Council approves zoning amendment to allow single-family homes on small RM lots in limited cases

The City Council on June 25 voted unanimously to amend the city zoning code and a related specific plan to allow single‑family dwellings on small lots zoned RM (multi‑family residential) under narrow conditions.

Staff said the change responds to a practical development problem: 139 properties in the RM district include 28 undeveloped lots, many of which are too small for multifamily development under current RM development standards. Associate Planner Dom Camps said "the proposed zoning ordinance amendment is intended to facilitate infill development on these small vacant lots." The adopted ordinance allows single‑family homes only on lots no greater than 10,000 square feet, that do not front on arterial streets (Date Palm Drive) and that are surrounded by existing development on two adjacent properties; the council accepted the planning commission’s additional restriction limiting the allowance to lots without a clear potential for consolidation into a larger parcel.

The amendments to zoning code Section 9.18 and Specific Plan 87‑26C were introduced and approved on second reading. Mayor Pro Tem Gregory moved the measure and Council member Lam seconded; a roll call recorded Carnivale, Lamb, Gutierrez, Gregory and Mayor Ross voting yes. Staff said the change is intended as an interim fix while the city’s broader development code update proceeds. The council also directed that the item return as needed if future adjustments are required once the comprehensive code update is complete.