Chapter 21.16 — ESTABLISHMENT OF ZONING DISTRICTS, ADOPTION OF MAPS

(a) General. The city is divided into zoning districts to allow for the orderly, planned development of the city and to implement the general plan. Table 21.16.010 identifies all zoning districts. All zoning districts shall be listed and appropriately designated on the official zoning map.

(b) Base Zoning District. Every parcel shall have a base zoning district that establishes the primary type and intensity of land use permitted, along with development regulations for that particular type and intensity of land use. (c) Overlay Zoning District. An overlay zoning district supplements the base zoning district for the purpose of establishing special use or development regulations for a particular area in addition to the provisions of the underlying base zone. In the event of conflict between the base zoning district regulations and the overlay zoning district regulations, the provisions of the overlay zoning district shall apply. (Ord. 736, § 5 (part), 2025; Ord. 612 Exhibit A (part), 2008).

As authorized by California Government Code Section 65450, et seq., the Imperial Highway Specific Plan is hereby created for the Imperial Highway Corridor, as defined and described in the Imperial Highway Specific Plan (Exhibit “A” to the ordinance codified herein), Specific Plan No. SP1000-1, a full, true and correct copy of which is located in the City’s Community Development Department. The contents of said Specific Plan are incorporated by reference as though fully set forth within this code. The Specific Plan shall be designated on the City’s official zoning map as ‘Imperial Highway Specific Plan’. (Ord. 736, § 5 (part), 2025; Ord. 646 § 2, 2011)

The map shall be maintained on file in the office of the planning division. The boundaries of the zoning districts as set forth on the zoning map are confirmed, adopted, established, and may be changed in accordance with this title.

(Ord. 736, § 5 (part), 2025; Ord. 661 § 10, 2012; Ord. 647 § 1, 2011; Ord. 612 Exhibit A (part), 2008).

Where uncertainty exists as to the boundaries of any zoning districts shown on the official zoning map, the following rules shall apply.

(1) Where a zoning district’s boundaries approximately follow a lot, alley, or street line, such lot lines and street and alley centerlines shall be construed as the district boundaries; otherwise, such boundaries shall be determined by use of the scale appearing on the zoning map unless dimensions are specifically indicated.

(2) Where a public street or alley is officially vacated or abandoned, the property encompassed by said street or alley shall be included within the zoning district or districts of the adjoining properties. If the adjoining properties are in different zoning districts, the boundary lines shall be the centerline of the former street or alley and the extension of the side yard lines of the abutting properties. In the event such street, alley, or right-of-way was a boundary between two or more different zoning districts, the new zoning district or zone boundary shall be the property line that is created by such vacation.

(3) Areas annexed to the city shall come into the city at their existing zone designation. If there is no prior designation, the city council shall determine the nearest comparable zone for the area. The zoning map shall then be amended to show the new city limits and zone.

(4) In the event of any other uncertainty regarding zone boundaries, the city council, by written decision, shall determine the location of the zone boundary. (Ord. 736, § 5 (part), 2025; Ord. 612 Exhibit A (part), 2008).

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this title, development shall conform with zoning district regulations specified below. Every department, official, and employee of the city having the authority to issue any permit or license required by law shall comply with the provisions of this title. Any license or permit issued in conflict with the provisions of this title shall be void and of no effect.

(b) Except as provided by this title, conformance with this title shall be required as follows:

(1) No building or structure shall be erected and no existing building shall be moved, altered, added to, or enlarged, nor shall any land, building, or premises be used or designated for any purpose or in any manner other than is permitted in the zoning district in which such building, land, or premises is located.

(2) No building shall be erected, reconstructed, or structurally altered to exceed the height limit, lot area, yard setback provisions, or lot coverage designated in this title for the zoning district in which such building is located.

(3) No yard or other open space abutting any building and provided for the purpose of complying with the provisions of this title shall be considered as providing a yard or open space for any other building on any other building site.

(4) Uses or structures that do not conform shall comply with the provisions of Article IX of this title. (Ord. 736, § 5 (part), 2025; Ord. 612 Exhibit A (part), 2008).