16.18.060 Deep lot subdivision.
A. Purpose. Deep lot subdivisions (also referred to as flag lot subdivisions) may be approved for subdividing deep lots where development would not be feasible with the installation of a standard street, either alone or in conjunction with neighboring properties, or where justified by topographical conditions.
B. Application and Review. An applicant for deep lot subdivision shall submit a tentative map application on a form prepared by the city, along with all information and materials prescribed by such form (see Chapter 16.10).
1. Where surrounding residential development exists on adjacent parcels, new parcels served by deep lot subdivisions shall be declared as “sensitive sites” by the community development department. A sensitive site shall require minor development review, as described in zoning regulations Section 17.106.030(B), to review the proposed development design for consistency with the community design guidelines and for potential impacts to adjacent properties from overlook, encroachment of solar access, and adequate noise protection and privacy.
C. Deep Lot Subdivisions. Subdivisions subject to this section shall conform to the following:
1. The accessway serving the resulting lot(s) shall not be included in the determination of required lot area for the purposes of minimum lot area requirements, or average cross slope calculations.
2. The original lot shall have frontage on a dedicated street of at least the minimum dimensions required by these regulations (Table 2, Section 16.18.030) for the zone in which it is located, separate from the accessway required to rear lots. The lot farthest from the street shall own the accessway in fee. Other lots using the accessway shall have an access easement over it.
3. The accessway (access lot, not driveway width) to the rear lots(s) shall be at least twenty feet wide for residential and conservation/open space zones, and forty feet wide for commercial zones (except the C-D zone, which is fifteen feet). Driveway width and paving shall be determined by the city parking and driveway standards and is subject to approval of the community development department director based on use, distance, number of parking spaces and/or units served.
4. Accessway driveways greater than three hundred feet in length and driveways for most commercial subdivisions may be required to provide two-way vehicle access and fire truck access and shall provide appropriate turnaround areas for standard vehicles to exit the driveway in a forward motion without performing more than two turning maneuvers.
a. Each lot shall have yards as required by the zoning regulations. A landscape area with sufficient width to plant screening shrubs and trees (minimum of eight feet) shall be reserved between the access driveway (and any required turnaround areas) and existing or proposed residential structures.
b. For each residence served by a flag lot driveway, one additional off-street parking space shall be provided. The parking space may not be within the street yard or in tandem to other required parking spaces.
c. The lot farthest from the street shall own the accessway in fee. Other lots using the accessway shall have an access easement over it. (Ord. 1729 § 4 (Exh. A), 2023)