 subdivision with 13 or more lots, the following shall apply: (a) the average minimum house size shall be 1,325 sq. ft.; (b) 20% of the lots in any block may be reduced in width to 55 ft.; and (c) the average lot size for all interior lots shall be 6,500 sq. ft. * In an R-E subdivision with 13 or more lots, the average minimum house size shall be 1,500 sq. ft.

*** The minimum side yard setback shall be at least 5 feet, and the combination of both interior side yard setbacks added together shall not be less than 15 feet.

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  1. Special Use Regulations

    • a. Animals Within Residential Districts

It is the general intent of the City to permit the keeping of animals within the City without the creation of a nuisance to surrounding residents and visitors. Animals that may be kept within residential districts are identified in Section 11.40 of this Title. Animals not listed in Section 11.40 of this Title may be permitted in residential districts subject to City review and confirmation that a nuisance condition will not be created.

In addition to the provisions of Section 11.40 of this Title, all animals, excluding household pets, shall be kept a minimum distance of 50 feet from any street. The location of corrals, fenced enclosures, barns, stables or other enclosures used to confine all such animals shall also conform to this requirement.

  • b. In all residential districts, air conditioners, heating, cooling, ventilating, pool, spa, sauna, or similar mechanical equipment, as well as lighting or electrical devices, shall be located to minimize impact to the peace, quiet and comfort of neighboring residents and shall be screened, where possible, from surrounding properties and streets. All equipment shall be installed and operated in accordance with Chapter 10 of this Title and all other applicable City ordinances, standards, and regulations and shall be subject to approval by the Building Official prior to installation.

  • c. In R-1, R-2 and R-3 zone districts, for development of four (4) or more dwelling units, required front and street side yards shall be landscaped, and shall consist predominantly of drought tolerant plant materials except for necessary walks, drives and fences.

  • d. No portion of any building may protrude into the front setback unless the following conditions are met:

    • (1) Architectural projections, such as porch roofs, awnings, canopies, and roof overhangs, may project over the required front yard setback, but not more than ten percent (10%) thereof.

    • (2) Uncovered porches, platforms, or landing places that do not extend above the level of the first floor of the building may extend into any front yard not more than six (6) feet, an openwork railing not more than thirty (30) inches in height may be installed or constructed on any such porch, platform, or landing place.

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CHAPTER 4

  1. Additional Standards for Condominium, Townhouse, and Apartment Developments

    • a. All condominium and condominium conversion projects shall comply with the provisions of Section 10.50 (Condominiums and Condominium Conversions) of this Title.

    • b. Any proposal for a condominium conversion shall include a set of original construction plans for the building(s) as part of the initial application for conversion.

  • c. For all condominium conversions, an on-site inspection shall be made by staff from the Building, Engineering, Fire, and Planning Departments to determine whether the design criteria set forth in this Section has been met. Such inspections shall be made after the initial application but prior to any approval of the primary entitlement.

    • d. Condominium, townhouse, and apartment developments shall comply with the latest City adopted California Building Code, California Mechanical Code, California Plumbing Code, California Electrical Code, California Fire Code, and all other applicable codes, ordinances and regulations in effect.

    • e. Within for sale projects, including condominium conversions, separate utility services shall be provided to each dwelling unit.

    • f. When carports are provided for a condominium, townhouse, or apartment development, a minimum of 260 cubic feet of enclosed exterior storage space shall be required for each carport.

    • g. All permanent mechanical equipment, such as motors, compressors, pumps, and compactors, which is determined by the Building Official to be a source of structural vibration or structure borne noise, shall be shock-mounted with inertia blocks or bases and/or vibration isolators in a manner approved by the Building Official.

    • h. Where a multiple family dwelling, including incidental or required accessory uses, abuts property in an E or R-1 zone district, a masonry wall six feet in height shall be required along the property line between such use and the E or R-1 zone district.

    • i. The Planning Commission and/or City Council may require a greater setback as part of a Precise Plan of Design due to the size, width, or length of a building and its relationship to a street or intersection of two streets. In addition, a greater setback may be required to ensure compatibility with contiguous land uses.

      • (1) In the case of a dwelling structure designed with a patio above the first floor level, such patio shall be permitted to extend only a maximum of six (6) feet into the required side or rear yard

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setback area, provided the remaining distance between the patio and the property line is at least ten (10) feet.

  • (2) The required side or rear yard setback area may be used for patio purposes.

  • (3) The front yard setback area, as well as the side yard setback area when adjacent to a street, shall not be used for parking. Vehicular access to designated parking areas for the property shall be limited to driveways, as defined in Section 13.60.7.b. of this Title.

  1. Specific Development Standards

    • a. Parking Requirements

      • (1) Parking for each residential development shall be provided in compliance with Chapter 13 of this Title.

      • (2) Assigned parking shall be provided within for sale projects, including condominium conversions.

      • (3) On-street parking shall not be used to satisfy any of the above parking requirements.

      • (4) Tandem parking shall not be permitted.

    • b. Landscaping

  • (1) All required front, side and rear yards shall be landscaped with drought resistant trees, shrubs and ground cover.

    • (2) All landscaping shall be provided with a permanently maintained irrigation system.
    • c.

  • Open Space

Each residential development shall provide outdoor open space for recreation and leisure activities within the development site in the following manner:

  • (1) Outdoor open space shall comprise not less than twenty-five (25%) of the net acreage. Public or private driveways, parking spaces, or other areas designed for operational functions are not considered open space. These open spaces may include game courts or room, swimming pools, gardens, sauna baths, tennis courts, putting greens, play lots, outdoor cooking areas, lawn bowling and setback areas with dimensions greater than fifteen (15) feet. It is the intent of the City to encourage provision of facilities to accommodate children of all ages, wherever appropriate.

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  • (2) Private patios or balconies attached to individual dwelling units may be computed as required outdoor open space provided the minimum dimension is at least ten (10) feet and the minimum area is one hundred fifty (150) square feet.

  • (3) Swimming pools with related deck areas, wading pools, fish ponds, volley ball courts, tennis courts, barbecue areas, game rooms, or other recreational facilities provided for the common uses of all the residents may be constructed within the required outdoor living space; however, such facilities shall not occupy more than fifty percent (50%) of the required outdoor living space.

  • (4) Under all conditions, the open spaces created pursuant to the provisions of this chapter shall remain open and available for such use during the life of the development.

d.

Private Open Space

Each dwelling unit shall have a minimum private open space of one hundred fifty (150) square feet with a minimum dimension often (10) feet. For units designed above the ground units, one or two balconies, with a combined minimum area of one hundred (100) square feet, shall be provided.

  • e.

Pedestrian Circulation

A pedestrian circulation system shall be incorporated into the residential development design for the purpose of providing direct access to and from all individual dwelling units, trash storage areas, parking areas, recreational areas and other outdoor living spaces. The circulation system is subject to review and approval, and shall be developed with a combination of the following development standards:

  • (1) A public sidewalk system shall be developed adjacent to all public streets with a minimum width in accordance with City standards.

  • (2) The Interior walkway system shall include pedestrian walks or paths consisting of varying widths designed to provide curvilinear forms wherever possible. The minimum width of interior pedestrian walks and paths shall be four (4) feet. Walkway systems shall utilize materials such as concrete, brick, flagstone or other materials approved by the City.

  • f. Security Fencing

Security fencing shall be installed around the perimeter of the site when adjacent to commercial, industrial, and/or single family residential uses. Maximum height shall be six (6) feet except within the

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required front street or side street setback area where the maximum height shall be forty (40) inches.

g.

Laundry Facilities

For-sale projects shall be required to provide laundry facilities for washers and dryers within each residential unit. In the case of apartments, laundry facilities for washers and dryers shall be installed within each residential unit, unless common laundry facilities are provided within each building located within the complex.

h.

Lighting

All garages, walkways, and driveways shall be lighted during the hours of darkness as follows:

  • (1) Garages. At least one sixty (60) watt light for each two (2) spaces, located inside the garage;

  • (2) Walkways from parking areas to dwelling units. One hundred (100) watt light per thirty-five (35) linear feet of walkway;

  • (3) Driveways and alleys. One hundred (100) watt light per fifty (50) linear feet of alley or driveway; and

  • (4) Fixtures for all lights shall be of the type that are protected from breakage.

  • i.

Trash Collection Areas

Trash collection areas shall be provided within 200 feet of the furthest unit to be served; such collection areas shall be situated to eliminate, insofar as possible, noise and visual intrusion on adjacent property as well as to eliminate fire hazards to adjacent structures. Further, all trash and garbage collection areas, within residential developments, shall comply with the requirements of Section 10.280 (Screening Requirements) of this Title.

  • j.

Security Devices

Each door providing ingress and egress to any dwelling unit subject to this ordinance shall be equipped with the following devices:

  • (1) A peephole allowing a person inside the unit to see, at a wide angle, persons outside of the unit at the door, without the person inside being seen.

  • (2) A deadbolt lock attached to the construction studding. Attachment to the doorjamb or trim shall not be sufficient to comply with the terms of this ordinance.

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CHAPTER 4

  • k. Maximum Number and Dimension of Connecting Units

No more than eight (8) units for single story and sixteen (16) units for two story structures may be connected together. Each building may not exceed two hundred (200) feet in any direction.

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