Santa Rosa Municipal Code Ch. 20-23 Commercial Zoning

§ 20-23.010. Purpose.¶

This chapter lists the land uses that may be allowed within the commercial zoning districts established by Section 20-20.020 (Zoning Map and Zoning Districts), determines the type of land use permit/approval required for each use, and provides basic standards for site layout and building size.

(Ord. 3677 § 1, 2004)

Exceptions & meaning →

§ 20-23.020. Purposes of commercial zoning districts.¶

The purposes of the individual commercial zoning districts and the manner in which they are applied are as follows:

A. CO (Office Commercial) district. The CO zoning district is applied to areas appropriate for administrative, business, financial, medical, professional, and public office uses, together with similar and related compatible uses. Residential uses may also be accommodated as part of mixed use projects. The CO zoning district is consistent with and implements the Office land use classification of the General Plan.

B. CN (Neighborhood Commercial) district. The CN zoning district is applied to areas within and adjacent to Residential neighborhoods appropriate for limited retail and service centers for convenience shopping. Uses in these centers are intended to provide for the day-to-day needs of local neighborhoods and workplaces, but not to be of such scope and variety as to attract substantial traffic volumes from outside the neighborhood. New development is encouraged to include both a residential and nonresidential component as noted by Section 20-23.030 (Commercial district land uses and permit requirements). The CN zoning district is consistent with and implements the Neighborhood Shopping Center land use classification of the General Plan.

C. CG (General Commercial) district. The CG zoning district is applied to areas appropriate for a range of retail and service land uses that primarily serve residents and businesses throughout the City, including shops, personal and business services, and restaurants. Residential uses may also be accommodated as part of mixed use projects, and independent residential developments. The CG zoning district is consistent with the Retail and Business Services land use classification of the General Plan.

D. CV (Motor Vehicle Sales) district. The CV zoning district is applied to areas appropriate for a concentration of new and used motor vehicle sales establishments and related support uses.

The CV zoning district is consistent with the Retail and Business Services land use classification of the General Plan.

E. CMU (Core Mixed Use) district. The CMU zoning district is applied to areas within downtown Santa Rosa to foster a mix of residential and nonresidential uses to activate the greater Old Courthouse Square area and key transit corridors. The principal objectives of the CMU designation are to strengthen the role of this area as a business, governmental, retail, tourism, entertainment, and cultural hub for the region, and to accommodate significant new residential development. New residential development will serve as a catalyst for increased activity and create a built-in market for retail, service, and entertainment uses. High-rise development in all residential or mixed-use buildings is envisioned in a walkable, bikeable environment with public gathering places such as plazas, courtyards, or parks and easy access to public transit. The CMU zoning district implements and is consistent with the Core Mixed Use land use classification of the General Plan.

F. SMU (Station Mixed Use) district. The SMU zoning district is applied to areas within downtown Santa Rosa to provide for a range of visitor-serving uses, including retail, restaurants, entertainment, cultural amenities, and hotels in proximity to the Downtown SMART station. While commercial uses are emphasized, new multi-family housing will also be allowed to support the daytime and evening vitality of the Downtown Station Area. New development will be required to respect the historic character of the Railroad Square area, adding to the mix of uses and enhancing the walkable, pedestrian-oriented streets and public spaces that attract locals, SMART train riders, and visitors from the wider region. The SMU zoning district implements and is consistent with the Station Mixed Use land use classification of the General Plan.

G. MMU (Maker Mixed Use) district. The MMU zoning district is applied to areas within downtown Santa Rosa to emphasize a balanced mix of residential, creative, and maker-oriented uses, including artisan shops, studios, media production, printing and publishing, distilleries and micro-breweries, cannabis, tech start-ups, research and development facilities, limited light industrial uses, and other home-based businesses. Multi-family residential and live/work units are encouraged in all-residential or mixed-use buildings. Supportive uses that contribute to a vibrant village atmosphere, such as bodegas, specialty food stores, cafés, coffee shops, performing arts venues, theatres, restaurants, schools, and educational facilities are also permitted. The MMU zoning district implements and is consistent with the Maker Mixed Use land use classification of the General Plan.

H. NMU (Neighborhood Mixed Use) zoning district. The NMU designation is applied to areas within downtown Santa Rosa to allow for new multi-family residential development in all-residential or mixed-use buildings, together with a broad mix of uses that primarily serve local residents, including professional office, retail, entertainment, service, and other neighborhood-scale supporting uses. Permitted housing developments include low and mid-rise apartments and condominiums, as well as small-lot single-family attached dwellings (e.g., duplexes, triplexes, townhomes.) Live-work spaces and maker-oriented uses are permitted subject to performance standards. The NMU zoning district is consistent with and implements the Neighborhood Mixed Use land use classification of the General Plan.

I. CSC (Community Shopping Center) district. The CSC zoning district is applied to areas appropriate for complexes of retail establishments, anchored by a large grocery store, serving clients from the community as a whole and in particular surrounding residential neighborhoods. These centers are intended to be designed to facilitate pedestrian and bicycle access in addition to vehicular access. Proposed commercial development is required to include a residential component when significant additions or reconstruction is proposed as noted by Section 20-23.030 (Commercial district land uses and permit requirements), Table 2-6 and Section 20-23.080. The CSC zoning district is consistent with and implements the Community Shopping Center land use classification of the General Plan.

J. TV-M (Transit Village-Mixed) district. The TV-M zoning district is applied to areas within approximately one-quarter mile of a transit facility outside of the Downtown Station Area that are appropriate for a mix of higher density residential, office and commercial uses. Development is designed and oriented to create a central node of activity at or near the transit facility. The minimum allowable density is 40 dwellings per acre; there is no maximum density. The TV-M zoning district is consistent with and implements the Transit Village Mixed Use land use classification of the General Plan.

(Ord. 3677 § 1, 2004; Ord. 3950 § 8, 2010; Ord. 3987 § 2, 2012; Ord. 2020-014 § 9; Ord. 2021-012 § 11; Ord. 2025-014, 11/18/2025)

Exceptions & meaning →

§ 20-23.030. Commercial district land uses and permit requirements.¶

Table 2-6 identifies the uses of land allowed by this Zoning Code in the commercial zoning districts, and the land use permit required to establish each use, in compliance with Section 20-21.030 (Allowable Land Uses and Permit Requirements).

Note: Where the last column in the table ("Specific Use Regulations") includes a section number, the regulations in the referenced section apply to the use. Provisions in other sections of this Zoning Code may also apply.

TABLE 2-6 Allowed Land Uses and Permit Requirements for Commercial Districts	P - Permitted Use, Zoning Clearance Required DUP - Director Conditional Use Permit MUP - Minor Conditional Use Permit Required CUP - Major Conditional Use Permit Required S - See Specific Use Regulations for Permit — Use Not Allowed	P - Permitted Use, Zoning Clearance Required DUP - Director Conditional Use Permit MUP - Minor Conditional Use Permit Required CUP - Major Conditional Use Permit Required S - See Specific Use Regulations for Permit — Use Not Allowed	P - Permitted Use, Zoning Clearance Required DUP - Director Conditional Use Permit MUP - Minor Conditional Use Permit Required CUP - Major Conditional Use Permit Required S - See Specific Use Regulations for Permit — Use Not Allowed	P - Permitted Use, Zoning Clearance Required DUP - Director Conditional Use Permit MUP - Minor Conditional Use Permit Required CUP - Major Conditional Use Permit Required S - See Specific Use Regulations for Permit — Use Not Allowed	P - Permitted Use, Zoning Clearance Required DUP - Director Conditional Use Permit MUP - Minor Conditional Use Permit Required CUP - Major Conditional Use Permit Required S - See Specific Use Regulations for Permit — Use Not Allowed	P - Permitted Use, Zoning Clearance Required DUP - Director Conditional Use Permit MUP - Minor Conditional Use Permit Required CUP - Major Conditional Use Permit Required S - See Specific Use Regulations for Permit — Use Not Allowed	P - Permitted Use, Zoning Clearance Required DUP - Director Conditional Use Permit MUP - Minor Conditional Use Permit Required CUP - Major Conditional Use Permit Required S - See Specific Use Regulations for Permit — Use Not Allowed	P - Permitted Use, Zoning Clearance Required DUP - Director Conditional Use Permit MUP - Minor Conditional Use Permit Required CUP - Major Conditional Use Permit Required S - See Specific Use Regulations for Permit — Use Not Allowed	P - Permitted Use, Zoning Clearance Required DUP - Director Conditional Use Permit MUP - Minor Conditional Use Permit Required CUP - Major Conditional Use Permit Required S - See Specific Use Regulations for Permit — Use Not Allowed	P - Permitted Use, Zoning Clearance Required DUP - Director Conditional Use Permit MUP - Minor Conditional Use Permit Required CUP - Major Conditional Use Permit Required S - See Specific Use Regulations for Permit — Use Not Allowed	P - Permitted Use, Zoning Clearance Required DUP - Director Conditional Use Permit MUP - Minor Conditional Use Permit Required CUP - Major Conditional Use Permit Required S - See Specific Use Regulations for Permit — Use Not Allowed
TABLE 2-6 Allowed Land Uses and Permit Requirements for Commercial Districts	PERMIT REQUIRED BY ZONE	PERMIT REQUIRED BY ZONE	PERMIT REQUIRED BY ZONE	PERMIT REQUIRED BY ZONE	PERMIT REQUIRED BY ZONE	PERMIT REQUIRED BY ZONE	PERMIT REQUIRED BY ZONE	PERMIT REQUIRED BY ZONE	PERMIT REQUIRED BY ZONE	PERMIT REQUIRED BY ZONE	Specific Use Regulations
USE (1)	CO	CN (7)	CG	CV	CMU	SMU	MMU	NMU	CSC (2)	TV-M	Specific Use Regulations
INDUSTRY, MANUFACTURING & PROCESSING, WHOLESALING
Artisan/craft product manufacturing	—	MUP	P	—	MUP	MUP	P	P	P	—
Brewery—Brew pub	—	MUP	DUP	—	P	P	P	P	DUP	P
Cannabis—Commercial cultivation—up to 5,000 sq ft	—	—	—	—	—	—	MUP	—	—	—
Cannabis—Distribution	—	—	—	—	—	—	MUP	—	—	—
Cannabis—Manufacturing level 1 (non-volatile)	—	—	—	—	—	—	MUP	—	—	—
Cannabis—Microbusiness	—	—	—	—	—	—	MUP	—	—	—
Cannabis—Testing laboratory	MUP	—	—	—	—	—	P	—	—	—	Ch. 20-46
Laboratory—Medical, analytical	MUP	—	—	—	MUP	MUP	P	—	—	—
Manufacturing/processing—Light	—	—	—	—	—	—	P	—	—	—
Manufacturing/processing—Medium	—	—	—	—	—	—	MUP	—	—	—
Media Production—Backlots/Outdoor Facilities	—	—	—	—	—	—	P	P	—	—
Media Production—Indoor Support Facilities	—	—	—	—	—	—	P	P	—	—
Media Production—Soundstages	—	—	—	—	—	—	P	P	—	—
Printing and publishing	—	—	—	—	MUP	MUP	P	P	—	—
Recycling—Reverse vending machines	—	P	P	—	—	—	—	—	P	—	§ 20-42.120
Recycling—Small collection facility	—	—	DUP	—	—	—	—	—	DUP	—	§ 20-42.120
Research and development	—	—	—	—	MUP	P	P	P	—	—
Storage—Accessory	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P
Storage—Personal storage facility	—	—	MUP	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	§ 20-42.180
Winery—Boutique	—	—	DUP	—	P	P	P	P	DUP	P
Winery—Production	—	—	CUP	—	CUP	CUP	MUP	CUP	—	CUP
RECREATION, EDUCATION & PUBLIC ASSEMBLY USES
Adult entertainment business	CUP	CUP	CUP	CUP	CUP	CUP	CUP	CUP	CUP	CUP	Ch. 20-40
Commercial recreation facility—Indoor (up to 10,000 sq ft and within a commercial shopping center/mall)	—	—	P	—	P	P	P	P	P	P
Commercial recreation facility—Indoor (up to 10,000 sq ft and not within a commercial shopping center/mall)	—	—	DUP	—	DUP	DUP	DUP	DUP	DUP	DUP
Commercial recreation facility—Indoor (greater than 10,000 sq ft)	—	—	MUP	—	MUP	MUP	MUP	MUP	MUP	MUP
Community garden (6)	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P
Conference/convention facility	—	—	MUP	—	P	DUP	MUP	—	—	MUP
Health/fitness facility—Commercial	—	DUP	P	—	P	P	P	P	P	P
Health/fitness facility—Quasi-public	—	DUP	P	—	P	P	P	P	P	P
Library, museum	P	P	P	MUP	P	P	P	P	P	P
Meeting facility, public or private	DUP	DUP	P	DUP	DUP	DUP	DUP	DUP	DUP	DUP
Park, playground	P	P	P	MUP	P	P	P	P	P	P
School, public or private	DUP	DUP	DUP	DUP	DUP	DUP	DUP	DUP	DUP	DUP
Sports and entertainment assembly facility	—	—	MUP	—	P	DUP	MUP	MUP	—	MUP
Studio—Art, dance, martial arts, music, etc.	DUP	P	P	—	P	P	P	P	P	P
Theater, auditorium	—	—	MUP	—	P	DUP	MUP	MUP	MUP	DUP
RESIDENTIAL USES (See Section 20-28.080 , Senior Housing (-SH) combining district, for specific requirements regarding proposed senior housing developments)
Animal keeping—Domestic and exotic	S	S	S	—	S	S	S	S	S	S	§ 20-42.040
Duplex (13) (16)	DUP	P	P	—	P	P	P	P	P	P (5)
Emergency shelter—50 or fewer beds (16)	CUP (14)	CUP (14)	P	CUP (14)	CUP (14)	CUP	CUP	CUP	CUP (14)	CUP (14)	§ 20-42.190
Emergency shelter—51 or more beds (16)	CUP (14)	CUP	CUP (14)	CUP (14)	CUP (14)	CUP	CUP	CUP (14)	CUP (14)	CUP (14)	§ 20-42.190
Farmworker Dwelling Unit (12)	P	P	P	—	P	P	P	P	P	P
Farmworker Housing Complex (22)	MUP	P (22)	MUP	—	P (22)	P (22)	P (22)	P (22)	P (22)	P (22)
Half-Plex (13)	MUP	P	P	—	P	P	P	P	P	P (5)
Home occupation	S	S	S	—	S	S	S	S	S	S	§ 20-42.070
Live/work	DUP	DUP	DUP	—	P	P	P	P	DUP	DUP	§ 20-42.080
Low-Barrier Navigation Center (18)	P	P	P	—	P	P	P	P	P	P
Multi-family (13)	MUP	P	P	—	P	P	P	P	P	P (5)
Residential accessory structures and uses	P	P	P	—	P	—	—	P	P	P	§ 20-42.030
Residential Care Facility (Licensed - Large) (22)	MUP	MUP	MUP	—	MUP	MUP	MUP	MUP	MUP	MUP	§ 20-42.230
Residential Care Facility (Licensed - Small) (12) (18)	P	P	P	—	P	P	P	P	P	P
Residential Care Facility (Unlicensed) (12) (18)	P	P	P	—	P	P	P	P	P	P
Residential component of a mixed use project (9)	MUP	P	P	—	P	P	P	P	P	P (5)	§ 20-42.090
Single-family attached (17)	MUP	P	P	—	P	P	P	P	P	P (5)
Single Room Occupancy Facility	—	—	CUP	—	MUP	MUP	MUP	MUP	CUP	—	§ 20-42.164
Supportive housing (18)	P	P	P	—	P	P	P	P	P	P
Transitional housing (12)	MUP	P	MUP	CUP	P	P	P	P	P	P
Work/live	DUP	DUP	DUP	DUP	DUP	DUP	DUP	DUP	DUP	DUP	§ 20-42.080
RETAIL TRADE	RETAIL TRADE	RETAIL TRADE	RETAIL TRADE	RETAIL TRADE	RETAIL TRADE	RETAIL TRADE	RETAIL TRADE	RETAIL TRADE	RETAIL TRADE	RETAIL TRADE	RETAIL TRADE
Accessory retail	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	§ 20-42.024
Alcoholic beverage sales—off-site consumption (less than 10,000 sq. ft.)	—	CUP	CUP	—	CUP	CUP	CUP	CUP	CUP	CUP	§ 20-42.034
Alcoholic beverage sales—off-site consumption (10,000 sq. ft. or more)	—	P	P	—	P	P	P	P	P	P	§ 20-42.034
Artisan shop	—	P	P	—	P	P	P	P	P	P
Auto and vehicle sales and rental	—	—	DUP (11)	P	—	—	—	—	—	—
Auto parts sales (no installation services)	—	—	P (11)	P	—	—	—	—	P	—
Bar/tavern	—	DUP	DUP	—	P	DUP	DUP	MUP	DUP	DUP	§ 20-42.034
Building and landscape materials sales—Indoor	—	—	P (11)	—	—	—	—	—	P	—
Building and landscape materials sales—Outdoor	—	—	DUP	—	—	—	—	—	DUP	—	§ 20-42.100
Cannabis—Retail (dispensary) and delivery	CUP (10)	CUP (10)	CUP (10)	—	—	—	—	—	CUP (10)	—	Ch. 20-46
Construction and heavy equipment sales and rental	—	—	—	MUP	—	—	—	—	—	—
Drive-through retail sales	—	CUP	CUP (11)	—	—	—	—	—	CUP	—	§ 20-42.064
Electric vehicle sales	—	—	—	—	DUP	DUP	DUP	—	—	—
Farm supply and feed store	—	—	P	—	—	—	—	—	P	—
Fuel dealer (propane for home and farm use, etc.)	—	—	—	CUP	—	—	—	—	—	—
Furniture, furnishings, appliance/equipment store	—	—	P	—	P	P	P	P	P	P
Gas station	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
General retail—Up to 20,000 sf of floor area	—	P (11)	P	—	P	P	P	P	P	P
General retail—More than 20,000 sf, up to 50,000 sf	—	DUP (11)	P (11)	—	P	P	P	P	P	P
General retail—More than 50,000 sf of floor area	—	—	P (11)	—	—	—	—	—	P	—
Grocery store, small—Less than 20,000 sf	—	P	P	—	P	P	P	P	P	P
Grocery store, large—20,000 sf and greater	—	MUP (11)	P (11)	—	P	P	P	P	P	P	§ 20-42.200
Mobile Food Vending Facility (19)	DUP	DUP	DUP	DUP	DUP	DUP	DUP	DUP	DUP	DUP	§ 20-42.210
Mobile home, boat, or RV sales	—	—	MUP	P	—	—	—	—	—	—
Neighborhood center	DUP	P	P	MUP	P	P	P	P	P	P
Night club	—	—	DUP (11)	—	P	P	DUP	DUP	DUP	DUP
Office—Supporting retail	P	P	P	—	P	P	P	P	P	P
Outdoor display and sales	—	DUP	P	—	P	P	P	P	P	P	§ 20-42.110
Pharmacy	MUP	P	P	—	P	P	P	P	P	P
Restaurant, café, coffee shop—Counter ordering	P	P	P	—	P	P	P	P	P	P	§ 20-42.110 , § 20-42.160
Restaurant, café, coffee shop—Outdoor dining	P (8)	P (8)	P (8)	—	P (8)	P (8)	P (8)	P	P (8)	P (8)
Restaurant, café, coffee shop—Serving alcohol	P	P	P	—	P	P	P	P	P	P
Restaurant, café, coffee shop—Table service	P	P	P	—	P	P	P	P	P	P
Second hand store	—	DUP	DUP	—	DUP	DUP	DUP	DUP	DUP	DUP
Shopping center	—	—	P	—	P	P	P	P	P	—
Tasting room	—	P	P	—	P	P	P	P	P	P
Tobacco or smoke shop	—	—	MUP	—	MUP	MUP	MUP	MUP	MUP	—
Warehouse retail	—	—	P (11)	—	—	—	—	—	P	—
SERVICES—BUSINESS, FINANCIAL, PROFESSIONAL
ATM	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	§ 20-42.044
Bank, financial services	P	P	P	—	P	P (5)	P (5)	P	P	P (5)
Business support service	P	P	P	—	P	P	P	P	P	P
Medical service—Clinic, urgent care	P	DUP	P	—	P	P	MUP	P	P	DUP
Medical service—Doctor office	P	P	P	—	P	P (5)	DUP	P	P	P (5)
Medical service—Health care facility (Large) (20)	MUP	MUP	MUP	—	MUP	MUP	MUP	MUP	MUP	MUP	§ 20-42.060
Medical service—Health care facility (Small) (18) (4)	P	P	P	—	P	P	P	P	P	P
Medical service—Hospital	CUP	CUP (11)	CUP (11)	CUP	CUP	CUP	CUP	—	CUP	CUP
Medical service—Integrated medical health center	P	MUP	P	—	P	P	P	P	P	MUP
Medical service—Lab	P	—	P	—	—	—	—	—	MUP	—
Medical service—Veterinary clinic, animal hospital	P	DUP	P	—	DUP	DUP	DUP	DUP	P	DUP
Office—Accessory	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P
Office—Business/service	P	P	P	—	P	P	P	P	P	P (5)
Office—Government	P	DUP	DUP	DUP	P	DUP	DUP	DUP	DUP	DUP
Office—Processing	P	—	P	—	DUP	DUP	P	DUP	—	DUP
Office—Professional	P	P	P	—	P	P	P	P	—	P (5)
SERVICES—GENERAL	SERVICES—GENERAL	SERVICES—GENERAL	SERVICES—GENERAL	SERVICES—GENERAL	SERVICES—GENERAL	SERVICES—GENERAL	SERVICES—GENERAL	SERVICES—GENERAL	SERVICES—GENERAL	SERVICES—GENERAL	SERVICES—GENERAL
Accessory services	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	§ 20-42.030
Adult Day Program (19)	DUP	P	DUP	—	DUP	DUP	DUP	DUP	P	DUP
Catering service	—	—	P	—	—	—	P	P	—	—
Check cashing stores	—	—	DUP	—	DUP	DUP	DUP	—	DUP	—
Child day care—Large family day care home (18)	P	P	P	—	P	P	P	P	P	P	§ 20-42.050
Child day care—Small family day care home (18)	P	P	P	—	P	P	P	P	P	P	§ 20-42.050
Child day care center (19)	P	P	P	—	P	P	P	P	P	P	§ 20-42.050
Commissary (21)	—	—	P	—	—	—	P	P	—	—
Drive-through service	—	CUP	CUP	—	—	—	—	—	CUP	—	§ 20-42.064
Equipment rental	—	—	P (4)	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Extended hours of operation (11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.)	—	DUP	DUP	—	P	P	P	DUP	DUP	DUP
Lodging—Bed & breakfast inn (B&B)	—	—	DUP	—	P	P	P	P	—	DUP
Lodging—Hotel or motel	MUP	—	P	—	P (4)	P (4)	P (4)	MUP	—	P
Massage related uses	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	Ch. 20-49
Mortuary, funeral home	—	—	MUP	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Personal services	P	P (2)	P	—	P	P	P	P	P	P
Psychic services	—	—	DUP	—	DUP	DUP	DUP	—	DUP	—
Public safety facility	MUP	MUP	MUP	MUP	MUP	MUP	MUP	MUP	MUP	MUP
Repair service—Equipment, large appliances, etc.	—	—	MUP	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Social service organization	DUP	—	DUP	—	DUP	DUP	DUP	DUP	—	—
Soup Kitchen	—	—	MUP	—	MUP	MUP	MUP	—	MUP	—
Vehicle services—Major repair/body work	—	—	—	P (4)	—	—	—	—	—	—
Vehicle services—Minor maintenance/repair	—	—	MUP	P (4) (11)	—	—	MUP	—	MUP	—
TRANSPORTATION, COMMUNICATIONS & INFRASTRUCTURE
Broadcasting studio	P	—	P	—	P	P	P	P	P	P
Electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE)—Accessory	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P
Electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE)—Primary	DUP	DUP	DUP	DUP	DUP	DUP	DUP	DUP	DUP	DUP
Parking facility, public or commercial	DUP	—	DUP	—	P (4)	P (4)	DUP	DUP	—	DUP
Telecommunications facilities	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	Ch. 20-44
Transit station or terminal	MUP	MUP	MUP	MUP	MUP	MUP	MUP	MUP	MUP	MUP
Utility facility	CUP	CUP	CUP	CUP	CUP	CUP	CUP	CUP	CUP	CUP
Utility infrastructure	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P

Key to Zoning District Symbols

CO	Office Commercial	CV	Motor Vehicle Sales	TV-M	Transit Village—Mixed	MMU	Maker Mixed Use
CN	Neighborhood Commercial	CSC	Community Shopping Center	CMU	Core Mixed Use
CG	General Commercial	NMU	Neighborhood Mixed Use	SMU	Station Mixed Use

NOTES:

(1)	See Division 7 for land use definitions.
(2)	Each new development or project involving significant additions or reconstruction is required to be a mixed use project with a residential component in compliance with the residential density requirements for the CSC zoning district as described in Sections 20-23.040 and 20-23.080 .
(3)	Each new development on a site shown in Figure 2-1, Section 20-23.060C shall be a mixed use project, and each new development within the Courthouse Square Sub-Area of the Downtown Station Area Specific Plan shall provide activity-generating uses at the ground floor along all public streets.
(4)	Director Conditional Use Permit required when site abuts residential zoning district or parcel with residential use.
(5)	Uses permitted on upper stories of building, Director Use Permit required when proposed on ground floor.
(6)	A community garden is allowed on the same property as an existing permitted meeting facility provided that the establishment of the garden does not trigger a grading permit or affect the operation and design of the meeting facility.
(7)	Residential uses are encouraged as part of new development on sites zoned CN, as described in Section 20-23.050 .
(8)	Director level Design Review is required when a project is not part of a building permit application.
(9)	Permitted by right within any nonresidential Planned Development within one of the City's Priority Development Areas and shall therefore not require a use permit.
(10)	Subject to a 600-foot minimum setback requirement to a "school," as defined by the Cal. Health & Safety Code § 11362.768 . In addition, a cannabis retail use shall not be established within 600 feet of any other cannabis retail use established within and permitted by the City of Santa Rosa.
(11)	Not permitted in the Southeast Greenway area.
(12)	Permitted by right in Single-Family dwelling.
(13)	Permitted by right within any commercial Planned Development within one of the City's Priority Development Areas.
(14)	Permitted with a Minor Conditional Use Permit within one of the City's Priority Development Areas.
(15)	Permitted by right within one of the City's Priority Development Areas.
(16)	Permitted with a Director Conditional Use Permit within any nonresidential Planned Development within one of the City's Priority Development Areas.
(17)	Permitted by right within any Planned Development.
(18)	Permitted by right within any commercial Planned Development.
(19)	Permitted with a Director Conditional Use Permit within any commercial Planned Development.
(20)	Any Commercial Kitchen, including restaurants, can operate as a Commissary, as long as the Commercial Kitchen is licensed by Sonoma County Environmental Health and the City has permitted the Commercial Kitchen.
(21)	Farmworker Housing Complex projects that do not meet the requirements of Cal. Health & Safety Code § 17000 et seq. shall require a Minor Use Permit and may require Design Review pursuant to Section 20-52.030 .
(22)	Permitted with a Minor Conditional Use Permit within any commercial Planned Development.

(Ord. 3677 § 1, 2004; Ord. 3711 § 1 Exh. A, 2005; Ord. 3760 § 2 Exh. A, 2006; Ord. 3766 § 1 Exh. A, 2006; Ord. 3889 § 2, 2008; Ord. 3908 §§ 2, 3, 2009; Ord. 3950 § 9, 2010; Ord. 3968 § 3, 2011; Ord. 3978 § 4, 2012; Ord. 3987 § 3, 2012; Ord. 3989 § 2, 2012; Ord. 3995 § 4, 2012; Ord. 3997 § 4, 2012; Ord. 4001 § 3, 2012; Ord. 4002 § 3, 2012; Ord. 4042 § 2, 2015; Ord. 4074 § 2, 2016; Ord. 2017-017 § 2; Ord. 2017-025 § 3; Ord. 2018-012 § 3; Ord. 2019-009 § 2; Ord. 2020-001 § 4; Ord. 2020-014 § 10; Ord. 2021-012 § 12; Ord. 2022-010 § 2; Ord. 2024-012, 11/19/2024; Ord. 2025-004, 3/18/2025; Ord. 2025-005, 3/18/2025; Ord. 2025-014, 11/18/2025; Ord. 2026-003, 3/24/2026; Ord. 2026-006, 4/21/2026)

Exceptions & meaning →

§ 20-23.040. Commercial district general development standards.¶

A. General requirements. Subdivisions, new land uses and structures, and alterations to existing land uses and structures, shall be designed, constructed, and/or established in compliance with the requirements in Tables 2-7 and 2-8, in addi-tion to the applicable development standards (e.g., landscaping, parking and loading, etc.) in Division 3 of this Zoning Code.

B. Modifications to standards. The requirements of Tables 2-7 and 2-8 may be modified by the Commission through Conditional Use Permit approval.

C. Design Guidelines. See also Sections 2 (Core Area), 3.3 (Retail Centers and Commercial Districts) and 4.3 (Infill Development) of the City's Design Guidelines.

TABLE 2-7—CO, CN, AND CG DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS

Notes:

(1)	Subdivision or Conditional Use Permit approval may establish specific requirements for minimum lot area, maximum lot coverage, set backs, and/or dimensions based on the characteristics of the site or surroundings, environmental constraints, and/or other issues.
(2)	The Design Review process may require larger setbacks.

TABLE 2-8—CV, CMU, SMU, MMU, NMU, AND CSC DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS

Development Feature	Requirement by Zoning District	Requirement by Zoning District	Requirement by Zoning District	Requirement by Zoning District	Requirement by Zoning District	Requirement by Zoning District
Development Feature	CV	CMU(4)	SMU(4)	MMU(4)	NMU(4)	CSC
Minimum lot size	Minimum area and dimensions for parcels proposed in new subdivisions.	Minimum area and dimensions for parcels proposed in new subdivisions.	Minimum area and dimensions for parcels proposed in new subdivisions.	Minimum area and dimensions for parcels proposed in new subdivisions.	Minimum area and dimensions for parcels proposed in new subdivisions.	Minimum area and dimensions for parcels proposed in new subdivisions.
Area	20,000 sf	None required	None required	None required	None required	Determined by CUP
Dimensions	None required (1)	None required (1)	None required (1)	None required (1)	None required (1)	None required (1)
Residential density	Maximum number of dwelling units allowed on a parcel. The actual number of units will be determined by the City through subdivision or land use permit approval.	Maximum number of dwelling units allowed on a parcel. The actual number of units will be determined by the City through subdivision or land use permit approval.	Maximum number of dwelling units allowed on a parcel. The actual number of units will be determined by the City through subdivision or land use permit approval.	Maximum number of dwelling units allowed on a parcel. The actual number of units will be determined by the City through subdivision or land use permit approval.	Maximum number of dwelling units allowed on a parcel. The actual number of units will be determined by the City through subdivision or land use permit approval.	Maximum number of dwelling units allowed on a parcel. The actual number of units will be determined by the City through subdivision or land use permit approval.
Maximum density	Not allowed	See FAR Section 20.23.060. None required for parcels without an assigned FAR.	See FAR Section 20-23.060 .	See FAR Section 20-23.060 .	See FAR Section 20-23.060 .	1 unit required per 4,000 sf of nonresidential floor area to a maximum of 30 units per acre.
Setbacks (1) (2)	Minimum setbacks required. See Section 20-30.110 for setback measurement instructions.	Minimum setbacks required. See Section 20-30.110 for setback measurement instructions.	Minimum setbacks required. See Section 20-30.110 for setback measurement instructions.	Minimum setbacks required. See Section 20-30.110 for setback measurement instructions.	Minimum setbacks required. See Section 20-30.110 for setback measurement instructions.	Minimum setbacks required. See Section 20-30.110 for setback measurement instructions.
Front	20 ft (3)	Nonresidential Ground Floor 0-10 ft (min/max)	Nonresidential Ground Floor 0-10 ft (min/max)	Nonresidential Ground Floor 0-10 ft (min/max)	Nonresidential Ground Floor 0-10 ft (min/max)	7.5 ft adjacent to a residential zone or use; none required elsewhere
Front	20 ft (3)	Residential Ground Floor 5-12 ft (min/max)	Residential Ground Floor 5-12 ft (min/max)	Residential Ground Floor 5-12 ft (min/max)	Residential Ground Floor 5-12 ft (min/max)	7.5 ft adjacent to a residential zone or use; none required elsewhere
Side—Interior (each)	5 ft adjacent to a residential zone or use; none required elsewhere.	0 -10 ft (min/max); 5 ft required when directly abutting existing low-density residential development.	0 -10 ft (min/max); 5 ft required when directly abutting existing low-density residential development.	0 -10 ft (min/max); 5 ft required when directly abutting existing low-density residential development.	0 -10 ft (min/max); 5 ft required when directly abutting existing low-density residential development.	5 ft adjacent to a residential zone or use; none required elsewhere.
Side—Corner	Same as interior side	0-10 ft (min/max)	0-10 ft (min/max)	0-10 ft (min/max)	0-10 ft (min/max)	Same as interior side
Rear	20 ft	5 ft adjacent to a low-density or medium low-density residential zone or use; none required elsewhere.	5 ft adjacent to a low-density or medium low-density residential zone or use; none required elsewhere.	5 ft adjacent to a low-density or medium low-density residential zone or use; none required elsewhere.	0 ft; 5 feet required when directly abutting existing low-density residential development	5 ft adjacent to a residential zone or use; none required elsewhere.
Lot coverage (1)	Maximum percentage of total lot area that may be covered by structures.	Maximum percentage of total lot area that may be covered by structures.	Maximum percentage of total lot area that may be covered by structures.	Maximum percentage of total lot area that may be covered by structures.	Maximum percentage of total lot area that may be covered by structures.	Maximum percentage of total lot area that may be covered by structures.
Maximum coverage	85%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%
Height limit	Maximum allowable height of structures. See Section 20-30.070 (Height Limits and Exceptions) for height measurement requirements, and height limit exceptions.	Maximum allowable height of structures. See Section 20-30.070 (Height Limits and Exceptions) for height measurement requirements, and height limit exceptions.	Maximum allowable height of structures. See Section 20-30.070 (Height Limits and Exceptions) for height measurement requirements, and height limit exceptions.	Maximum allowable height of structures. See Section 20-30.070 (Height Limits and Exceptions) for height measurement requirements, and height limit exceptions.	Maximum allowable height of structures. See Section 20-30.070 (Height Limits and Exceptions) for height measurement requirements, and height limit exceptions.	Maximum allowable height of structures. See Section 20-30.070 (Height Limits and Exceptions) for height measurement requirements, and height limit exceptions.
Maximum height	55 ft	See FAR Section 20-23.060 . For properties without an assigned FAR, a max of 35 ft	See FAR Section 20-23.060 .	See FAR Section 20-23.060 .	See FAR Section 20-23.060 .	55 ft
Landscaping	See Chapter 20-34 (Landscaping Standards)	See Chapter 20-34 (Landscaping Standards)	See Chapter 20-34 (Landscaping Standards)	See Chapter 20-34 (Landscaping Standards)	See Chapter 20-34 (Landscaping Standards)	See Chapter 20-34 (Landscaping Standards)
Parking	See Chapter 20-36 (Parking and Loading)	See Chapter 20-36 (Parking and Loading)	See Chapter 20-36 (Parking and Loading)	See Chapter 20-36 (Parking and Loading)	See Chapter 20-36 (Parking and Loading)	See Chapter 20-36 (Parking and Loading)
Signs	See Chapter 20-38 (Signs)	See Chapter 20-38 (Signs)	See Chapter 20-38 (Signs)	See Chapter 20-38 (Signs)	See Chapter 20-38 (Signs)	See Chapter 20-38 (Signs)

Notes:

(1)	Subdivision or Conditional Use Permit approval may establish specific requirements for minimum lot area, maximum lot coverage, setbacks, and/or dimensions based on the characteristics of the site or surroundings, environmental constraints, and/or other issues.
(2)	The Design Review process may require larger setbacks.
(3)	A 20-foot front setback is required for buildings and off-street parking areas; outdoor auto display areas require no front setback.
(4)	See Zoning Code Section 20-23.060 for additional zoning district development standards.

TABLE 2-9—TV-M DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS

Development Feature	Requirement by Zoning District
Development Feature	TV-M
Minimum lot size	Minimum area and dimensions for parcels proposed in new subdivisions.
Area (1)	None required (1)
Dimensions (1)	None required (1)
Residential density	Maximum number of dwelling units allowed on a parcel. The actual number of units will be determined by the City through subdivision or land use permit approval.
Maximum density	40 units per acre minimum
Setbacks (1) (2)	Minimum setbacks required. See Section 20-30.110 for setback measurement instructions.
Front	None, except as required by the review authority (3)
Side—Interior (each)	None, except as required by the review authority (3)
Side—Corner	None, except as required by the review authority (3)
Rear	None, except as required by the review authority (3)
Lot coverage (1)	Maximum percentage of total lot area that may be covered by structures.
Maximum coverage	100%
Height limit	Maximum allowable height of structures. See Section 20-30.070 (Height Limits and Exceptions) for height measurement requirements, and height limit exceptions.
Maximum height	7 stories for properties south of 3rd Street 5 stories for properties north of 3rd Street (4) All new development must be a minimum of 2 stories.
Landscaping	See Chapter 20-34 (Landscaping Standards)
Parking	See Chapter 20-36 (Parking and Loading)
Signs	See Chapter 20-38 (Signs)

Notes:

(1)	Subdivision or Conditional Use Permit approval may establish specific requirements for minimum lot area, maximum lot coverage, set backs, and/or dimensions based on the characteristics of the site or surroundings, environmental constraints, and/or other issues.
(2)	The Design Review process may require larger setbacks.
(3)	The Station Area Streets Combining District may require special setbacks.
(4)	All projects north of 3rd Street that are over 35 feet tall or two stories are subject to review and approval by the Cultural Heritage Board and Design Review Board per requirements of the –H Combining District.

(Ord. 3677 § 1, 2004; Ord. 3711 § 1 Exh. A, 2005; Ord. 3799 § 1, 2006; Ord. 3810 § 1, 2007; Ord. 3950 § 10, 2010; Ord. 2020-014 § 11; Ord. 2025-014, 11/18/2025)

Exceptions & meaning →

§ 20-23.050. CN zoning district standards.¶

All commercial development within the CN zoning district shall comply with the following standards, in addition to the other applicable requirements of this Chapter and Zoning Code. See also Section 3.3 (Retail Centers and Commercial Districts) of the City's Design Guidelines.

A. Mixed use development encouraged. Each new development is encouraged to be a mixed use project with a residential component in compliance with the residential density requirements of the CN zoning district in Table 2-7. Residential uses may be either vertically or horizontally integrated with the nonresidential uses.

B. Multiple tenancies required. All proposed development shall be designed for multiple nonresidential tenants, with no one tenant space exceeding 50 percent of the aggregate commercial floor area.

C. Site design, hours of operation. Site design and hours of operation shall be as determined by the review authority to be compatible with surrounding neighborhood uses.

(Ord. 3677 § 1, 2004; Ord. 3711 § 1 Exh. A, 2005; Ord. 3750 § 1 Exh. A, 2005; Ord. 3987 § 4, 2012)

Exceptions & meaning →

§ 20-23.060. CMU, SMU, MMU, NMU zoning district development standards.¶

The standards of this section are intended to support a mixed use and pedestrian-oriented Downtown. Development within the CMU, SMU, MMU, NMU zoning districts shall comply with the following standards and any other applicable requirements of this Chapter and Zoning Code. See also the General Plan and Section 2 – Core Area of the City's Design Guidelines.

A. Floor area ratio (FAR).

The following map shows the maximum base FAR allowed within specified areas of the CMU, SMU, MMU, and NMU zoning districts.

a. 12 historic properties within the CMU zoning district have no assigned FAR (eastside of B Street between 7th Street and Lincoln Street, and one property on 10th Street as shown in Figure 2-1.A). See Table 2-8 for height and density development standards.

Figure 2-1.A

Calculations. FAR is a ratio of the building(s) total floor area divided by gross lot area as follows:

a. Building total floor area is the entire area within the walls of a building, measured in a horizontal plane from the outside edge of exterior wall to exterior wall or from the center line of common walls to the outside edge of exterior walls, in square feet. For FAR calculation, total floor area excludes:

•	Crawl spaces.
•	Structured parking and carports.
•	Breezeways.
•	Attics without floors.
•	Porches, balconies, and terraces.
•	Below-grade structures.
•	Outdoor recreational spaces (common, public, or private).
•	The area of any designated historic structure to be preserved on a specific site, so long as the historic and/or architectural character of the structure is rehabilitated and not adversely affected.
•	Active ground floor uses in areas where active ground floor requirements apply in the AGF combining district.

b. For an interior building space where the ceiling height exceeds 20 feet above floor height, the floor area square footage is doubled for the purpose of calculating FAR. This is to ensure that double-height lobbies, ballrooms, and similar spaces are adequately accounted for in the FAR calculation.

c. Gross lot area is the total area included within the lot lines of a lot, exclusive of adjacent dedicated street rights-of-way.

New development is required to achieve the mid-point or higher of the maximum FAR. Exceptions are allowed where parcel configuration, historic preservation, or utility constraints make the mid-point impossible to achieve.

B. Site design and building placement.

All development is subject to sight distance and vision triangle requirements contained in Section 20-30.110.
Setbacks. Building placement shall comply with the respective zoning district standards shown in Section 20-22.050 Table 2-5, or Section 20-23.040 Table2-8.
Buildings shall be constructed at the required front setback for at least 70 percent of linear street frontage. This build-to-line requirement may be modified or waived if elements such as entry courtyards, plazas, entries, outdoor eating and display areas, or mature heritage trees, are located between the build-to line and building, provided that the buildings are built to the edge of the courtyard, plaza, dining, or landscaped area.
Development on lots over 60,000 square feet in size shall comply with tower separation requirements shown on Figure 2-1.B. Residential towers over 100 feet tall shall be separated from other towers by a minimum of 100 feet as measured from the closest point of the face of one tower to the next, while nonresidential towers over 100 feet tall shall be separated by a minimum of 80 feet, measured similarly.

Figure 2-1.B

For portions of buildings above 100 feet, as shown in Figure 2-1.B, the dimension of the longest building side and the diagonal shall not exceed the following:

•	Commercial uses. Maximum side: 200 feet; maximum diagonal: 220 feet;
•	Residential uses. Maximum side: 140 feet; maximum diagonal: 160 feet.

Development on First Street or Third Street between A Street and D Street in the Core Area shall not cast shadows covering more than 25 percent of Courthouse Square for more than three hours between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time (between late October and early April), or for more than four hours between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time (between early April and late October). See Shadow Study, Figure 2-1.C.

Figure 2-1.C

C. Building design.

Dimensional relief. Building design shall create visual interest and avoid large-scale, bulky, or box-like appearance (see Figure 2-1.D). Design alternatives include, but are not limited to:

a. Wall plane variety;

b. Height or roof form variety; and

c. Incorporation of architectural detail or vegetative elements into façade design.

Figure 2-1.D

Design extent. Façade architectural articulation and finishes shall be consistently applied to all sides of the structure.
Transparency (fenestration) requirements. Primary and side street non-residential building facades shall incorporate ground floor transparency/fenestration for 60 percent of the main frontage and 25 percent of the side façade, or as allowed by local building code.
Ground level design requirements.

a. Ceiling height. The minimum floor-to-ceiling height of the ground floor commercial space shall be at least 12 feet, as shown in Figure 2-1.E.

Figure 2-1.E

b. Primary building entrance. A primary building entrance may be individual or shared. The entrance shall be prominent and easy to identify; shall face a public street or paseo; and shall incorporate a projection (porch, stoop, bay window, etc.), recess, or a combination of porch or recess.

c. Architectural features. Ground-level architectural features such as porches and stoops may project up to six feet into the required setbacks. Architectural features such as balconies, bay windows, and awnings may project up to six feet over the property line, if located at least 10 feet above sidewalk grade.

d. The depth of ground floor commercial space shall be sufficient to encourage small scale, or larger, commercial retail tenancies. Smaller tenant spaces, including pop-up stores and mini-shops, may be approved in certain locations, such as on side streets or garage frontages.

e. No street-facing walls may run in a continuous plane for more than 20 feet without an opening. Openings fulfilling this requirement shall have transparent glazing and provide views into work areas, display areas, sales areas, lobbies, or similar active spaces, or into window displays that are at least three feet deep. The maximum length of the blank wall may be 30 feet for retail establishments with a gross floor area of 25,000 square feet or greater, as shown in Figure 2-1.F.

Figure 2-1.F

f. Franchise architecture that is generic in nature, intended to be repeated on a mass-scale throughout a large region without consideration of and adaptation to local visual or cultural context, is prohibited unless doing so would violate State or Federal law.

(Ord. 2020-014 § 12; Ord. 2021-012 § 14)

Exceptions & meaning →

§ 20-23.070. TV-M zoning district standards.¶

The standards of this section are intended to support a diverse mix of high density residential, hotel, office, and retail uses and maintain a vibrant and activity generating specialty shopping district. See also the General Plan and Section 4.10 (North Santa Rosa Station Area Specific Plan) of the City's Design Guidelines.

A. Height limit. All new development within this area is required to be a minimum of two stories.

B. Site design, hours of operation. Site design and hours of operation shall be as determined by the review authority to be compatible with surrounding neighborhood uses.

C. Ground floor uses. Require activity generating uses such as retail at the street level.

(Ord. 3950 § 11, 2010; Ord. 3992 § 2, 2012; Ord. 2020-014 § 13)

Exceptions & meaning →

§ 20-23.080. CSC zoning district standards.¶

A. Mixed use development required. Each new development shall be a mixed use project involving commercial uses with a residential component in compliance with the residential density requirements of the CSC zoning district in Table 2-7.

B. Changes at existing Community Shopping Centers:

Minor repairs or reconstruction of an existing commercial structure or center does not trigger the residential requirement.
When a significant addition or reconstruction is proposed, commercial development is required to include a residential component. However, single-use projects may be considered through the Design Review process provided that it is demonstrated through site planning that a well integrated mix of commercial and residential uses is not precluded by the single-use project design.

C. All new development shall demonstrate pedestrian orientation. Residential uses may be either vertically or horizontally integrated with the nonresidential uses.

(Ord. 3987 § 5, 2012)

Exceptions & meaning →