Residential.
Glendale City Code § 35.3.102
in effect35.3.102 - Residential.
This Section contains specific use conditions and regulations for permitted uses within the Residential use category as provided in Article 2, Zoning Districts.
A. Dwelling, Single-Family Detached
1. Within the R-2, R-3, and R-4 Districts, any parcel of land having an area or average width less than that required by the development standards of the zoning district in which said parcel is located, and which parcel was legally established at the time it came under the provisions of this chapter, shall be permitted to place a single-family detached dwelling, provided, however, that all development shall adhere to the development standards of the most comparable zoning district to the lot size of the subject parcel (i.e. if a parcel in the R-2 zoning district is four thousand (4,000) SF in area, a single family dwelling on said parcel would need to adhere to the development standards of the R1-4 zoning district).
B. Dwelling, Live/Work
1. All work activities and spaces shall adhere to Section 35.3.204(G), Home Occupations.
C. Dwelling, For Rent Community
1. Permitted Density range: 10-14 du/ac.
2. Design Standards. Unless modified within the information below, development of this use type shall comply with the provisions of general applicability to that of a Multiple Residence development.
a. Residences within For-Rent-Communities shall be predominately grouped around pedestrian-oriented landscaped pathways and courtyards to create a sense of place, and connectivity within the greater development.
b. Each For-Rent-Community shall provide a minimum of three (3) architectural styles for the residences that are genuinely distinct from another and provide varying rooflines. A minimum of three (3) color schemes shall also be used for each architectural style to add variety and visual interest to the overall development.
c. Each residence shall feature four-sided detailing including but not limited to masonry, shutters, corbels, column details, and gable end detailing, appropriate for the architectural styles of the overall development.
d. The massing of buildings within the development shall include articulated facades and varying roof forms.
e. Common open space areas shall be distributed throughout the development in convenient and accessible locations for residents to use and enjoy.
f. All residences shall include a private yard enclosed by a 6-foot fence or wall.
g. Minimum common active open space shall be provided at a ratio of one hundred twenty-five (125) SF per bedroom of the overall development. Minimum private yard space shall consist of two hundred (200) SF for one (1) bd units and three hundred (300) SF for two (2) bed units and above. The minimum depth of private yards shall be eight (8) feet.
h. Individual buildings shall be clustered and oriented toward pedestrian and open space pathways, and they shall comply with all applicable building code requirements. Between the buildings, will be laid out with sidewalks, landscaping, shading, and a pattern of shared common area spaces. The minimum unobstructed sidewalk width shall be five (5) feet in width.
i. Primary entrances into each For-Rent-Community shall incorporate enhanced landscaping features and alternative paving materials to create a distinct entry feature.
j. Perimeter walls, constructed of masonry, will be of a design complementing the existing surrounding area while using materials and colors that are consistent with the on-site architecture. Walls shall undulate or use pilasters to break up long linear expanses along street frontages.
D. Dwelling, Modular Home
1. Design Standards. Unless modified within the information below, development of this use type shall comply with the provisions of general applicability to that of a Single Residence development.
a. Garage and Carports
i. Garages or carports shall be set back at least five (5) feet behind the front wall of the house or front edge of an unenclosed porch.
ii. Garages placed flush with the front wall of the house shall incorporate at least one of the design/detail features below:
(a) A decorative trellis over the entire garage.
(b) A balcony that extends out over the garage and includes columns.
(c) Two (2) separate doors for two-car garages instead of one large door.
(d) Decorative windows on the garage door.
(e) Decorative details on the garage door. Standard squares on a garage door will not qualify as a decorative detail.
(f) A garage door color (other than white) that matches or complements the color of the house.
(g) Other design techniques that effectively deemphasize the garage, as determined by the Development Services Director or designee.
iii. The garage face shall occupy no more than fifty percent (50%) of the ground-level facade facing the street.
b. Building Facades
i. Building facades visible from a public street shall employ techniques to recess or project individual windows from the facade or incorporate window trim that features color that contrasts with the base building color. Exceptions will be considered where buildings employ other distinctive window or facade treatment that adds depth and visual interest to the building.
c. Architectural Details
i. Provide for architectural details that add visual interest to the neighborhood and are well proportioned to achieve good human scale. Specifically, incorporate at least three (3) of the following detail elements into the facade of the house:
(a) Decorative entry.
(b) Decorative porch design, including decorative columns or railings.
(c) Bay windows or balconies.
(d) Decorative door design including transom and/or side lights or other distinctive feature.
(e) Decorative roofline elements including brackets, multiple dormers, and chimneys.
(f) Decorative building materials, including decorative masonry, shingle, brick, tile, stone, or other materials with decorative or textural qualities.
(g) Landscaped trellises or other decorative elements that incorporate landscaping near the building entry.
(h) Distinctive paint schemes.
(i) Exceptions: Other decorative facade elements or details that meet the intent and standards as determined by the Development Services Director or designee.
E. Mixed Use Residential
1. Mixed-use residential uses shall be located in the same building and shall include residential uses in conjunction with retail sales or retail services or office uses, as described in provision 9 below.
2. Mixed use residential development shall only be permitted on parcels abutting arterial or collector roadways.
3. Non-residential uses shall be limited to the floor(s) of the building below the residential use, or adjacent to ground floor residential uses.
4. At least fifty percent (50%) of the gross floor area of the mixed-use residential building shall be for residential uses.
5. The maximum residential density shall be the same as applies in the zoning district where the development is located.
6. Ground-floor residential uses fronting a public street or walkway, where present, shall be separated from the street by landscaping, steps, porches, grade changes, and/or low ornamental fences or walls in order to create a private yard area between the sidewalk and the front door.
7. The aggregate of the non-residential use or uses shall be no greater than fifteen thousand (15,000) square feet in gross floor area.
8. The total number of required off-street parking spaces for a mixed-use residential development shall be equal to the sum of the required parking for each use as if provided separately, unless modified per Section 35.4.000.
9. The residential and non-residential uses permitted within a mixed-use residential development are as provided by the zoning district where the mixed-use development is located, with the following additions:
a. Coffee Shop, Café or Bakery
b. Financial Institution
c. Office, Business or Professional
d. Personal Services
e. Retail, General
f. Any other non-residential use listed under the General Commercial and Professional Office Use Category in Table 2.500-1 shall require a Conditional Use Permit.
F. Group Homes. To permit the establishment of group homes in residential neighborhoods, while preserving the residential character of the community.
1. Definitions.
Residential Care Home: A residential home suitable for accommodating six (6) to ten (10) adults or minor children with disabilities or who are minors without disabilities. This definition shall include those residences that are licensed by the State of Arizona, including but not limited to assisted living homes and sober living homes or awarded an Oxford House Charter, but shall not include any group living arrangement for unrelated individuals who are not disabled, including but not limited to halfway/correctional/sex offender transitional facilities or shelter care facilities for people at risk.
Residential Care Center: A facility suitable for accommodating eleven (11) or more adults or minor children with disabilities or who are minors without disabilities. This definition shall include those residences that are licensed by the State of Arizona, including but not limited to assisted living homes and sober living homes or awarded an Oxford House Charter, but shall not include any group living arrangement for unrelated individuals who are not disabled, including but not limited to halfway/correctional/sex offender transitional facilities or shelter care facilities for people at risk.
Group Care Facility: A residential home for two (2) or more unrelated individuals under supervised care and/or treatment (including but not limited to those that have been adjudicated (i.e. placed by court-order), beyond that which would be provided in the confines of a traditional residential setting, who do not qualify as a Residential Care Home or Residential Care Center, in which living facilities and sleeping rooms are provided; and which may provide select services, such as, but not limited to, meals, services to promote emotional support, life skills development and/or employment training. This shall include halfway/correctional/sex offender transitional facilities or shelter care facilities for people at risk.
2. Notwithstanding the definition of "Family" in Section 35.8.004 of this Code, homes of six (6) or fewer persons receiving special care on a 24-hour-per-day basis for physical, mental, or developmental disabilities shall be considered a single-family residence for the purposes of this title. The limitation of six (6) or fewer persons does not include the operator or members of the operator's family or staff.
3. Residential Care Homes shall be permitted without conditions in the SR, R1, R-2, R-O, and MH Zoning Districts, subject to issuance of a business license showing compliance with the requirements of this subsection.
4. Residential Care Centers shall be permitted without conditions in the R-3, R-4, R-5, C-1, and C-2 Zoning Districts, subject to issuance of a business license showing compliance with the requirements of this subsection.
5. Group Care Facility may be permitted in the R-3, R-4, R-5 and C-3 zoning districts subject to obtaining a Conditional Use Permit and showing compliance with the requirements of this subsection.
6. Requirements:
a. All establishments must obtain a business license as well as a certificate of occupancy as required by City building codes.
b. If State licensing is required, proof of such licensure shall be provided to the Planning Division within the Development Services Department.
c. No such home or center shall be located on a lot with a property line within one thousand two hundred (1,200) feet of another such residential care home, residential care center or group care facility.
d. The establishment must meet the minimum off-street parking requirements as set forth in Section 35.4.000.
e. An individual required to register as a sex offender and classified as a Level II or Level III community risk (intermediate to high risk) is not permitted to live in a residential care home or residential care center.
f. An administrative record of each Residential Care Home, Residential Care Center or Group Care Facility shall be maintained with the Planning Division within the Development Services Department.
g. The City reserves the right to revoke authorization to operate.
7. Disability accommodation.
i. A disability accommodation from a development standard or separation requirement in association with a Residential Care Home or Facility shall not be authorized unless the Board of Adjustment shall find upon sufficient evidence all of the following:
(a) The requested accommodation is requested by or on the behalf of one (1) or more individuals with a disability protected under Federal and Arizona Fair Housing Laws (42 U.S.C. § 3600 et seq. and A.R.S. § 41-1491 et seq.);
(b) The requested accommodation is necessary to afford an individual with a disability equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling;
(c) The standard or requirement unduly restricts the opportunity for a person with a disability from finding adequate housing within the City of Glendale;
(d) The requested accommodation does not fundamentally alter the nature and purpose of the UDC of the City of Glendale;
(e) The requested accommodation will not impose an undue financial or administrative burden on the city, as "undue financial or administrative burden" is defined in Federal or Arizona fair housing laws (42 U.S.C. § 3600 et seq. and A.R.S. § 41-1491 et seq.) and interpretive case law;
ii. The profitability or financial hardship of the owner/service provider of a facility shall not be considered in determining whether to grant a disability accommodation.
iii. The requested accommodation must comply with all applicable building and fire codes.
iv. The requested accommodation must not, under the specific facts of the application, result in a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals or substantial physical damage to the property of others.
v. The requested accommodation shall be made in any form, however, upon receipt, the City may require the requestor to comply with the procedures ordinarily followed, including the submittal of an application, including the required fee, as published in the fee schedule, and comply with all public notification requirements.
8. Where legally required, the Residential Care Home or Facility is licensed by, certified by, approved by, registered with, or under contract with a Federal, State, or local government and evidence of such is provided to the Planning Department within sixty (60) days of approval of the Planning Department;
9. No exterior change which would alter its residential character shall be made to the exterior of the building(s) and the grounds;
10. The location of the Residential Care Home or Facility has been approved by the Planning Department; and
11. An administrative record of each Residential Care Home or Facility shall be maintained with the Planning Department.
G. Model Home Complex
1. The complex shall be subject to administrative approval.
2. The complex shall only be used to market homes being built in the subdivision in which it is located. Off-site home sales may be permitted subject to approval of a Conditional Use Permit.
3. A model home complex plan is required which contains information as required by the Development Services Director or designee. The Development Services Director or designee shall review and approve the plan prior to the issuance of building permits for models.
4. A single temporary flagpole may be erected on the model home complex. The maximum flagpole height shall be sixty (60) feet. The flagpole will be permitted for a maximum of three (3) years from the date of approval of the model home complex. The flag on this flagpole shall not have a flag length which is more than twenty-five percent (25%) of the flagpole height.
5. Prior to occupancy as a single-family residence, all model homes shall conform to all provisions of this ordinance and any temporary parking, office, lighting, fencing, flagpole, or other similar improvements shall be removed.
Source: City of Glendale, Arizona, City Code and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/az/glendale/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH35UNDECO_ART3SUUSPR_35.3.100SPUSCOUSCA_35.3.102REFetched: 11/1/2026