Residential Planning Requirements

Zoning districts and the corresponding Zoning Ordinance determine what can be built on your property and which uses are allowed on your property. Zoning dictates the number of residential units that are allowed, as well as their size, height, setbacks and other features. Note: Properties may be subject to multiple zoning designations. Use the zoning tools to determine all applicable designations.

Residential zones include:

• Single Family (R1) Residential Development
  The Single Family zoning ordinance regulates detached single family dwellings.

• Residential Hillside (RHS) Development
  The Residential Hillside zoning ordinance regulates detached single family dwellings on uneven or hilly terrain.

• Duplex (R-2) Development
  The Residential Duplex zoning ordinance regulates two dwelling units under the same ownership on one lot.

• Multiple Family (R-3) Residential Development
  The Multiple-Family (R-3) Residential zoning ordinance regulates three or more dwelling units on the same parcel, e.g. triplexes, fourplexes and apartments.

• Multiple Family (R-4) Residential Development
  The Multiple-Family (R-4) Residential zoning ordinance regulates high/very high, very high, and highest density multiple-family residential uses.

• Residential Single-Family Cluster (R1C) Zones
  The Residential Single-Family Cluster zoning ordinance regulates developments that use a more creative approach to land development. All improvements in this zoning district will need Homeowners' Association approval in addition to permits from the City.

• Planned Development (P) Zones
  The Planned Development (P) Zoning District allows flexibility to property owners and developers to propose any form of residential or mixed-use development. All improvements in this zoning district will need Homeowners' Association approval in addition to permits from the City.

The Zoning Ordinance also regulates:

• Fences
• Accessory Structures, such as sheds, patios, gazebos, arbors, air conditioning units, etc.
• Accessory Dwelling Units, also known as second dwelling units, "granny units" or "in-law units"
• Parking
• Landscaping
• Tree Protection and Removal
• Signage

Projects are subject to planning permit fees per the City's adopted Fee Schedule for that fiscal year. In addition, projects are subject to mitigation fees such as residential mitigation impact fees (BMR) fee, parkland dedication of land and/or in-lieu of dedication fees, storm drain fees, and transportation impact fees (TIF). Projects are also subject to fees imposed by the following Special Districts. Links to their fees are below:

• Sanitary Sewer District Fees
• Cupertino Union School District Fees
• Fremont Union High School District Fees