§ 18.10.010 — Purposes of Residential Zones

A. The purpose of this Chapter is to describe the character and intent of each of the City’s residential zones, describe allowed land uses and permit requirements in residential zones, identify any supplemental land use regulations applicable to residential zones, and establish development standards for the same. B. The purpose of the individual residential uses and the way they are applied are as follows: 1. Single-Family Residential Zone (R1-6L). The purpose of the R1-6L Single-Family Residential Parcel Zone is to provide land areas for the construction, use, and occupancy of single-family dwellings, secondary dwellings authorized by Government Code Section 65852.21, and accessory dwelling units. It is the intent of this zone to protect and preserve the residential characteristics of existing single-family neighborhoods and to promote a suitable environment for family life. The residential density range for this zone is up to 10 dwelling units per acre. This zone implements the Very Low-Density land use designation in the General Plan. 2. Single-Family Residential, Larger Parcel Zone (R1-8L). The purpose of the R1-8L Single-Family Residential Larger Parcel Zone is to provide land areas for the construction, use, and occupancy of single-family dwellings, secondary dwellings authorized by Government Code Section 65852.21, and accessory dwelling units. It is the intent of this zone to preserve existing large parcel residential areas and to promote and encourage a single-family residential environment. The residential density range for this zone is up to 10 dwelling units per acre. This zone implements the Very Low-Density land use designation in the General Plan. 3. Low-Density Residential Zone (R2). The purpose of the R2 Low Density Zone is to provide land areas for the construction, use, and occupancy of single-family detached dwelling units, , secondary dwellings authorized by Government Code Section 65852.21, accessory dwelling units, and two-family dwellings. It is the intent of this zone to maintain a residential character similar to that found in single-family neighborhoods. The residential density range for this zone is 8-19 dwelling units per acre. This zone implements the Low-Density land use designation in the General Plan. 4. Medium-Residential Density Zone (R3). The purpose of the R3 Medium-Low Residential Density Zone is to provide land areas for the construction, use, and occupancy of two-family dwellings, and multi-family dwellings (i.e., rowhouses, townhouses). It is the intent of this zone to ensure compatibility of duplex-type development with surrounding multi- and single-family dwellings and the local neighborhoods. The residential density range for this zone is 20-36 dwelling units per acre. This zone implements the Medium-Density land use designation in the General Plan. 5. High-Density Residential Zone (R4). The purpose of the R4 High-Density Zone is to provide land areas for the construction, use, and occupancy of multi-family dwellings (i.e., rowhouses, townhouses, low-rise apartments). It is the intent of this zone to encourage development types that use innovative site planning provide on-site recreational amenities and be located near neighborhood commercial centers. The residential density range for this zone is 37-50 dwelling units per acre. This zone implements the Medium-Density land use designation in the General Plan. 6. Very-High-Density Residential Zone (R5) and Patrick Henry Very-High-Density Residential Zone (PH-R5). The purpose of the R5 High- Density Zone and PH-R5 Patrick Henry Very-High-Density Residential Zone is to provide land areas for the construction, use, and occupancy of high density and intensity multi-family developments (i.e., low-rise, mid-rise, and high-rise apartments and condominiums). It is the intent of this zone to encourage development to use innovative site planning, provide on-site recreational amenities and be located near major community facilities, business centers, transportation corridors, and/or major thoroughfares. The residential density range for this zone is 51-99 dwelling units per acre. This zone implements the High-Density land use designation in the General Plan. 7. Transit Neighborhood Residential Zone (R6). The purpose of the R6 Transit Neighborhood Residential Zone is to provide land areas for the construction, use, and occupancy of high density and intensity multi-family developments (i.e., mid-rise and high-rise apartments and condominiums). It is the intent of this zone to encourage transit-oriented development that uses innovative site planning to connect to existing and/or future transportation stations and transfer points. Parcels designated R6 are meant to be located along major transit corridors or adjacent to local and regional transit stops and stations. Projects in this zone should include on-site amenities, recreational options, and access to employment centers. The residential density range for this zone is 60-350 dwelling units per acre. This zone implements the High-Density land use designation in the General Plan. 8. Urban Village (UV). The purpose of the UV Urban Village Zone is to accommodate transit-oriented, multi-family residential development at very-high densities between 5-12 stories within the Patrick Henry Specific Plan. These urban-scale developments feature pedestrian-oriented facades and frontages. Urban Village developments include structured or below-grade parking and shared outdoor spaces proximate to transit. The residential density range for this zone is 100-149 dwelling units per acre. This zone implements the High-Density land use designation in the General Plan. 9. Village Residential (VR). The purpose of the VR Village Residential Zone is to accommodate multi-family residential development at very-high densities between 5-12 stories within the Patrick Henry Specific Plan. The residential density range for this zone is 60-149 dwelling units per acre. This zone implements the High-Density land use designation in the General Plan. 10. Urban Center (UC). The purpose of the UC Urban Center Zone is to accommodate transit-oriented, multi-family residential development at very-high densities with no height limits except those imposed by the FAA due to flight paths for the San Jose International Airport, within the Patrick Henry Specific Plan These urban-scale developments feature pedestrian-oriented facades and frontages. Urban Center developments include structured or below-grade parking and shared outdoor spaces proximate to transit. The residential density range for this zone is 120-250 dwelling units per acre. Densities over 250du/acre may be allowed for the provision of community benefits agreed upon with the City and formalized in a development agreement. This zone implements the High-Density land use designation in the General Plan. 11. High Density Flex (HD Flex). The purpose of the HD Flex High Density Flex Zone is to accommodate transit-oriented, multi-family residential development or office or a combination of residential and office on four parcels along the eastern edge of the Patrick Henry Specific Plan Area. Allowable height ranges between 5-12 stories. The residential density range for this zone is 60-149 dwelling units per acre. Office development is allowed up to 2.0 FAR using the development standards of the HO-RD district, per the choice of property owners. This zone implements the High-Density land use designation in the General Plan.