Zoning Code

The City of Villa Park regulates the size and location of residential development in order to keep buildings in proportion to the land area. Homes elsewhere frequently overwhelm the small lots on which they are built. With a minimum net lot area of 20,000 square feet throughout most of Villa Park, the City has a unique opportunity to keep residential development in proportion to the size of the land.

The City's development standards were adopted by the City Council soon after the City was incorporated. They have helped to guide and preserve the attractiveness of Villa Park and uphold property values. The standards are fairly basic.

Property owners, architects and draftsmen should familiarize themselves with the City's zoning code before planning a new development or home renovation. Often homeowners will envision a house plan without first familiarizing themselves with the City's development standards. When the proposed plan is presented, it may not meet the City's zoning requirements.

Section 23-19 of the Villa Park Municipal Code states as follows: "Variance from the terms of the zoning chapter shall be granted only when, because of special circumstances applicable to the property, including size, shape, topography, location or surroundings, the strict application of the zoning chapter deprives such property of privileges enjoyed by other property in the vicinity and under identical zoning classification. Any variance granted shall be subject to such conditions as will assure that the adjustment thereby authorized shall not constitute a grant of special privileges inconsistent with the limitations upon other properties in the vicinity and zone in which such property is situated."

City staff is pleased to assist property owners in reviewing the City's development standards. A Residential Development Guidelines - Handbook and Design Review Guidelines Handbook has been created to assist. For information on particular contractors, the Contractor's State Licensing Board provides free information for both homeowners and contractors on its Web site - www.cslb.ca.gov.

City Code Extracts are also available by the links below.

Quick Links to Zoning Extracts:

R-1 ZONE 8,000 13,500

RESIDENTIAL

SINGLE FAMILY HOMES

Minimum Setback from Front Property Line 20 feet

Minimum Setback from Side Property Line 5 feet

Minimum Setback from Rear Property Line 25 feet

Height of Structure

1-story structure 25 feet maximum with 19 feet average

2-story structure 32 feet maximum with 27 feet average

***A Conditional Use Permit is required for all structures over 25 feet***

Lot Coverage (total of all structures)

30% for a 2-story structure

40% for a 1-story structure

Floor Area (total of all structures)

40% of lot area

(This requirement includes the total horizontal area of all floors of all structures)

E-4 ZONE 20,000

SMALL ESTATE RESIDENTIAL

SINGLE FAMILY HOMES

Minimum Setback from Front Property Line 30 feet

Minimum Setback from Side Property Line 10% of Average Lot Width

(Minimum of 10 feet and a Maximum of 20 feet)

Minimum Setback from Rear Property Line 25 feet

Lot Width Average 100 feet

Height of Structure

1-story structure 25 feet maximum with 19 feet average

2-story structure 32 feet maximum with 27 feet average

***A Conditional Use Permit is required for all structures over 25 feet***

Lot Coverage (total of all structures)

24% for a 2-story structure

32% for a 1-story structure

Floor Area (total of all structures)

32% of lot area

(This requirement includes the total horizontal area of all floors of all structures)

Open Porches and Patio Covers Additional 5% of lot area

Accessory Buildings - At a minimum - Requires Conditional Use Permit

Type Usual and Customary

Minimum building setback 10 feet side and rear

Maximum building height 15 feet

Walls and Fences - At a minimum - Requires a Site Plan Review

Maximum of 6 feet high along the side and rear property lines.

Maximum of 3.5 feet high along the front of the property within the first 20 feet of the property.

OTHER ZONING REGULATIONS OF LIMITED APPLICATION APPLY