Title 17 — Development Code›Chapter 17.126 — INTRODUCTION
§ 17.128
Rancho Cucamonga Zoning Code · 2026-06 edition · updated 2026-07-25 · Rancho Cucamonga
§ 17.128.010. Purpose of Form-Based Zones. ¶
The form-based zones are organized from lowest to highest intensity, and each is named to describe its general form and function (neighborhoods, centers, corridors, and districts). The FBC includes a neighborhood form-based zone that builds on the neighborhood designations established in the Etiwanda Heights Neighborhood and Conservation Plan (i.e., Neighborhood Estates, Neighborhood General 1 and Neighborhood General 2).
The intent of each form-based zone is as follows:
A. Neighborhood Estates 2 (NE2). Low density residential development comprised of large homes on large lots, with large setbacks and yards. Buildings are low intensity, yet neighborhoods and blocks are designed to promote connectivity and traditional neighborhood design. Uses are mostly single-family residential, with context-sensitive neighborhood commercial and civic uses also allowed in certain locations, such as neighborhood edges and at designated nodes within new master planned neighborhoods.
B. Neighborhood General 3 (NG3). Medium density and intensity development along certain segments and nodes of major corridors in proximity to smaller-scale residential neighborhoods. Buildings promote walkability and contribute to active, vibrant environments while being context-sensitive by transitioning scale when adjacent to lower density neighborhoods. Uses provide a range of daily needs within walkable suburban neighborhoods, with some transitional auto-oriented development in outlying areas.
C. Center 1 (CE1). Active, vibrant town centers that promote walkability with neighborhood-serving commercial and retail uses in proximity to medium density residential development. Buildings front streets and provide a vibrant, safe street environment for pedestrians and cyclists.
D. Mixed Employment 1 (ME1). Medium intensity development focused on walkable professional office and employment uses. Buildings front streets and transition areas from auto-oriented office parks to mixed-use, vibrant hubs of activity.
E. Mixed Employment 2 (ME2). Medium to high intensity development focused on professional office, creative industrial and maker spaces, and employment uses along active, walkable streets. Buildings front streets and corridors with tall ground floors that support a mix of uses, entrances, and facades.
F. Corridor 1 (CO1). Medium intensity mixed-use development that transitions existing auto-oriented corridors and places to vibrant areas that promote walkability. Building and entrance/facade types are diverse, contributing to a mix of distinct places along major corridor areas. Buildings front streets and transition in scale to surrounding neighborhoods with some auto-oriented development along secondary streets.
G. Corridor 2 (CO2). Medium to high intensity mixed-use development along active, walkable corridors and at key intersections. Buildings front streets and transition in scale to surrounding neighborhoods with some transitional autooriented development along secondary streets.
H. Center 2 (CE2). Mixed-use urban areas with pedestrian-friendly commercial and residential hubs and infill development along vibrant public spaces that promote walkability. Buildings transition in scale (i.e., step up or step down) to surrounding neighborhoods, centers, and districts. Developments support safe streets for pedestrians and cyclists.
(Ord. No. 1000 § 4, 2022)
§ 17.128.020. Overview of Form-Based Zones. ¶
Table 17.128.020-1 provides an overview of each form-based zone. See chapter 17.130 (Zone and Building Standards) for specific standards for each form-based zone. Subzones are established for two form-based zones.
Subzones limit land uses in certain areas where the form-based zone is applied to support the implementation of the General Plan land use mix provisions and better align with existing conditions and intended outcomes.
| TABLE 17.128.020-1 SUMMARY TABLE OF FORM-BASED ZONES | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone | Neighborhood Estate 2 (NE2) |
Neighborhood General 3 (NG3) |
Center 1 (CE1) | Mixed Employment 1 (ME1) |
| Subzone | None | Neighborhood General 3 Limited (NG3L) (limits nonresidential uses) |
Center 1 – Southwest Cucamonga (CE1-SWC) (Allows certain existing service uses to remain) |
None |
| Large frontage area/build-to lines |
Small to medium frontage area/build-to lines |
Small frontage area/build-to lines |
Small to large frontage area/build-to lines |
|
| Desired Form | Heights up to 3 stories | Heights up to 3 stories | Heights up to 4 stories | Heights up to 5 stories |
| Interconnected street network, low intensity development |
House-scale buildings, low intensity development |
Compact and connected environment, medium intensity development |
Moderate intensity mixed- use development, transitions in scale to adjacent neighborhoods |
| TABLE 17.128.020-1 SUMMARY TABLE OF FORM-BASED ZONES | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone | Neighborhood Estate 2 (NE2) |
Neighborhood General 3 (NG3) |
Center 1 (CE1) | Mixed Employment 1 (ME1) |
| General Use | Single-family residential, some context appropriate neighborhood serving commercial or civic uses. |
Medium density residential mixed-use with ground foor commercial and retail activity with a mix of uses on upper stories. Subzone: Medium density residential, allows neighborhood serving commercial and limited auto-oriented uses. |
Commercial and retail mixed-use buildings with a mix of residential and nonresidential uses on upper stories. Medium density residential and moderate intensity neighborhood-serving commercial uses. |
Professional offce employment with a mix of supporting uses. Some auto-oriented uses if the scale and character is appropriate. |
| General Plan Designation |
Traditional Neighborhood | Neighborhood Corridor Neighborhood Center (Subzone) |
Traditional Town Center | Offce Employment District |
| TABLE 17.128.020-1 SUMMARY TABLE OF FORM-BASED ZONES (CONT.) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone | Mixed Estate 2 (ME2) | Corridor 1 (CO1) | Corridor 2 (CO2) | Center 2 (CE2) |
| Subzone | None | None | None | Center 2 Limited (CE2L) (limits nonresidential uses) |
| Small frontage area/build- to lines |
Small frontage area/build-to lines |
Small frontage area/build- to lines |
Small frontage area/build-to lines |
|
| Heights up to 5 stories | Heights up to 5 stories | Heights up to 7 stories | Heights up to 12 stories | |
| Desired Form | Walkable environment, maker spaces, moderate intensity development, block-scale building |
Transitional environment, mixed-use and block- scale buildings, moderate intensity development |
Walkable environment, block-scale buildings, moderate to high intensity development |
Walkable environment, block-scale buildings, high intensity development |
| General Use | Professional offce, business, service, and creative industrial uses in proximity to walkable, urban areas. |
Moderate density residential with a mix of commercial and retail activity at key intersections. Medium to high intensity uses act to transition to lower intensity suburban neighborhoods adjacent to the corridor. |
High density residential with a mix of commercial and retail activity at key nodes. Higher density and intensity uses transition to lower intensity urban areas nearby such as moderately scaled mixed use, multi- family, and employment districts and centers. |
Ground foor commercial and retail activity with a mix of commercial and residential uses on upper stories. High density residential and civic uses. Subzone: Predominately moderate and high density residential uses in proximity to walkable, urban areas with a focus on residential serving retail uses. |
| General Plan Designation |
21st Century Employment District |
City Corridor Moderate | City Corridor High | City Center Urban Neighborhood (subzone) |
(Ord. No. 1000 § 4, 2022; Ord. No. 1017 § 12, 2023; Ord. No. 1023, 1/17/2024)
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Ask AI about this code▸ Contents — Rancho Cucamonga Zoning Code
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▸ Title 17 — Development Code
Overview- Chapter 17.02 — PURPOSE AND APPLICABILITY
- Chapter 17.04 — ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITY
- Chapter 17.06 — RULES AND INTERPRETATION
- Chapter 17.08 — ENFORCEMENT
- Chapter 17.12 — LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS
- Chapter 17.14 — GENERAL APPLICATION PROCESSING PROCEDURES
- Chapter 17.16 — PLANNING DIRECTOR DECISIONS
- Chapter 17.18 — HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION DECISIONS
- Chapter 17.20 — PLANNING COMMISSION DECISIONS
- Chapter 17.22 — CITY COUNCIL DECISIONS
- Chapter 17.26 — ESTABLISHMENT OF ZONES
- Chapter 17.28 — ADOPTION OF ZONING MAP
- Chapter 17.30 — ALLOWED LAND USE BY BASE ZONE
- Chapter 17.32 — ALLOWED USE DESCRIPTIONS
- Chapter 17.34 — GENERAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
- Chapter 17.36 — DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS BY BASE ZONE
- Chapter 17.38 — OVERLAY ZONES AND OTHER SPECIAL PLANNING AREAS
- Chapter 17.42 — ACCESSORY STRUCTURES
- Chapter 17.44 — CONDOMINIUM CONVERSIONS
- Chapter 17.46 — DENSITY BONUSES, INCENTIVES, AND CONCESSIONS
- Chapter 17.48 — FENCES, WALLS, AND SCREENING
- Chapter 17.50 — IMPLEMENTATION OF GREEN BUILDING CODE
- Chapter 17.52 — HILLSIDE DEVELOPMENT
- Chapter 17.54 — USES IN HISTORIC STRUCTURES
- Chapter 17.56 — LANDSCAPING STANDARDS
- Chapter 17.58 — OUTDOOR LIGHTING STANDARDS
- Chapter 17.60 — OUTDOOR SALES, STORAGE, DISPLAY, AND SEATING S…
- Chapter 17.62 — NONCONFORMING USES AND STRUCTURES
- Chapter 17.64 — PARKING AND LOADING STANDARDS
- Chapter 17.66 — PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
- Chapter 17.68 — PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
- Chapter 17.70 — SIDEWALKS AND TRAILS
- Chapter 17.72 — SIGN REGULATIONS FOR PUBLIC PROPERTY
- Chapter 17.74 — SIGN REGULATIONS FOR PRIVATE PROPERTY
- Chapter 17.76 — ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SYSTEMS AND FACILITIES
- Chapter 17.77 — TRANSFER OF DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS
- Chapter 17.78 — TRANSPORTATION DEMAND MANAGEMENT
- Chapter 17.80 — TREE PRESERVATION
- Chapter 17.82 — WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPING
- Chapter 17.84 — UNDERGROUND UTILITIES
- Chapter 17.86 — ADULT BUSINESS USES
- Chapter 17.88 — ANIMAL REGULATIONS
- Chapter 17.89 — AUTOMOBILE SERVICE STATION
- Chapter 17.90 — CAR WASHING AND DETAILING
- Chapter 17.91 — DRIVE-IN AND DRIVE-THROUGH USES
- Chapter 17.92 — HOME OCCUPATIONS
- Chapter 17.93 — HOTELS
- Chapter 17.94 — COMMERCIAL CANNABIS USES AND CULTIVATION
- Chapter 17.96 — MOBILEHOMES
- Chapter 17.97 — LIVE/WORK UNITS
- Chapter 17.98 — PUBLIC UTILITIES AND USES
- Chapter 17.100 — ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS AND JUNIOR ACCESSORY…
- Chapter 17.102 — SPECIAL REGULATED USES
- Chapter 17.104 — TEMPORARY USES
- Chapter 17.106 — WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION FACILITIES
- Chapter 17.108 — TELEVISION SATELLITE DISH AND ANTENNA REGULAT…
- Chapter 17.109 — BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE FACILITIES
- Chapter 17.110 — EMERGENCY SHELTERS
- Chapter 17.111 — VEHICLE SERVICE USES
- Chapter 17.112 — PURPOSE AND APPLICABILITY
- Chapter 17.114 — SPECIAL PLANNING AREA MAP AND DESCRIPTIONS
- Chapter 17.118 — PURPOSE AND APPLICABILITY
- Chapter 17.120 — GENERAL DESIGN PROVISIONS
- Chapter 17.122 — DESIGN PROVISIONS BY DEVELOPMENT TYPE
- Chapter 17.123 — MULTI-FAMILY AND RESIDENTIAL MIXED-USE
- Chapter 17.124 — DESIGN PROVISIONS FOR PUBLIC ART
- Chapter 17.130 — ZONE AND BUILDING STANDARDS
- Chapter 17.132 — BUILDING ENTRANCES AND FACADES
- Chapter 17.134 — PUBLIC OPEN SPACE
- Chapter 17.136 — LAND USE STANDARDS
- Chapter 17.138 — LARGE SITE DEVELOPMENT
- Chapter 17.140 — UNIVERSAL DEFINITIONS
- Chapter 17.142 — ADULT BUSINESS DEFINITIONS
- Chapter 17.144 — DENSITY BONUS DEFINITIONS
- Chapter 17.146 — HISTORIC RESOURCES DEFINITIONS
- Chapter 17.148 — CANNABIS DEFINITIONS
- Chapter 17.150 — SIGN DEFINITIONS
- Chapter 17.152 — WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS DEFINITIONS
- Chapter 17.154 — FORM-BASED CODE DEFINITIONS