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Earlier editions: 2026-09

Title 10 — ZONING REGULATIONS›Chapter 3 — LAND USE REGULATIONS

Modesto Municipal Code Art. 1 Permitted and Conditional Land Uses

Modesto Municipal Code · 2026-10 edition · updated 2026-10-04 · Modesto

Cite as: Modesto Municipal Code Article 1 · Text as of 2026-10-04

10-3.101 - Land Use Table.

The following Land Use Table identifies those uses that are permitted, conditional, and not permitted for each listed zoning district.

(a) The land use symbols shown on Table 3.1-1 have the following meaning:

(1) "P" indicates that the use is permitted

(2) "C" indicates that the use is conditional (A conditional use permit is required)

(3) "-" indicates that the use is not permitted

(4) The zoning district symbols and corresponding zoning district names are as follows:

R-1 Low Density Residential
R-2 Medium Density Residential
R-3 Medium-High Density Residential
MU-P Mixed Use Pedestrian Oriented
MU-H Mixed Use Highway Oriented
P-O Professional Office
C-1 Neighborhood Commercial
C-2 General Commercial
C-3 Highway Commercial
C-M Commercial-Industrial
M-1 Light Industrial
M-2 Heavy Industrial

See Chapter 4, Land Use Regulations, for the definition and purpose and intent of the zoning districts.

(b) Refer to the Chapter 9, Administration, to determine the required application and process for permitted and conditional uses.

(c) Refer to the notes column for additional information.

Table 3.1-1 Permitted and Conditional Land Uses

Land Use Zoning Districts Zoning Districts Zoning Districts Zoning Districts Zoning Districts Zoning Districts Zoning Districts Zoning Districts Zoning Districts Zoning Districts Zoning Districts Zoning Districts Notes
Land Use R-1 R-2 R-3 MU-P MU-H P-O C-1 C-2 C-3 C-M M-1 M-2 Notes
AGRICULTURAL AGRICULTURAL AGRICULTURAL AGRICULTURAL AGRICULTURAL AGRICULTURAL AGRICULTURAL AGRICULTURAL AGRICULTURAL AGRICULTURAL AGRICULTURAL AGRICULTURAL AGRICULTURAL AGRICULTURAL
Community Gardens P P P P P P P P P P P P See Section 10-2.114
Fruit and nut trees, vines, row crops, horticulture stock P P P P P P P P P P P P
RESIDENTIAL RESIDENTIAL RESIDENTIAL RESIDENTIAL RESIDENTIAL RESIDENTIAL RESIDENTIAL RESIDENTIAL RESIDENTIAL RESIDENTIAL RESIDENTIAL RESIDENTIAL RESIDENTIAL RESIDENTIAL
Accessory Uses Accessory Uses Accessory Uses Accessory Uses Accessory Uses Accessory Uses Accessory Uses Accessory Uses Accessory Uses Accessory Uses Accessory Uses Accessory Uses Accessory Uses Accessory Uses
Animals and Fowl P P P - - - - - - - - - See Section 10-3.202
Garage Sales P P P - - - - - - - - - See Section 10-3.206
Home Business P P P - - - - - - - - - See Section 10-3.207
Personal Cannabis Cultivation P P P P P P P P P P P P See Section 10-3.601 et seq.
Dwellings Dwellings Dwellings Dwellings Dwellings Dwellings Dwellings Dwellings Dwellings Dwellings Dwellings Dwellings Dwellings Dwellings
Accessory Buildings P P P P P P P P P P P P See Section 10-4.114
Accessory Dwelling Unit, Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit P P P P P - - - - - - - See Section 10-4.115
Single Family Dwelling P P P - - - - - - - - - For Duplexes, see Section 10-3.217
Manufactured Homes P P P - - - - - - - - - See Section 10-3.209
Multiple Family - P P P P C C C C - - - See Sections 10-9.1002 b 3, 10-9.1002 b 5, and 10-4.115 . ADUs and JADUs are allowed in conjunction with multiple family development on commercial properties for which a CUP has been issued in accordance with Section 10-4.115 .
Mobile Home Parks - - - - - - - - - - - - See Section 10-7.103 b 2
Other Residential Uses within Dwellings Other Residential Uses within Dwellings Other Residential Uses within Dwellings Other Residential Uses within Dwellings Other Residential Uses within Dwellings Other Residential Uses within Dwellings Other Residential Uses within Dwellings Other Residential Uses within Dwellings Other Residential Uses within Dwellings Other Residential Uses within Dwellings Other Residential Uses within Dwellings Other Residential Uses within Dwellings Other Residential Uses within Dwellings Other Residential Uses within Dwellings
Lodging and Boarding (3 or fewer persons, 1 dwelling) P P P - - - - - - - - - See Section 10-3.208
Lodging and Boarding (4 or more persons, 1 dwelling) C C P - - - - - - - - - See Section 10-3.208
Lodging and Boarding (3 or fewer persons, 2 dwellings on a lot) - P P C C C C C C - - - See Section 10-3.208
Lodging and Boarding (4 or more persons, 2 dwellings on a lot) - C P C C C C C C - - - See Section 10-3.208
CIVIC/INSTITUTIONAL CIVIC/INSTITUTIONAL CIVIC/INSTITUTIONAL CIVIC/INSTITUTIONAL CIVIC/INSTITUTIONAL CIVIC/INSTITUTIONAL CIVIC/INSTITUTIONAL CIVIC/INSTITUTIONAL CIVIC/INSTITUTIONAL CIVIC/INSTITUTIONAL CIVIC/INSTITUTIONAL CIVIC/INSTITUTIONAL CIVIC/INSTITUTIONAL CIVIC/INSTITUTIONAL
Educational Facilities Educational Facilities Educational Facilities Educational Facilities Educational Facilities Educational Facilities Educational Facilities Educational Facilities Educational Facilities Educational Facilities Educational Facilities Educational Facilities Educational Facilities Educational Facilities
School - Private (including charter schools) C C C P P P P P P C C C
School - Public (including charter schools) C C C P P P P P P C C C
School - Vocational - - - P P P P P P P P P
Healthcare Facilities Healthcare Facilities Healthcare Facilities Healthcare Facilities Healthcare Facilities Healthcare Facilities Healthcare Facilities Healthcare Facilities Healthcare Facilities Healthcare Facilities Healthcare Facilities Healthcare Facilities Healthcare Facilities Healthcare Facilities
Hospital - - - P P - - P P P P P
Substance Abuse Clinic/Facility - - - P P P P P P P P P
Veterinary Hospital (large animals) - - - - - - - - - P P P See Section 10-2.1100
Veterinary Hospital (small animals) - - - P P P P P P P P P See Section 10-2.1101
Non-Profit Organization Non-Profit Organization Non-Profit Organization Non-Profit Organization Non-Profit Organization Non-Profit Organization Non-Profit Organization Non-Profit Organization Non-Profit Organization Non-Profit Organization Non-Profit Organization Non-Profit Organization Non-Profit Organization Non-Profit Organization
No Retail (office, classroom, meeting hall) C C C P P P P P P P P P
Retail - - - P P - P P P P P P
Public Facilities Public Facilities Public Facilities Public Facilities Public Facilities Public Facilities Public Facilities Public Facilities Public Facilities Public Facilities Public Facilities Public Facilities Public Facilities Public Facilities
Library - - - P P P P P P P P P
Museum - - - P P P P P P P P P
Public Buildings and Grounds (i.e. corporation yard) C C C C C C C C C P P P
Public Facilities, Minor (wells, pumps) P P P P P P P P P P P P
Public Parks P P P P P P P P P P P P
Storm Drainage Facilities P P P P P P P P P P P P
Quasi-Public Facilities Quasi-Public Facilities Quasi-Public Facilities Quasi-Public Facilities Quasi-Public Facilities Quasi-Public Facilities Quasi-Public Facilities Quasi-Public Facilities Quasi-Public Facilities Quasi-Public Facilities Quasi-Public Facilities Quasi-Public Facilities Quasi-Public Facilities Quasi-Public Facilities
Cemetery - - - - - - - - - - - - See Section 10-7.103 b 3
Church (place of worship) C C C P P P P P P P P P
Utilities Utilities Utilities Utilities Utilities Utilities Utilities Utilities Utilities Utilities Utilities Utilities Utilities Utilities
Solar Energy Systems (accessory use) P P P P P P P P P P P P See Section 10-2.187
Solar Energy Farm - - - - - - - - - - P P See Section 10-2.186
Utility Company Buildings, Facilities, and Grounds C C C C C C C C C P P P
Utilities and Railroads See Section 10-3.221
COMMERCIAL COMMERCIAL COMMERCIAL COMMERCIAL COMMERCIAL COMMERCIAL COMMERCIAL COMMERCIAL COMMERCIAL COMMERCIAL COMMERCIAL COMMERCIAL COMMERCIAL COMMERCIAL
Communication Communication Communication Communication Communication Communication Communication Communication Communication Communication Communication Communication Communication Communication
Broadcasting Studio (radio or television) - - - P P - - P P P P P
Radio or Television Transmitter - - - C C - C C C P P P
Wireless Telecommunication Facilities See Chapter 3, Article 4
Entertainment Entertainment Entertainment Entertainment Entertainment Entertainment Entertainment Entertainment Entertainment Entertainment Entertainment Entertainment Entertainment Entertainment
Adult Entertainment Business - - - - - - - - - - P P See Chapter 3, Article 3
Carnival (entertainment permit required) - - - P P - - P P P P P See Title 4 , Chapter 1, Article 4
Circus (entertainment permit required) - - - P P - P P P P P See Title 4 , Chapter 1, Article 4
Entertainment Establishment (entertainment permit required) - - - P P - - P P P P P See Title 4 , Chapter 1, Article 4
Theater, Motion Picture (indoor) - - - P P - - P P P P P
Commercial Cannabis Uses See Chapter 3, Article 7
Commercial Marijuana Activity - - - - - - - - - - - - See Section 10-3.210
Lodging Lodging Lodging Lodging Lodging Lodging Lodging Lodging Lodging Lodging Lodging Lodging Lodging Lodging
Motel, Hotel - - - P P P P P P P P P
Bed and Breakfast (2 rooms for lodging, owner resides on site) P P P - - - - - - - - -
Office Office Office Office Office Office Office Office Office Office Office Office Office Office
General - - - P P P P P P P P P See Section 10-2.159
Medical - - - P P P P P P P P P See Section 10-2.160
Outdoor Sales and Activities Outdoor Sales and Activities Outdoor Sales and Activities Outdoor Sales and Activities Outdoor Sales and Activities Outdoor Sales and Activities Outdoor Sales and Activities Outdoor Sales and Activities Outdoor Sales and Activities Outdoor Sales and Activities Outdoor Sales and Activities Outdoor Sales and Activities Outdoor Sales and Activities Outdoor Sales and Activities
Auction Yard - - - - - - - - - - P P
Commercial Commercial Commercial Commercial Commercial Commercial Commercial Commercial Commercial Commercial Commercial Commercial Commercial Commercial
Certified Farmers' Market - - - P P - P P P P P P See Section 10-3.212 a
Food and Drink Stands - - - P P - P P P P P P See Section 10-3.212 b
Fund Raisers (nonprofit organizations) P P P P P P P P P P P P See Section 10-3.212 c
Outdoor Dining Areas - - - P P - P P P P P P See Section 10-3.212 d
Outdoor Display, major - - - P P - - P P P P P See Section 10-3.212 e (2)
Outdoor Display, minor - - - P P - P P P P P P See Section 10-3.212 e (1)
Outdoor Sales (products customarily sold indoor) - - - P P - P P P P P P See Section 10-3.212 f
Promotions P P P P P P P P P P P P See Section 10-3.212 g
Seasonal Sales (fireworks, pumpkins, Christmas trees) P P P P P P P P P P P P See Section 10-3.212 h
Mobile Food Facilities - - - P P - P P P P P P See Sections 10-3.210 and 10-3.212 i
Flea Market - Indoor - - - P P - - P P P P P
Flea Market - Outdoor - - - - - - - - - - P P
Industrial - - - - - - - - - P P P See Section 10-3.213
Recreational Recreational Recreational Recreational Recreational Recreational Recreational Recreational Recreational Recreational Recreational Recreational Recreational Recreational
Campground, Recreation Vehicle Overnight Park - - - - C - - - C P P P
Health Club - - - P P - P P P P P P
Private Club, Lodge, Social Club, Cultural Center - - - P P - P P P P P P
Recreation Facility - Indoor - - - P P - C P P P P P See Section 10-2.165
Recreation Facility - Outdoor - - - C C - - C C P P P See Section 10-2.166
Recycling (Collection) Recycling (Collection) Recycling (Collection) Recycling (Collection) Recycling (Collection) Recycling (Collection) Recycling (Collection) Recycling (Collection) Recycling (Collection) Recycling (Collection) Recycling (Collection) Recycling (Collection) Recycling (Collection) Recycling (Collection)
Recycling Facility, Large (more than 500 SF area) - - - C C - - C C P P P
Recycling Facility, Small (500 SF max area) - - - P P - P P P P P P See Section 10-3.215 b
Unattended Containers no more than 50 SF area (in residential zones w/ school, church, or government use) P P P - - - - - - - - - See Section 10-3.215 a
Unattended Containers/Reverse Vending Machine no more than 50 SF area (w/ permitted or conditional use) - - - P P P P P P P P P
Restaurants Restaurants Restaurants Restaurants Restaurants Restaurants Restaurants Restaurants Restaurants Restaurants Restaurants Restaurants Restaurants Restaurants
Banquet Hall - - - C/P C/P - - C/P C/P C/P C/P C/P See Section 10-3.203
Bar, Cocktail Lounge, Tavern - - - C/P C/P - - C/P C/P C/P C/P C/P See Section 10-3.203
Restaurants (w/ alcohol) - - - C/P C/P - C/P C/P C/P C/P C/P C/P See Section 10-3.203
Restaurants (w/o alcohol) - - - P P - P P P P P P
Retail Retail Retail Retail Retail Retail Retail Retail Retail Retail Retail Retail Retail Retail
General Retail - - - P P - - P P P P P See Section 10-2.174
Neighborhood Retail - - - P P - P P P P P P See Section 10-2.175
Services Services Services Services Services Services Services Services Services Services Services Services Services Services
General Services
Ambulance Service - - - P P - - P P P P P
Armored Car Service - - - P P - - P P P P P
Business Services - - - P P P P P P P P P See Section 10-2.178
Car Wash - - - C/P C/P - - C/P C/P C/P C/P C/P See Section 10-3.222
Equipment Rental (indoors) - - - P P - - P P P P P
Exterminating Service - - - P P - - P P P P P
Fortune Telling - - - P P - - P P P P P
Funeral Home (includes cremation) - - - C C - - C C P P P
Janitor Service - - - P P - - P P P P P
Kennel - - - C C - - C C P P P
Laboratory (research and testing) - - - P P - - P P P P P
Package Delivery Service - - - - C - - - C P P P
Personal Services - - - P P P P P P P P P See Section 10-2.179
Security Company - - - P P - - P P P P P
Self Storage - - - - C - - - C P P P
Sign Painting Shop - - - P P - - P P P P P
Stone Monument - - - C C - C C C P P P
Taxicab Service - - - P P - - P P P P P
Taxidermist Shop - - - P P - - P P P P P
Towing Services (no impound yard) - - - P P - - P P P P P
Trade Services - - - P P - - P P P P P See Section 10-2.182
Repair Services
Major Repair - - - P P - - P P P P P See Section 10-2.180
Minor Repair - - - P P - P P P P P P See Section 10-2.181
Social Assistance Services
Assisted Living Facility C C P P P P P P P - - -
Adult Day Care (3 or fewer clients, 1 unit per lot) P P P - - - - - - - - - Residential dwelling. Clients plus family members
Adult Day Care (4 or more clients, 1 unit per lot) C C C - - - - - - - - -
Adult Day Care (3 or fewer clients, 2 units per lot) C C C - - - - - - - - -
Adult Day Care C C C P P C P P P P P P Commercial facility
Day Care Home - Small Family (6 or fewer children) P P P - - - - - - - - - See Section 10-3.204 a 1
Day Care Home - Large Family (7-14 children) P P P - - - - - - - - - See Section 10-3.204 a 2
Child Day Care Home (15 or more children) C C C - - - - - - - - - See Section 10-3.204 a 3
Child Day Care Center C C C P P C P P P P P P See Section 10-3.204 b
Convalescent and Other Care Facility C C C P P C P P P P P P Commercial facility
Emergency Shelter - - - - - - C C P C C C See Section 10-3.205
Homeless Shelter - - - - - - C C P C C C See Section 10-3.205
Low Barrier Navigation Center - - - P P P P P P C C C See Sections 10-2.149.1 and 10-3.208.1
Residential Care Facility (6 or fewer persons) P P P - - - - - - - - -
Residential Care Facility (7 or more persons) C C C - - - - - - - - -
Residential Care Facility (2 or more care facilities) C C C - - - - - - - - - See Section 10-3.216
Residential Service Facility (not State licensed) C C C - - - - - - - - -
Supportive Housing P P P P P P P P P - - - See Section 10-2.192
Transitional Housing P P P P P P P P P - - - See Section 10-2.194
Vehicle Related Vehicle Related Vehicle Related Vehicle Related Vehicle Related Vehicle Related Vehicle Related Vehicle Related Vehicle Related Vehicle Related Vehicle Related Vehicle Related Vehicle Related Vehicle Related
Heavy Vehicles See Section 10-2.198
Farm Equipment Sales, Rental, Repair, & Service - - - - C - - - C P P P
Truck & Trailer Sales, Rental, Repair, & Service - - - - C - - - C P P P
Light Vehicles See Section 10-2.199
Minor Maintenance (minor tune up, smog check) - - - C/P C/P - C/P C/P C/P C/P C/P C/P See Section 10-3.222
Parts Store - - - P P - P P P P P P
Rental and Sales - - - P P - - P P P P P
Repair and Service, Major - - - - - - - - - C/P C/P C/P See Sections 10-2.199 a and 10-3.222
Repair and Service, Minor - - - C/P C/P - - C/P C/P C/P C/P C/P See Sections 10-2.199 b and 10-3.222
Service Station - - - P P - P P P P P P
Stereo Installation - - - C/P C/P - - C/P C/P C/P C/P C/P See Section 10-3.222
INDUSTRIAL INDUSTRIAL INDUSTRIAL INDUSTRIAL INDUSTRIAL INDUSTRIAL INDUSTRIAL INDUSTRIAL INDUSTRIAL INDUSTRIAL INDUSTRIAL INDUSTRIAL INDUSTRIAL INDUSTRIAL
Manufacturing Manufacturing Manufacturing Manufacturing Manufacturing Manufacturing Manufacturing Manufacturing Manufacturing Manufacturing Manufacturing Manufacturing Manufacturing Manufacturing
Heavy - - - - - - - - - - - P See Section 10-2.150
Light - - - - - - - - - - P P See Section 10-2.151
Other Manufacturing Involving:
Chemical Products (Hazardous) - - - - - - - - - - - C
Explosives - - - - - - - - - - - C
Natural Gas and Gas Products - - - - - - - - - - - C
Paper, Pulp, and Wood (no burning operation) - - - - - - - - - - - C
Other Industrial Other Industrial Other Industrial Other Industrial Other Industrial Other Industrial Other Industrial Other Industrial Other Industrial Other Industrial Other Industrial Other Industrial Other Industrial Other Industrial
Animal Slaughter Facility - - - - - - - - - - - C
Brewery - - - - - - - - - - P P
Microbrewery - - - C/P C/P - - C/P C/P C/P C/P C/P See Section 10-3.203
Bulk Fuel Storage (Class II flammable liquids for the power needs of food processing plants) - - - - - - - - - - P P
Cabinet Shop - - - - - - - - - P P P
Contracting Business (with equipment and materials yard) - - - - - - - - - P P P
Distributing, Freighting or Trucking Yard - - - - - - - - - - P P
Equipment Rental Yard - - - - - - - - - P P P
Laundry and Dry Cleaning Plant - - - - - - - - - P P P
Machine Shop - - - - - - - - - P P P
Power Plant - - - - - - - - - - C P
Rock Crushing - - - - - - - - - - - C
Sand, Gravel, Brick, and Building Block Yard (no concrete mixing, manufacture or rock crushing) - - - - - - - - - - P P
Sheet Metal Shop - - - - - - - - - P P P
Tire Rebuilding, Recapping, Retreading - - - - - - - - - P P P
Transit and Transportation Equipment Storage Yard - - - - - - - - - - P P
Vehicle Impound Yard - - - - - - - - - P P P
Warehousing - - - - - - - - - P P P
Waste Disposal or Transfer Station - - - - - - - - - - - C
Welding Shop - - - - - - - - - P P P
Wholesale Business - - - - - - - - - P P P
Winery - - - - - - - - - - - P
Recycling Facilities Recycling Facilities Recycling Facilities Recycling Facilities Recycling Facilities Recycling Facilities Recycling Facilities Recycling Facilities Recycling Facilities Recycling Facilities Recycling Facilities Recycling Facilities Recycling Facilities Recycling Facilities
Recycling, Junk Handling, Processing and Storage, Heavy - - - - - - - - - - - C
Recycling Processing Facility, Light - - - - - - - - - - P P
Vehicle Salvage, Wrecking - - - - - - - - - - - C
Miscellaneous Miscellaneous Miscellaneous Miscellaneous Miscellaneous Miscellaneous Miscellaneous Miscellaneous Miscellaneous Miscellaneous Miscellaneous Miscellaneous Miscellaneous Miscellaneous
Accessory Uses and Buildings Accessory Uses and Buildings Accessory Uses and Buildings Accessory Uses and Buildings Accessory Uses and Buildings Accessory Uses and Buildings Accessory Uses and Buildings Accessory Uses and Buildings Accessory Uses and Buildings Accessory Uses and Buildings Accessory Uses and Buildings Accessory Uses and Buildings Accessory Uses and Buildings Accessory Uses and Buildings
Customarily incidental to permitted & conditional uses P P P P P P P P P P P P See Section 10-3.201 a
Incidental Manufacturing, Processing, Packaging, Storage, or Wholesale Sales - - - P P - P P P P See Section 10-3.201 b
Parking Parking Parking Parking Parking Parking Parking Parking Parking Parking Parking Parking Parking Parking
Parking Area in residential zone for adjacent nonresidential use in nonresidential zone C C C - - - - - - - - -
Parking Area in P-O zone for adjacent commercial use in commercial zone - - - - - P - - - - - -
Parking Lot or Garage - - - P P - P P P P P P
Recreational Vehicles P P P P P P P P P P P P See Section 10-3.214
Trucks and Truck Trailers in residential zones - - - - - See Section 10-3.220
Temporary Buildings Temporary Buildings Temporary Buildings Temporary Buildings Temporary Buildings Temporary Buildings Temporary Buildings Temporary Buildings Temporary Buildings Temporary Buildings Temporary Buildings Temporary Buildings Temporary Buildings Temporary Buildings
Construction Buildings P P P P P P P P P P P P See Section 10-3.218
Mobile Living Quarters P P P - - - - - - - - - See Section 10-3.211
Sales Offices and Model Homes P P P P P P P P P P P P See Section 10-3.219
Legend Legend Legend Legend Legend Legend Legend Legend Legend Legend Legend Legend Legend Legend
P Permitted Use — Not Permitted C Conditional Use Note: A blank box means the land use is not applicable and/or refer to notes. P * Low Barrier Navigation Centers as a Permitted Use in the Mixed Use and Commercial Zones shall be repealed on January 1, 2027.

(Added by Ord. 3562-C.S., § 1(Exh. A), effective 5-24-12; amended by Ord. 3599-C.S., § 2, effective 2-28-14; amended by Ord. 3641-C.S., § 3, effective 2-26-16; Ord. No. 3683-C.S., § 1, effective 1-16-18; Ord. No. 3684-C.S., § 3, effective 2-15-18; Ord. No. 3704-C.S., effective 11-7-19; Ord. No. 3722-C.S., § 1, effective 11-5-20; Ord. No. 3734-C.S., § 1, effective 10-7-21; Ord. No. 3739-C.S., § 1, effective 12-2-21; Ord. No. 3771-C.S., § 3, effective 12-14-23; Ord. No. 3797-C.S, § 3, effective 6-24-25)

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