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Chapter 28

Solano County Zoning Code § 28.41 Commercial (c) Districts

Solano County Zoning Code · 2026-06 edition · updated 2026-09-24 · Solano County

Cite as: Solano County Zoning Code § 28.41 · Text as of 2026-09-24

Subdivisions:

28.41.10 Purpose of Section 28.41.11 Purpose of Commercial Districts 28.41.20 Commercial Districts Land Uses and Permit requirements 28.41.30 Commercial District Development Standards

28.41.10 Commercial District(s)

This Section includes regulations for the following zoning districts

  • A. Highway Commercial (C-H) District

  • B. Neighborhood Commercial (C-N) District

  • C. Commercial Recreation (C-R) District

  • D. Commercial Recreation - Limited (C-R-L)

  • E. Commercial-Service (C-S) District

  • F. Commercial-Office (C-O) District

Exceptions & meaning →

28.41.11 Purpose of Commercial Districts

This Section lists the uses of land that may be allowed within the areas of the County designated for commercial land uses. It also determines the type of land use approval required for each use within each district, and provides general standards for site development.

The purposes of the different commercial zoning districts are as follows:

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A. Highway Commercial (C-H) District

The C-H districts are intended for commercial uses to serve the highway traveler. The bulk of highway frontage throughout the County is not appropriate for commercial uses but is reserved for exclusive agricultural uses, and is so zoned. C-H districts are to be established in areas of four acres or larger, and shall be located only where need is clearly indicated.

B. Neighborhood Commercial (C-N) District

The C-N district is designed to provide an area for a limited number of small retail and service establishments to provide for businesses serving the daily needs of nearby residential neighborhoods or rural community. The intent of this district is to promote convenience shopping goods and services for nearby residents and not for patrons outside the community to be served. Uses established shall be found compatible and developed with standards that prevent significant adverse impacts on land uses adjoining the C-N districts.

C. Commercial Recreation (C-R) District

The C-R zoning district is intended to provide appropriate commercial recreation uses that support recreational activities and resource based recreational uses within the County in a manner compatible with surrounding land uses. The C-R zoning district is consistent with the commercial recreation designations of the General Plan outside the Suisun Marsh management area.

D. Commercial Recreation- Limited (C-R-L) District

The C-R-L zoning district is intended to provide for limited commercial recreational uses adjacent to the Suisun Marsh compatible with its protection. The C-R-L zoning district is consistent with the Commercial Recreation land use designation of the General Plan within the Secondary Management Area of the Suisun Marsh.

E. Commercial Service (C-S) District

The C-S district is designed to provide an area for commercial services of an extensive or heavy nature in support of industrial, construction, or other business activities.

F. Business and Professional Office (C-O) District

The C-O district is designated primarily to provide an area for business and professional offices.

Exceptions & meaning →

28.41.20 Commercial District(s) Land Uses and Permit Requirements

A. Allowed Uses and Permit Requirements

(Revised 8/15)

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Table 28.41A identifies the land uses allowed by this Zoning Ordinance in each commercial zoning district and the land use permit required to establish each use. In addition to the land use permit required by Table 28.41A, special requirements may apply to certain uses.

B. Marsh Development Permit Requirements

Any development within the Suisun Marsh, as defined by Section 29114 of the Public Resources Code, shall be subject to obtaining a Marsh Development Permit pursuant to the Suisun Marsh Preservation Act of 1977 and as provided for in Section 28.104 of this Code. When a land use subject to a marsh development permit is proposed in both the Primary Management Area and Secondary Management Area, as defined in the Suisun Marsh Preservation Act of 1977, the land use shall be subject to a use permit covering the whole of the project.

C. Architectural Review

Architectural Approval may be required for certain uses, in compliance with Section 28.102 (Architectural Approval).

D. Building Permits

A Building Permit shall be required prior to any construction.

E. Land Use Regulations

Where the last column in Table 28-41A (Land Use Regulations) includes a section number, e.g. 28.70.10, the zoning regulations in the referenced section apply to the use. Where the last column includes a chapter number, e.g. Chapter 13.6, the regulations in the referenced Solano County Code apply to the use. Provisions in other sections of this Zoning Ordinance may also apply.

F. Non-Conforming Uses

Within the Suisun Marsh, as defined by Section 29114 of the Public Resources Code, uses established prior to August 4, 1981 that do not conform to the uses set forth in Table 28-41A shall be considered nonconforming uses under Section 28.114, except that non-substantial changes, alterations, and additions to nonconforming uses may be allowed within the existing established project footprint area subject to a marsh development permit, pursuant to the Suisun Marsh Preservation Act of 1977 and as provided for in Section 28.104 of this Code. The overall existing development area may not be expanded under these provisions. Development within the existing development area should minimize additional impervious surfaces. An adequate buffer should be established or maintained between the development areas and any water, wetlands, or other Marsh habitat to protect the habitat from adverse environmental impacts. An erosion, sediment, and runoff control plan shall be prepared in accordance with Section 31.26(b) of the Solano County Grading, Drainage, Land Leveling and Erosion Control Ordinance. When the non-conforming uses is located in both the Primary Management Area

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and Secondary Management Area, as defined by the Suisun Marsh Preservation Act of 1977, non-substantial changes,
alterations, and additions to the nonconforming use shall be subject to a use permit covering the whole of the project.
G. Site Development and Other Standards
All uses shall comply with the provisions of Section 28-90, Site Development and Other Standards, which includes standards
for parking, signs, and other project elements.
TABLE 28.41A ALLOWED USES: (C-H), (C-N), (C-R), (C-R-L), (C-S), (C-O) DISTRICTS
A = Allowed by right, AP = Administrative Permit, MUP = Minor Use Permit, PD = Planned Unit Development, UP = Use
Permit, E = Exempt, - - - = Prohibited
Land Use
Regulations**
**See Section 28.70
28.71 AGRICULTURAL USES2 A.
CROP PRODUCTION
28.71.10(A) & (B)( 28.71.10(A) 28.71.10(A) B.
AGRICULTURAL PROCESSING USES
28.71.20(A) & (B)( 28.72 RESIDENTIAL USES A.
DWELLINGS
28.72.10 28.82 28.82
Permitted Uses C-O - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
C-S - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - A - - - - - -
C-R-L(6) A - - - A - - - A - - - A - - -
C-R A A A A A - - - A - - -
C-N - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
C-H - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
ALLOWED USES*
*See Definitions Section 28.01
Accessory uses and structures Crop Production Grazing On-site Agricultural Processing Primary Dwelling Emergency Shelter Cannabis Cultivation – Adult Use (Recreational) Personal Indoor Personal Outdoor Cannabis Cultivation – Medicinal

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TABLE 28.41A ALLOWED USES: (C-H), (C-N), (C-R), (C-R-L), (C-S), (C-O) DISTRICTS (Continued) A = Allowed by right, AP = Administrative Permit, MUP = Minor Use Permit, PD = Planned Unit Development, UP = Use
Permit, E = Exempt, - - - = Prohibited
Land Use
Regulations**
**See Section 28.70
28.82 28.82 28.82 *Unless Exception
Request Granted p
28.82
B.
TEMPORARY RESIDENTIAL USES
C.
AGRICULTURAL AND ANIMAL FACILITIES INCIDENTAL TO A RESIDENCE
D.
OTHER RESIDENTIAL USES
28.73 RECREATION, EDUCATION AND PUBLIC ASSEMBLY USES2 A.
RECREATION USES
28.73.10(A) 28.73.10(A) 28.73.10(A)
Permitted Uses C-O - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
C-S - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
C-R-L(6) AP - - - A - - -* - - - A UP UP UP UP
C-R AP - - - A - - -* - - - A UP - - - UP UP
C-N - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
C-H - - - - - - - - - - - - UP MUP UP - - - - - - - - -
ALLOWED USES*
*See Definitions Section 28.01
Caregiver Indoor Caregiver Outdoor Personal Indoor Personal Outdoor None allowed None allowed None allowed Amusement facilities Commercial outdoor recreation Not including enclosed structures Including enclosed structures Complementary commercial facilities Marina Boat launching facilities Boat and boat trailer storage

(Revised 12/25)

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A = Allowed by right, AP = Administrative Permit, MUP = Minor Use Permit, PD = Planned Unit Development, UP = Use
Permit, E = Exempt, - - - = Prohibited
Land Use
Regulations**
**See Section 28.70
28.73.10(A) B.
EDUCATION USES
C.
PUBLIC ASSEMBLY USES
28.73.30(A) 28.73.30(A) & (B)( 28.73.30(A) 28.73.30(A) 28.74 RETAIL AND OFFICE USES A.
RETAIL USES
28.74.10(A) & (B)( 28.74.10(A) & (B)( 28.74.10(A) 28.74.10(A) 28.74.10(A)
Permitted Uses C-O - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - MUP - - - MUP A - - - - - - A A
C-S - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - UP4 MUP4 MUP4 MUP4 A4 MUP4 A4 - - - - - -
C-R-L(6) UP - - - UP UP1 UP - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
C-R UP UP - - - UP1 UP - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
C-N - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - MUP - - - - - - A MUP MUP - - - - - -
C-H - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - MUP - - - - - - - - - MUP - - - - - -
ALLOWED USES*
*See Definitions Section 28.01
Boat construction, servicing, sales and repair Floating home Marsh oriented recreation Recreational vehicle park and/or campground Ecological and agricultural education Business school; art, modeling, music, or dance
studio
Auditorium, exhibition hall, sports arena, drive-in
theater
Church Circus, carnival, fair, or revival Nursery school Automobile parking lot Vehicle repair garage Vehicle service station Bank Florist shop (indoor)

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A = Allowed by right, AP = Administrative Permit, MUP = Minor Use Permit, PD = Planned Unit Development, UP = Use
Permit, E = Exempt, - - - = Prohibited
Land Use
Regulations**
**See Section 28.70
28.74.10(A) 28.74.10(A) 28.74.10(A) 28.74.10(A) 28.74.10(A) 28.74.10(A) 28.74.10(A) 28.74.10(A) 28.74.10(A) 28.74.10(A) 28.74.10(A) 28.74.10(A) & (B)( 28.74.10(A) 28.74.10(A)
Permitted Uses C-O - - - - - - A - - - - - - - - - - - - A MUP MUP - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
C-S - - - - - - - - - MUP4 UP4 MUP4 MUP4 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
C-R-L(6) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
C-R - - - UP - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - MUP A AP MUP A - - - - - -
C-N - - - - - - - - - A UP MUP MUP - - - - - - - - - A AP MUP - - - - - - - - -
C-H UP - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - MUP UP A AP MUP UP UP UP
ALLOWED USES*
*See Definitions Section 28.01
Hotel, motel Massage establishments, slenderizing
establishments, and similar personal services
Merchandise showroom Neighborhood commercial uses Less than 1,500 square feet More than 1,500 square feet Outdoor sales and service Serving liquor within 200 feet of an R- district Pharmacy Restaurant Serving liquor within 200 feet of an R- district Farm stand 1,000 sq. ft. or less in size Between 1,000 sq. ft. and 2,500 sq. ft. Greater than 2,500 sq. ft. Retail store Indoor Outdoor Truck stop

(Revised 12/25)

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A = Allowed by right, AP = Administrative Permit, MUP = Minor Use Permit, PD = Planned Unit Development, UP = Use
Permit, E = Exempt, - - - = Prohibited
Land Use
Regulations**
**See Section 28.70
B.
OFFICE USES
28.74.20(A) 28.74.20(A) 28.74.20(A) 28.74.20(A) 28.74.20(A) 28.75 TOURIST USES 28.76 COMMERCIAL SERVICE USES 28.76.20(A) & (B)( 28.76.20(A) 28.76.20(A) 28.76.20(A) 28.76.20(A) 28.76.20(A) 28.76.20(A) 28.76.20(A) 28.76.20(A)
Permitted Uses C-O A A1,2 A1,2,3 A A1,2 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - MUP
C-S - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - MUP4 A4 A4 A4 A4,5 MUP4 A4 MUP4 A4
C-R-L(6) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
C-R A - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
C-N - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
C-H - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - UP - - - - - - - - - - - - UP - - -
ALLOWED USES*
*See Definitions Section 28.01
Business and professional office Component assembly of pre-manufactured items Indoor general storage Medical and dental clinic Research and development None allowed Animal hospital Automobile, mobilehome, recreational vehicle or
boat garage or storage
Automobile, mobilehome, recreational vehicle,
truck, or boat sales lot
Bakery, dairy creamery, laundry and dry cleaning
establishment
Corporation yard Equipment rental lot General service uses Lumber yard and building supplies Medical laboratory

(Revised 12/25)

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A = Allowed by right, AP = Administrative Permit, MUP = Minor Use Permit, PD = Planned Unit Development, UP = Use
Permit, E = Exempt, - - - = Prohibited
Land Use
Regulations**
**See Section 28.70
28.76.20(A) 28.76.20(A) 28.76.20(A) 28.77 INDUSTRIAL, MANUFACTURING, PROCESSING AND WHOLESALE USES A.
Industrial, Manufacturing and Processing Uses
B.
Wholesale Uses
28.77.20(A) 28.78 COMMUNICATION, INFRASTRUCTURE AND SERVICE USES A.
COMMUNICATION USES
28.78.10 & 28.81 28.78.10 & 28.81 B.
INFRASTRUCTURE USES
28.78.20(B)(11) 28.80 28.80 28.80 28.80
Permitted Uses C-O MUP - - - - - - - - - MUP UP - - - UP UP A MUP
C-S - - - A4 A4 A4 MUP UP UP UP UP A MUP
C-R-L(6) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - A - - -
C-R - - - - - - - - - - - - MUP UP - - - - - - - - - A MUP
C-N - - - - - - - - - - - - MUP UP - - - UP UP A MUP
C-H - - - - - - UP - - - MUP UP - - - UP UP A MUP
ALLOWED USES*
*See Definitions Section 28.01
Mortuary, funeral home Newspaper and commercial printing shop,
blueprint shop
Nursery and landscaping materials and supplies None allowed Wholesale uses, warehouse Wireless communication facility Co-location New tower Battery energy storage system Commercial solar energy facility Commercial wind turbine generator Noncommercial wind turbine Under 100 feet Over 100 feet

(Revised 12/25)

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.1 6) 6) 3) 4)
A = Allowed by right, AP = Administrative Permit, MUP = Minor Use Permit, PD = Planned Unit Development, UP = Use
Permit, E = Exempt, - - - = Prohibited
Land Use
Regulations**
**See Section 28.70
28.78.20(B)(8) 28.78.20(B)(3) 28.78.20(B)(9) C.
TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION AND INFRASTRUCTURE USES
28.78.20(A) & (B)( 28.78.20(A) & (B)( D.
SERVICE USES
28.78.30(A) & (B)( 28.78.30(A) 28.78.30(A) & (B)( 28.79 RESOURCE CONSERVATION USES Notes:
1.
Where uses are conducted entirely within a building and do not produce any dangerous, injurious, noxious or otherwise objectionable fire, explosive or
other hazard; noise or vibration; smoke, dust, odor, or other form of air pollution; radioactivity, electrical or other disturbances; glare; liquid or solid refuse
or wastes; in such amount as to adversely affect the surrounding area or adjoining premises and shall not exceed 50 percent of the net usable floor area per
tenant.
2.
Total square footage devoted to uses allowed shall not exceed 80 percent of the net usable floor area per tenant space and shall not generate more than one
commercial delivery per day per tenant.
Permitted Uses C-O A - - - UP AP MUP A - - - UP
C-S A UP UP AP MUP - - - MUP UP
C-R-L(6) A - - - UP AP MUP - - - - - - - - -
C-R A - - - UP AP MUP - - - - - - UP
C-N A - - - UP AP MUP - - - MUP UP
C-H A - - - UP AP MUP - - - - - - UP
ALLOWED USES*
*See Definitions Section 28.01
Pipeline, transmission, or distribution line, in
R.O.W.
Recycling or composting facility Utility facilities or infrastructure, outside of
R.O.W.
Meteorological tower, 100 feet or less in height Meteorological tower, greater than 100 feet in
height
Hospital Club, lodge, fraternal organization Public service facility None allowed

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  1. Shall not exceed 50 percent of the net usable floor area per tenant space and shall not generate more than one commercial delivery per day per tenant.

  2. Incidental accessory uses, including processing and repair operations and services; provided, that such uses shall be clearly incidental to the sale or storage of products on the premises, and shall be so placed and constructed as not to be offensive or objectionable because of odor, dust, smoke, noise or vibration.

  3. When enclosed by a minimum eight-foot fence, wall or vegetative screening.

  4. Any development within the Suisun Marsh, as defined by Section 29114 of the Public Resources Code, shall be subject to obtaining a marsh development permit pursuant to the Suisun Marsh Preservation Act of 1977, and as provided for in Section 28.104.

(Ord. No. 1757, §6 (Exh. D); Ord. No. 1764, §8 (Exh. F); Ord. No. 1788, §2 (Att. A); Ord. No. 1829, §1 (Exh. A); Ord. No. 1846, §2; Ord. No. 1860, §5; Ord. No. 1864, §8)

(Revised 12/25)

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Exceptions & meaning →

28.41.30 Commercial District Development Standards

Subdivisions, new land uses, main buildings including primary dwellings, and alterations to existing land uses and buildings shall be designed, constructed, and/or established in compliance with the applicable development standards delineated or referenced in Table 28.41B.

TABLE 28.41B
Development Standards for Main Building, ACCESSORY STRUCTURES and USES
PRIMARY BUILDING
Minimum Lot Area None
Setbacks
Front
C-H District Twenty feet; unless otherwise indicated by building lines on the
zoning maps.
C-N District
C-S District
None, except that where the frontage of a block is partially in an R
or A district, in which case the front yard shall be the same as
required in such R or A districts; and except that buildings shall
not encroach upon the building lines established on the zoning
maps.
C-R-District
C-R-L District
Twenty feet; except that buildings shall not be less than fifty feet
from the centerline of the street, and unless otherwise indicated by
building lines on the zoning maps.
C-O District 15 feet
Sides (each)
C-H District None, except that where C-H districts abut upon any R or A
district, side yards of not less than ten feet shall be required.
C-N District
C-S District
None; except that where the side of a lot abuts upon the side of a
lot in an R or A district, in which case the abutting side yard shall
be not less than five feet; and except that, where the side yard of a
corner lot abuts on a street where the frontage of the block is
partially in an R or A district, in which case the side yard adjacent
to the street shall be ten feet.
C-R District
C-R-L District
C-O District
None
10 feet

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TABLE 28.41B
Development Standards for Main Building, ACCESSORY STRUCTURES and USES
(Continued)
Rear None; except in the C-O District, 10 feet; except when adjacent to
a residential zone, then the minimum yard shall be fifteen feet.
Between structures 10 feet
Height limit
C-H District
C-R District
C-N District
Thirty-five feet; provided that additional height may be permitted
if a use permit is first secured.
C-R-L District Thirty-five feet; provided that additional height may be permitted
if a use permit is first secured, but in no case more than 50 feet
C-S District 50 feet; provided, that the additional height may be allowed upon
the obtaining of a use permit.
C-O District 35 feet; provided, that additional height may be permitted if the
required yards are increased by one foot for each one foot of
building height over the height limit.
Accessory Structures Accessory buildings shall not be less than sixty feet from the front
property line nor less than twenty feet from any side or rear
property line, nor less than thirty feet from any dwelling unit on the
property.
OTHER STANDARDS
Loading Requirements Adequate, private, off-street space for the loading and unloading
of all materials.
Parking Requirements Parking shall be provided in conformance with the parking
standards in Section 28.94
Signs All signs shall comply with the sign requirements in Section 28.96
Fencing Requirements In the C-S District, a minimum, six-foot high separating masonry
wall or solid board shall be erected and maintained where any use
abuts any R district.
Walls and Fences In the C-O District, a six foot high decorative masonry wall shall
be constructed and maintained on all side and rear property lines
abutting R Districts, excepting the Rural Residential (R-R)
District. For property lines abutting R-R Districts, a screen
consisting of walls, fences, landscaping, berms or any
combination to form a six foot high opaque screen shall be
provided.

(Revised 6/21)

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TABLE 28.41B

Development Standards for Main Building, ACCESSORY STRUCTURES and USES (Continued)

TABLE 28.41B
Development Standards for Main Building, ACCESSORY STRUCTURES and USES
(Continued)
Lighting
Other Standards
In the C-O District, parking areas shall have lighting capable of
providing adequate illumination for security and safety. Any
illumination shall be directed away from adjacent properties and
public rights-of-way. Low level lighting shall be used where
possible.
Table 28.41A refers identifies allowable uses and permitting
requirements. The last column of the table points to additional
land use regulations for permitted uses, contained within Section
28-70. Please refer to this section for the additional requirements.

(Ord. No. 1732, §5; Ord. No. 1817, §§19, 20)

Exceptions & meaning →

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