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Division 1 — GENERAL PROVISIONS

El Centro Zoning Code · 2026-06 edition · updated 2026-07-06 · El Centro

Sec. 29-42. - Establishment of zones.

In order to classify, regulate, restrict and separate the use of land, buildings and structures and to regulate and to limit the type, height and bulk of buildings and structures in the various zones and to regulate the areas of yards and other open areas abutting and between buildings and structures and to regulate the density of population, the city is hereby divided into the following zones:

Residential

RAP residential airport zone

RR rural residential zone

R1 single-family residential zone

R2 variable residential zone

R3 multiple family residential zone

Commercial

CT tourist commercial zone

CO office commercial zone

CN neighborhood commercial zone

CD downtown commercial zone

CG general commercial zone CH heavy commercial zone Manufacturing ML light manufacturing zone MG general manufacturing zone Mixed-use MU1 mixed-use zone Special/Other CC civic center zone LU limited use zone

Overlays

MO medical office overlay zone MU2 mixed-use overlay zone

SF single-family neighborhood overlay zone

(Ord. No. 24-03, § 2, 9-17-24)

Sec. 29-43. - Uses permitted.

(a)

Buildings, structures and land shall be used, designed, erected, structurally altered or enlarged only for the purposes permitted in the zone in which such building or land is located, and then only after applying for and securing all permits and licenses required by law and ordinance.

(b)

Uses not specifically listed as permitted or prohibited shall be deemed to be prohibited unless determined to be a use similar in development characteristics and land use impact to a permitted use as determined by the community development director.

(Ord. No. 24-03, § 2, 9-17-24)

Sec. 29-44. - Official zoning map.

The original of the official zoning map shall be kept on file with the city clerk and shall constitute the original record. A copy of said map shall also be filed with the public works department. All amendments and changes shall be published by the city clerk within fifteen (15) days after passage of such amendments. This data shall at that time be filed with the public works director. A new amended official zoning map shall be prepared as directed by the city council, upon which is shown all changes and amendments enacted during the previous period of time.

(Ord. No. 24-03, § 2, 9-17-24)

Sec. 29-45. - Uncertainty of boundaries.

Where uncertainty exists as to the boundaries of any zone, the following rules of construction shall apply:

(1)

Along line. Where such boundaries are indicated as approximately following street and alley lines or lot lines, such lines shall be construed to be such boundaries.

(2)

Unsubdivided property. Where a zone boundary divides a lot, or parcel, the location of such boundaries, unless the same is indicated by dimension, shall be determined by the use of the scale appearing on said zoning map.

(3)

Vacated or abandoned street or alley. Where a public street or alley is officially vacated or abandoned, the area comprising such vacated street or alley shall acquire the classification of the property to which it reverts.

(4)

Realigned rights-of-way in certain subdivisions. Where a proposed public street or alley shown on a tentative map forms a zone boundary, and such street or alley is realigned on the final map for the subdivision, the zone boundary shall be deemed to be the centerline of the street or alley as shown on the approved final map.

(5)

Interpretation by commission. If after application of the above rules, uncertainty exists as to any zone boundary, the commission shall, upon letter of request submitted by the property owner/agent, interpret the map and determine said boundary, and said determination shall be final and made a permanent public record.

(Ord. No. 24-03, § 2, 9-17-24)

Sec. 29-46. - Lots subdivided without required approval.

Where a lot is divided by sale or contract without first having been approved by the planning commission and city council in conformity with city subdivision regulations, said property shall continue to be considered as one (1) lot or parcel for purposes of applying the provisions of the zone in which said lot is located.

(Ord. No. 24-03, § 2, 9-17-24)

Sec. 29-47. - Annexed territory.

Territory hereafter annexed to the city shall, upon the date that said annexation becomes effective, be classified in the R1, single-family residential zone; except where the planning commission has recommended, and the city council has adopted, zoning other than R-1 that is consistent with the general plan for the annexed territory.

(Ord. No. 24-03, § 2, 9-17-24)

Secs. 29-48—29-51. - Reserved.

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Contents — El Centro Zoning Code
El Centro Zoning Code
  1. Article I — BASIC PROVISIONS
  2. Article I — BASIC PROVISIONS
  3. Division 1 — PURPOSE AND APPLICABILITY
  4. Division 2 — DEFINITIONS
  5. Division 1 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
  6. Division 2 — RESIDENTIAL ZONES
  7. Division 3 — COMMERCIAL ZONES
  8. Division 4 — MANUFACTURING ZONES
  9. Division 5 — CIVIC CENTER ZONE
  10. Division 6 — LIMITED USE ZONE
  11. Division 7 — SINGLE-FAMILY NEIGHBORHOOD OVERLAY ZONE
  12. Division 8 — MIXED-USE ZONE
  13. Division 9 — MEDICAL OFFICE OVERLAY ZONE
  14. Division 10 — MIXED-USE 2 OVERLAY ZONE
  15. Division 1 — LOT SIZE REGULATIONS
  16. Division 2 — DENSITY REGULATIONS
  17. Division 3 — SETBACK REGULATIONS
  18. Division 4 — HEIGHT REGULATIONS
  19. Division 5 — PARKING AND LOADING REGULATIONS
  20. Division 6 — WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPING, SCREENING, AND FENCI…
  21. Division 7 — LIGHTING REGULATIONS
  22. Division 8 — PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
  23. Division 9 — ACCESSORY USE REGULATIONS
  24. Division 10 — ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS
  25. Division 11 — ANIMAL KEEPING REGULATIONS
  26. Division 1 — PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT
  27. Division 2 — MANUFACTURED HOME REGULATIONS
  28. Division 3 — RECREATIONAL VEHICLE PARKS
  29. Division 4 — DENSITY BONUS PROGRAM
  30. Division 5 — TEMPORARY USES
  31. Division 6 — NONCONFORMING LOTS, BUILDINGS, AND USES
  32. Division 7 — SEXUALLY ORIENTED BUSINESSES
  33. Division 8 — COMMUNICATION FACILITIES
  34. Division 9 — OTHER USES
  35. Division 1 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
  36. Division 2 — PUBLIC HEARING PROCEDURES
  37. Division 3 — ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE
  38. Division 4 — SITE PLAN REVIEW
  39. Division 5 — VARIANCE
  40. Division 6 — CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT
  41. Division 7 — ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT OR ZONE CHANGE
  42. Division 8 — SPECIFIC PLAN
  43. Division 9 — PERMITS IN GENERAL
  44. Division 10 — APPEALS
  45. Division 11 — ENFORCEMENT

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