Chapter 13-1 — Title, Components and Purposes

This Title shall be known as the “City of Hercules Zoning Ordinance” hereinafter known as the “Zoning Ordinance.” [Ord. 515 § 2, 2018; ZO § 1.100.]

The Zoning Ordinance is composed of the following components:

1. Regulations, known as the zoning regulations, establishing classes of zoning districts governing the use and development of land, placement and sizing of structures and improvements, and procedures for development application, review and appeal.

2. A map or set of maps, known as the Zoning Map, which delineates boundaries of zoning districts within the City of Hercules.

A copy of the zoning regulations and map together with a record of all adopted amendments shall be kept on file with the City Clerk and shall constitute the original record of the Zoning Ordinance. A copy of the zoning regulations and map shall also be kept on file with the Community Development Director. [Ord. 515 § 2, 2018; ZO § 1.200.]

The overall purpose of the Zoning Ordinance is to promote the public health, safety and welfare and general prosperity with the aim of preserving a wholesome, serviceable and attractive community. More specifically, the purpose of the Zoning Ordinance is to:

1. Preserve and enhance the community’s quality of life with well-balanced growth and development.

2. Enhance and create a community with a wide range of choices, services, and amenities.

3. Accommodate expansion of development into vacant or underdeveloped lands and lands subject to redevelopment.

4. Provide a set of regulations and procedures to review and process land use and development applications in an open, fair and equitable manner.

5. Facilitate attractive, functional and safe development within the City for a variety of uses, which may at times be combined on a site.

6. Minimize adverse environmental effects and fiscal consequences to the community. [Ord. 515 § 2, 2018; ZO § 1.300.]

The Zoning Ordinance is the primary tool for implementing the goals, objectives, policies and standards of the Hercules General Plan, pursuant to the mandated provisions of the State Planning and Zoning Law (Government Code Section 65000 et seq.) and other applicable State and local requirements.

The land use zoning districts contained within the Zoning Ordinance are consistent with and implement the land use designations of the General Plan as shown in Section 13-5.200. Overlay districts follow the adopted Land Use Map and the policies and standards of the General Plan related to these overlay regulations. In addition, the purposes, performance standards and development regulations of the zoning and overlay districts incorporate General Plan policies and standards to implement the General Plan and require that all development within the boundaries of the City be consistent with the General Plan. [Ord. 515 § 2, 2018; ZO § 1.400.]

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The Hercules Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 555, passed March 25, 2025.

Disclaimer: The City Clerk's Office has the official version of the Hercules Municipal Code. Users should contact the City Clerk's Offi f di d b