Livermore Municipal Code Part 3 Specific to Zones

LDC Chapter 3.01. ESTABLISHMENT AND DESIGNATION OF ZONES

LDC § 3.01.010. Purpose.

This chapter establishes the zones applied to property within the City and adopts the City's Zoning Map.

LDC § 3.01.020. Official Zoning Map and Zones.

A. Map adopted. The Council hereby adopts the City of Livermore Zoning Map (hereafter referred to as the "Zoning Map"), which is on file with the Department. See Part 13 (Zoning Map). The Zoning Map is hereby incorporated into this Development Code by reference as though it were fully included here.

B. Zones established. The City of Livermore shall be divided into non-transect zones and transect zones that implement the Livermore General Plan. The zones shown in Table 3.1 are hereby established, and shall be shown on the Zoning Map.

C. Interpretation of zone boundaries. Where uncertainty exists as to the boundaries of any of the zones shown on the Zoning Map or maps, the Planning Commission, upon written application or upon its own motion, shall determine the location of such boundaries on said Zoning Map or maps. All dedicated public streets within the City shall be zoned.

Table 3.1: Zones

(Ord. 2110 § 4 (Exh. B), 2020; Ord. 2178, 7/14/2025)

The Transect zones are described in LDC Chapter 3.02 (Transect Zones). They primarily focus on mixed-use, walkable areas of the City and range in function and density from primarily residential areas with a mix of building types (T3-Neighborhood), to medium density neighborhoods and other commercial and retail areas near Downtown (T4-Neighborhood and T4-Main Street).

LDC § 3.01.040. Non-Transect Zones.

The non-Transect zones are described in LDC Chapter 3.03 (Non-Transect Zones) and LDC Chapter 3.04 (Planned Development). The non-Transect zones are primarily the zones that are more auto-dependent, such as single-family subdivisions, other suburban residential areas, auto-dependent commercial and retail areas, and industrial areas.

All territory hereafter annexed to the City shall be zoned OS-A (agricultural) zone, unless, prior to the annexation, such lands were prezoned by the City.

LDC § 3.01.060. Change of Zoning Designation.

A. A change of zone designation for any area shall be made only where such change is in accord with the General Plan of the City. In the event a proposed change of any zone is not in accord with the General Plan of the City, a proposal for an amendment to the General Plan shall be considered two weeks prior to the proposed zone amendment.

B. Proposals for zone changes may be considered concurrently with a related proposed General Plan amendment with a two-thirds vote of the City Council prior to the hearing date. In order to ensure consistency between the General Plan and the Development Code, approval of any such zone change is still contingent upon approval of the associated General Plan policy change and map amendment.

LDC § 3.02.010. Purpose.

This chapter provides regulatory standards governing land use and building form within the Transect-based zoning areas. The Form-Based Code is a reflection of the community vision for implementing the intent and densities of the General Plan to create walkable mixed-use neighborhoods. These standards are intended to ensure that proposed development is compatible with existing and future development on neighboring properties, and produces an environment of desirable character, consistent with the General Plan and any applicable specific plan.

The requirements of this chapter shall apply to all proposed development within Transect-based zones, and shall be considered in combination with the standards for the applicable zone in Part 4 (General to Zones), Part 5 (Specific to Building Types), Part 6 (Specific to Uses), and those in Part 11 (Housing). If there is a conflict between any standards, the provisions of Part 3 (Specific to Zones) control over Part 4 and 5, the provisions of Part 6 control over Parts 3, 4 and 5, and the provisions of Part 11 (Housing) control over Parts 3, 4, 5, and 6.

(Ord. 2178, 7/14/2025)

The regulations in the following Transect zones are intended to guide development and redevelopment within Livermore's oldest neighborhoods, north and south of downtown. These neighborhoods generally embody principles of traditional development which have contributed to a historic fabric and pedestrian oriented streetscapes. The Transect zones are intended to preserve and enhance the existing character of these neighborhoods while allowing the opportunity for residents to grow-in-place.

The following design objectives are hereby incorporated into the Transect zone regulations:

A. Encourage greater variety of housing types, development styles, site planning and density mixes in order to provide more diversity and visual interest in the City's residential development, while preserving the City's predominantly single-family residential character.

B. Encourage the development of neighborhoods that provide a high quality living environment and generate civic pride.

C. Encourage residential development that reinforces a strong community-oriented identity in Livermore's neighborhoods.

D. Encourage building design that complements surrounding development.

E. Encourage in areas that possess strong existing development character, building design that respects the predominant characteristics of neighborhood development, such as height, massing, setbacks, materials and architectural style.

F. Encourage designs that minimize views of garages and utilizes side and rear entry garages, as well as detached garages.

G. Encourage facades to be designed so as to include entries, porches and other architectural elements that relate to the human scale.

H. Encourage residential entries to be located on the front facade with direct access to the sidewalk or street.

A. Purpose. The intent of the Neighborhood Mixed-Use zone (NMU) is to reinforce the walkability and identity of neighborhoods by providing a pedestrian-oriented main street shopping environment that provides day-to-day amenities and services, and a variety of urban housing options within Livermore.

B. Applicability.

1. This zone is applicable to areas designated as NMU on the zoning map.

a. The existing site located at Pine Street and Rincon Avenue (APN 098035100605) and the site located at South Livermore Avenue and Pacific Avenue (APNs 098A041210605, 098A041210608, 098A041210603 and 098A041210606) shall be able to maintain and/or add on building square footage and be subject to the Neighborhood Commercial (CN) zoning requirements found in Appendix A, rather than the NMU zoning requirements. Once these sites develop using the NMU zone, the CN zone shall be null and void. Sites shall not be permitted to use the NMU zone until such time as the entire site develops. The CN and NMU zones shall not be used at the same time. The total floor area shall not exceed the maximum floor area ratio specified in the CN zone. Subject to the floor area ratio limitation in the CN zone, no more than 50% (subject to the Director's discretion to allow a larger limit), of the existing building's floor area shall require compliance with the NMU zone. Maintenance and remodeling of the existing buildings, consistent with CN standards, shall not be considered as demolition of such buildings.

2. This zone may also be applied to other parcels, through a zoning map amendment process, in locations in which it makes sense to provide a neighborhood main street environment to complete a walkable neighborhood. A General Plan amendment may be required.

3. This zone may be applied to up to 10 acres of a parcel, 80 acres or more designated as Urban Medium Residential, and Urban Medium High Residential on the General Plan land use map to create a complete walkable neighborhood rather than just housing. A General Plan amendment may be required.

4. This zone may also be applied to parcels designated as Neighborhood Commercial, Office Commercial, and Community Serving General Commercial on the General Plan land use map to create mixed-use center or allow for the transformation of auto-dependent areas in to more walkable mixed-use environments. A General Plan amendment may be required.

C. Building form standards.

1. This zone is unlike other zones in that development is to be regulated by using a required mix of the T4 Main Street, T4 Main Street-Open, T4 Neighborhood, and T4 Neighborhood-Open transect zones to create a diverse and vibrant neighborhood mixed-use environment. Table 3.2 shows the required range of the mix of Transect zones within NMU planning sites.

Table 3.2 Required Allocation Mix of Transect Zones

D. Block standards. See LDC Section 2.01.020 (Subdivision Design Standards for All Zones) for applicable block standards for Transect zones.

E. Frontage standards.

1. Allowed frontages are determined by zone.

2. Min. 30% of residential units within T4 Neighborhood must have porches.

3. Min. 25% of T4 Main Street lineal frontage must have galleries.

4. See LDC Chapter 4.03 (Frontage Standards) for complete frontage design standards.

F. Thoroughfares.

1. Must be selected from those defined and regulated in Part 7 (Thoroughfare Types).

G. Civic space standards.

1. For standards specific to Civic Space Types see Part 8 (Civic Space Types).

2. Projects shall set aside 5% of the project area as civic space (calculated after street rights-of-ways are taken out), except as follows:

a. Sites less than four acres: No civic spaces required.

b. Sites less than eight acres and within 1,000 feet of a public park of at least one acre and with a playground: No civic spaces required.

3. Each residential lot shall be within 1,000 feet of an existing or proposed playground or tot lot.

4. Civic spaces shall be fronted by buildings or by thoroughfares with building frontage on all sides.

H. General development standards.

1. When adjacent to existing residential uses all structures more than two stories in height shall be placed a minimum of 50 feet from adjoining property lines.

I. Regulating plan standards.

1. A Regulating Plan with street and block framework and transect zone application must be created and approved as part of the review process (see Figure 3.1 for Regulating Plan example). See handout for submittal requirements for NMU projects.

2. Transect zone allocation.

a. T4 Main Street-Open must be adjacent to T4 Main Street.

b. T4 Neighborhood-Open must be adjacent to T4 Main Street or T4 Main Street-Open.

c. T4 Main Street must be applied to define a two-sided retail street.

(1) Minimum length of each side of the Main Street is 150 feet.

Reserved

LDC § 3.02.060. T2 Rural Standards.

Reserved

LDC § 3.02.070. T3 Neighborhood (T3N) Standards.

B. Allowed Building Types 1,3

Key

C. Building Placement Setback (Distance from ROW/Property Line)

D. Building Form Lot Size See Part 5 (Building Types). Building Height 3,4

Miscellaneous Mansard roof forms are not allowed. E. Allowed Use Types

Key

F. Frontage Types and Encroachments Encroachments into Setback 1

Key

G. Required Parking Spaces Residential Uses. Unless otherwise required for an ADU/JADU or Two-Unit Residential Development, parking minimums are as follows:

H. T3N Use Table

Key

(Ord. 2018 § 4 (Exh. B), 2015; Ord. 2082 § 2(B), 2019; Ord. 2151 § 6, 2023; Ord. 2168 § 4(A), 2024; Ord. 2178, 7/14/2025)

B. Allowed Building Types 1,3

Key

C. Building Placement Setback (Distance from ROW/Property Line)

Miscellaneous Distance between Main Buildings on Same Lot

D. Building Form Lot Size See Part 5 (Building Types). Building Height 7,8,9

Key

E. Allowed Use Types

F. Frontage Types and Encroachments Encroachments into Setback 2

Required Frontage Types 3

Key

G. Required Parking Spaces Residential Uses. Unless otherwise required by the standards contained in Part 11 (Housing), parking minimums are as follows:

H. Building Height (First Street Corridor Transitional Area as shown) The regulations of LDC § 3.02.080D apply except as noted below. Within 75' of First Street:

I. T4N Use Table

Key

End Notes

(Ord. 2018 § 4 (Exh. B), 2015; Ord. 2058 § 1 (Exh. C), 2017; Ord. 2082 § 2(C), 2019; Ord. 2151 § 6, 2023; Ord. 2168 § 4(B), 2024; Ord. 2178, 7/14/2025)

B. Allowed Building Types 1

Key

C. Building Placement Setback (Distance from ROW/Property Line)

Miscellaneous Distance between Main Buildings on Same Lot

Key

E. Allowed Use Types

F. Frontage Types and Encroachments Encroachments into Setback 2

Required Frontage Types 3

Key

G. Required Parking Spaces Residential. Unless otherwise required by the standards contained in Part 11 (Housing), parking minimums are as follows:

H. T4N-O Use Table

Key

End Notes

(Ord. 2018 § 4 (Exh. B), 2015; Ord. 2082 § 2(D), 2019; Ord. 2168 § 4(C), 2024; Ord. 2178, 7/14/2025)

Key

C. Building Placement Build-to Line (Distance from ROW/Property Line)

Miscellaneous Street facades must be built to BTL along first 30' from every intersection, except for chamfered corners up to 10' in width and depth. Entire BTL must be defined by a building or a 2'0" to 3'6" high decorative fence or stucco or masonry wall, except for entry ways, driveways and walkways. No planting strips allowed between sidewalk and building.

Height

Key

E. Allowed Use Types

F. Frontage Types and Encroachments Encroachments into Setback 2

Required Frontage Types 3

Key

G. Required Parking Spaces Residential Uses. Unless otherwise required by the standards contained in Part 11 (Housing), parking minimums are as follows:

H. T4MS-O Use Table

Key

End Notes

(Ord. 2018 § 4 (Exh. B), 2015; Ord. 2168 § 4(D), 2024; Ord. 2178, 7/14/2025)

Key

C. Building Placement Build-to Line (Distance from ROW/Property Line)

Miscellaneous Street facades must be built to BTL along first 30' from every intersection, except for chamfered corners up to 10' in width and depth. Entire BTL must be defined by a building or a 2'0" to 3'6" high decorative fence or stucco or masonry wall, except for entry ways, driveways and walkways.

D. Building Form Lot Size See Part 5 (Building Types). Height

Key

E. Allowed Use Types

F. Frontage Types and Encroachments Encroachments into Setback 2

Required Frontage Types 3

Key

G. Required Parking Spaces Residential Uses. Unless otherwise required by the standards contained in Part 11 (Housing), parking minimums are as follows:

H. T4MS Use Table

Key

End Notes

(Ord. 2018 § 4 (Exh. B), 2015; Ord. 2168 § 4(E), 2024; Ord. 2178, 7/14/2025)

Reserved

LDC § 3.02.130. T6 Urban Core.

Reserved

LDC Chapter 3.03. Non-Transect Zones

LDC § 3.03.010. Purpose.

This chapter provides regulatory standards governing land use and building form within the Non-Transect-based zoning areas. The Code is a reflection of the community vision for implementing the intent of the General Plan. These standards are intended to ensure that proposed development is compatible with existing and future development on neighboring properties, and produces an environment of desirable character, consistent with the General Plan and any applicable specific plan.

The requirements of this chapter shall apply to all proposed development within Non-Transect-based zones, and shall be considered in combination with the standards for the applicable zone in Part 4 (General to Zones) and those in Part 6 (Specific to Uses). If there is a conflict between any standards, the provisions of Part 3 (Specific to Zones) control over Part 4, the provisions of Part 6 control over Parts 3 and 4, and the provisions of Part 11 (Housing) control over Parts 3, 4, and 6.

(Ord. 2178, 7/14/2025)

C. Building Placement Requirements Setback

F. Density and Lot Size Requirements.

G. Lot Requirements Average Lot Width

I. R-R Use Table.

Key

End Notes:

(Ord. 2082 § 2(E), 2019; Ord. 2168 § 4(F), 2024; Ord. 2178, 7/14/2025)

B. Building Placement Requirements Setback

C. Building Form Requirements.

D. Parking Requirements.

E. Lot Requirements.

G. R-S Use Table

Key

End Notes:

(Ord. 2168 § 4(G), 2024; Ord. 2178,7/14/2025)

B. Building Placement Requirements Setback

C. Building Form Requirements

E. Lot Requirements.

G. R-L Use Table.

Key

End Notes:

(Ord. 2082 § 2(F), 2019; Ord. 2168 § 4(H), 2024; Ord. 2178, 7/14/2025)

B. Building Placement Requirements. Setback

C. Building Form Requirements Building Height

E. Lot Size Requirements

F. Lot Requirements

H. MFR Use Table

Key

End Notes:

(Ord. 2082 § 2(G), 2019; Ord. 2168 § 4(I), 2024; Ord. 2178, 7/14/2025)

C. Building Placement Requirements Setback Front

D. Building Form Requirements Building Height

F. Lot Requirements Average Lot Width

G. Density and Lot Size Requirements

I. Suburban Multiple Residential (RG) Zone – Use Table

Key

End Notes

(Ord. 1950 §§ 3 (Exh. A), 4, 5, 2011; Ord. 2018 § 5 (Exh. C), 2015; Ord. 2168 § 4(J), 2024; Ord. 2178, 7/14/2025)

B. Building Placement Requirements Setback 1

C. Building Form Requirements

E. Lot Requirements

G. CS Use Table

Key

End Notes:

(Ord. 2178, 7/14/2025)

B. Building Placement Requirements Setback 1

C. Building Form Requirements

E. Lot Requirements

G. CHS Use Table

Key

End Notes:

(Ord. 1947 § 3 (Exh. A), 2011; Ord. 2178, 7/14/2025)

B. Building Placement Requirements Setback 1

C. Building Form Requirements

E. Lot Size Requirements

G. CNB Use Table

Key

End Notes:

(Ord. 2178, 7/14/2025)

B. Building Placement Requirements Setback

C. Building Form Requirements

E. Lot Requirements

G. CO Use Table

Key

End Notes:

(Ord. 2178, 7/14/2025)

B. Building Placement Requirements Setback

C. Building Form Requirements

D. Parking Requirements

See LDC Chapter 4.04 (Parking Standards).

E. Lot Requirements

G. CP Use Table

Key

End Notes:

(Ord. 2178, 7/14/2025)

B. Building Placement Requirements Setback 1, 2

C. Building Form Requirements

E. Lot Requirements

G. I-1 Use Table

Key

End Notes:

(Ord. 2082 § 2(H), 2019; Ord. 2178, 7/14/2025)

B. Building Placement Requirements Setback 1,2 Front and Side Streets

C. Building Form Requirements

E. Lot Requirements

G. I-2 Use Table

Key

End Notes:

(Ord. 2082 § 2(I), 2019; Ord. 2178, 7/14/2025)

B. Building Placement Requirements Setback 1,2 Front and Street Side

C. Building Form Requirements

E. Lot Requirements

G. I-3. Use Table

Key

End Notes:

(Ord. 1915 § 3 (Exh. B), 2010; Ord. 2082 § 2(J), 2019; Ord. 2143 § 3 (Exh. B), 2023; Ord. 2178, 7/14/2025)

B. Building Placement Requirements Setback 1

C. Building Form Requirements

E. Lot Requirements

G. E Use Table

Key

End Notes:

(Ord. 1927 § 3 (Exh. C), 2011; Ord. 2178, 7/14/2025)

A. Purpose The Open Space (OS) zone is applied to areas of the City that are appropriate for permanent or semi-permanent open space. Lands shall be zoned to the OS zone where the open space designation meets one or more of the following criteria:

C. Building Placement Requirements Setback

D. Building Form Requirements

F. Lot Size Requirements

H. OS Use Table

Key

End Notes:

(Ord. 2082 § 2(K), 2019; Ord. 2178, 7/14/2025)

C. Building Placement Requirements Setback 1 Front 2,3,4

D. Building Form Requirements Building Height

E. Parking Requirements Spaces

H. AIR Use Table

Key

End Notes:

(Ord. 1903 § 1 (Exh. A), 2010)

The Isabel Neighborhood Specific Plan shall govern all land use development and design standards and policies in the Specific Plan area except as otherwise stated in the Specific Plan.

(Ord. 2110 § 4 (Exh. B), 2020)

LDC Chapter 3.04. Planned Development

LDC § 3.04.010. Purpose.

This chapter provides regulatory standards governing land use and building form within the Non-Transect-based zoning areas currently zoned Planned Development. The Code is a reflection of the community vision for implementing the intent of the General Plan. These standards are intended to ensure that proposed development is compatible with existing and future development on neighboring properties, and produces an environment of desirable character, consistent with the General Plan and any applicable specific plan.

The requirements of this chapter shall apply to all proposed development within Non-Transect-based zones, and shall be considered in combination with the standards for the applicable zone in Part 4 (General to Zones) and those in Part 6 (Specific to Uses). If there is a conflict between any standards, the provisions of Part 3 (Specific to Zones) control over Part 4 and the provisions of Part 6 control over Parts 3 and 4.

LDC § 3.04.030. Planned Development (PD) Zone.

C. Development Standards

F. PD Use Table

G. Application.

1. An application for a rezoning to a PD district (a PD ordinance) shall be filed and processed in compliance with LDC Chapter 9.01 (Application Processing Procedures).

2. The application shall include the information and materials specified in the Department handout for Planned Development (PD) applications, together with the required fee in compliance with the Planning Fee Schedule.

3. It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide evidence in support of the findings required, below.

H. Review authority.

1. Planning Commission hearing and recommendation. The planning commission shall hold a noticed public hearing to consider the application. The commission shall recommend to the City Council either approval, conditional approval or disapproval of the application.

2. City Council hearing and decision. The City Council shall hold a noticed public hearing to consider the application and the Commission's recommendation. The Council shall by ordinance approve, approve subject to conditions or deny the application. The Director shall notify the applicant in writing of the Council's decision.

I. Amendments. The procedures for amending a PD ordinance are set forth in LDC Chapter 9.14 (Amendments).

J. Additional design features to justify variation from conventional zoning.

1. Residential Planned Developments. For each variation from the conventional regulations, the applicant shall describe a design feature which is in proportion to the degree of variation, and shall explain why the variation is appropriate. The City shall consider only those design features which exceed what is otherwise legally required by the City or by the California Environmental Quality Act.

a. Reservation of open space;

b. Parks, trails, bicycle paths or playgrounds beyond those required under the parkland dedication ordinance;

c. Clustering of homes (in order to provide greater open space, or more parks, trails, neighborhood amenities, etc.);

d. Inclusion of more affordable (low- and very-low-income) housing, above what is required by the General Plan and State law;

e. Provision of public, neighborhood amenities;

f. Diversification of building sizes and types; or

g. Other public features not generally available in the neighborhood of a standard zoning district.

2. Commercial and industrial planned developments. For each variation from the conventional regulations, the applicant shall describe a design feature which is in proportion to the degree of variation, and shall explain why the variation is appropriate. The City shall consider only those design features which exceed what is otherwise legally required by the city or by the California Environmental Quality Act.

a. Increased landscaping;

b. Increased landscape setbacks;

c. Provision of open space in excess of what is otherwise required;

d. Pedestrian areas, outdoor benches, fountains, trails, or other outdoor recreation areas;

e. Extraordinary architecture;

f. Employee facilities, such as on-site day care, showers and locker rooms.

K. Development Agreement. Any design feature approved under this subsection shall be assured and implemented through a Development Agreement or tentative map condition of approval, or both. Any Development Agreement shall be approved concurrently with the PD ordinance and in consistent with the requirements in LDC Chapter 9.04 (Development Agreements).

L. Site Plan and Design Review. The Planned Development ordinance shall include the following provision:

1. Before a building permit is issued for any new structure, or a grading permit for grading, the property owner shall obtain Site Plan and Design Review under LDC Chapter 9.07. In addition to any requirements under LDC Chapter 9.07, the Site Plan and Design Review approval for property within this PD district may include development conditions not limited to building design and arrangement; architectural standards; storage facilities; phasing of improvements; circulation; access; lighting; fencing; landscaping and screening; buffers; hours of operation; regulations of noise, vibration and odors; and property maintenance.

M. Exemption. The requirements of subsection F, above, do not apply to property which is designated BCP and CSGC in the General Plan by City-initiated action rather than by application of the property owner.

(Ord. 2082 § 2(L), 2019; Ord. 2178, 7/14/2025)