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Local zoning · Apple Valley

Apple Valley — Land Use

Land Use under the Apple Valley local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.

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Quick answer

In Apple Valley, a standard single‑family R‑SF lot needs a 30 ft front setback, 15/10 ft sides, 25 ft rear, and allows up to 35 ft height and 40% lot coverage (§ 9.28.040). Commercial fronts are typically 35/45 ft (local/major) with max heights 35–100 ft and FARs 0.5–1.0 depending on district (§ 9.35.040). Industrial uses are controlled by detailed I‑P/I‑RE tables, with many light‑industrial uses “P” and mining “SM” in I‑RE (§ 9.45.030).

Last reviewed: July 25, 2026 · AI-generated analysis · General information, not legal advice · details

Compiled from Apple Valley's adopted code with AI research tools and grounded in the sources cited below. Verify with Apple Valley planning staff before relying on it.

Overview

Apple Valley regulates what can be built and where under Title 9 of its Development Code (“Zoning”). Land, buildings, and structures may be used only as the code allows, and only after securing the applicable land-use approvals (§ 9.05.020; § 9.11.020). The Town’s mapped zoning districts and overlays control permitted uses and dimensional standards; the primary districts are listed in § 9.05.030 and are interpreted together with the residential standards (§ 9.28.040), commercial/office standards (§ 9.35.040), and industrial use tables (§ 9.45.030). See the Apple Valley Zoning and Apple Valley Development Standards pages for broader context.

If a recorded map shows a different building setback than the code tables, the recorded map’s building setback controls; any deviation requires a variance or deviation permit (§ 9.28.040; § 9.35.040).

How Apple Valley organizes land use decisions

  • Uses must be allowed by the underlying district and comply with district standards; some uses need a Special Use Permit (SUP) or Conditional Use Permit (CUP) (§ 9.16.020; § 9.11.020).
  • Commercial/office site standards in § 9.35.040 and residential site standards in § 9.28.040 set the controlling numbers (setbacks, heights, lot sizes, coverage, FAR).
  • Industrial permitted uses are enumerated by district in § 9.45.030 (I-P and I-RE only); specific industrial standards and outdoor-use limits are in Chapter 9.46.
  • Overlays (e.g., Airport) can add or tighten limits; the stricter rule applies (§ 9.65.010.C).

Quick-reference tables

Core residential standards (selected highlights)

District Minimum Lot Area Front Setback Side Setbacks Rear Setback Max Height Max Lot Coverage Code Reference
R-VLD 5 acres (gross) 50 ft 25 ft each side 40 ft 35 ft 25% § 9.28.040
R-A 2.5 acres (gross) 50 ft 25 ft each side 35 ft 35 ft 25% § 9.28.040
R-LD 2.5 acres (gross) 50 ft 25 ft each side 35 ft 35 ft 25% § 9.28.040
R-E 1 acre (gross) 45 ft (avg 50) 20 ft 30 ft 35 ft 25% § 9.28.040
R-E ¾ 32,670 sf 30 ft 15 ft/10 ft 25 ft 35 ft 30% § 9.28.040
R-EQ 18,000 sf 30 ft 15 ft/10 ft 25 ft 35 ft 30% § 9.28.040
R-SF 18,000 sf 30 ft 15 ft/10 ft 25 ft 35 ft 40% § 9.28.040
R-M 18,000 sf 20 ft (avg 25) 10 ft 10 ft 35–50 ft 70% § 9.28.040; § 9.29.070
M-U 1 acre 35 ft (10 ft on major/sec) 0 ft 0 ft 50 ft 50% § 9.28.040

Notes:

  • Side setbacks of 15 ft/10 ft mean 10 ft on one side, 15 ft on the other (§ 9.28.040 n.8).
  • Additional multi-family yard/separation standards apply in R-M (§ 9.29.070).
  • Ranchos Residential Overlay and recorded-map setbacks can override the table (§ 9.28.040).

Commercial/office site standards (selected highlights)

District Min Lot Area Front Setback (Local / Major/Sec) Side/Rear Setback Max Height (near res / other) Landscaping Max FAR Code Reference
O-P 7,500 sf 35 ft / 45 ft 0 ft (25 ft if adj. res.) 25 ft / 48 ft (100 ft with DP) 10% 1.0 § 9.35.040
C-G 10,000 sf 35 ft / 45 ft 0 ft (25 ft if adj. res.) 25 ft / 35 ft 10% 0.5 § 9.35.040
C-S 10,000 sf 35 ft / 45 ft 0 ft (25 ft if adj. res.) 25 ft / 35 ft 10% 0.5 § 9.35.040
C-R 10,000 sf 35 ft / 45 ft 30 ft (from perimeter; 30 ft adj. res.) 25 ft / 100 ft 10% 1.0 § 9.35.040
C-V 10,000 sf 10 ft / 10 ft 0 ft (25 ft street side/rear) 25 ft / 35 ft 5% 0.5 § 9.35.040
M-U 1 acre 35 ft / 10 ft 0 ft (10 ft street side/rear) 25 ft / 50 ft 10% 0.5 § 9.35.040

Notes:

  • All commercial projects (new, exterior modifications, additions) require a Development Permit; design standards also apply (§ 9.35.040; § 9.37.010).
  • Accessory structures and fence heights are regulated; see table details (§ 9.35.040).

District-by-district land use

R-VLD — Very Low Density Residential

  • Purpose: Very low-density, single-family detached on large lots; suited to agriculture, animal keeping, and equestrian uses at low intensities (§ 9.28.020.A).
  • Typical permitted uses: Single-family homes; rural/agricultural and equestrian activities implied by district intent (§ 9.28.020.A). ADUs allowed Townwide per ADU regs (§ 9.29.120).
  • Key dimensional standards: 5-acre gross min lot; 50 ft front, 25 ft side, 40 ft rear; 35 ft height; 25% coverage (§ 9.28.040).
  • Where it applies: Areas with environmental constraints or limited services per General Plan intent (§ 9.28.020.A). Verify with the jurisdiction.

R-A — Residential Agriculture

  • Purpose: Continue agricultural uses near Deep Creek; 2.5-acre min lots (§ 9.28.020.B).
  • Typical permitted uses: Single-family residential and commercial agricultural uses (as allowed by code) (§ 9.28.020.B). ADUs allowed (§ 9.29.120).
  • Key dimensional standards: 50 ft front, 25 ft side, 35 ft rear; 35 ft height; 25% coverage (§ 9.28.040).
  • Where it applies: Deep Creek vicinity (§ 9.28.020.B).

R-LD — Low Density Residential

  • Purpose: Maintain open character; accommodate single-family; may include constrained areas; holds Community Reserve areas (§ 9.28.020.C).
  • Typical permitted uses: Single-family; certain agriculture/animal keeping subject to code (§ 9.28.020.C); ADUs allowed (§ 9.29.120).
  • Key standards: 50 ft front; 25 ft sides; 35 ft rear; 35 ft height; 25% coverage (§ 9.28.040).
  • Notes: Transitional density buffers required at edges of new subdivisions (§ 9.28.050.F.3; § 9.28.040 n.17 Deep Creek buffers).

R-E — Estate Residential

  • Purpose: Rural single-family subdivisions with equestrian/animal keeping; 1.0 acre min (§ 9.28.020.D).
  • Typical permitted uses: Single-family; equestrian/animal keeping per code; ADUs allowed (§ 9.28.020.D; § 9.29.120).
  • Key standards: 45 ft front (avg 50 ft); 20 ft sides; 30 ft rear; 35 ft height; 25% coverage (§ 9.28.040).

R-E ¾ — Estate Residential 3/4

  • Purpose: Rural single-family with emphasis on equestrian uses on 0.75 net acre lots (§ 9.28.020.E).
  • Typical permitted uses: Single-family; animal/equestrian; ADUs allowed (§ 9.28.020.E; § 9.29.120).
  • Key standards: 30 ft front; 15/10 ft sides; 25 ft rear; 35% height limit 35 ft; 30% coverage (§ 9.28.040).

R-EQ — Equestrian Residential

  • Purpose: Rural-feel single-family with equestrian/animal keeping; 0.4 net acre (18,000 sf) min (§ 9.28.020.F).
  • Typical permitted uses: Single-family; equestrian/animal keeping per code; ADUs allowed (§ 9.28.020.F; § 9.29.120).
  • Key standards: 30 ft front; 15/10 ft sides; 25 ft rear; 35 ft height; 30% coverage (§ 9.28.040).

R-SF — Single Family Residential

  • Purpose: Conventional single-family subdivisions; 18,000 sf min (10,000 sf in Mountain Vista) (§ 9.28.020.G).
  • Typical permitted uses: Single-family; limited animal keeping; ADUs allowed (§ 9.28.020.G; § 9.29.120).
  • Key standards: 30 ft front; 15/10 ft sides; 25 ft rear; 35 ft height; 40% coverage (§ 9.28.040).
  • Special areas: Mountain Vista neighborhood has separate standards and allows smaller lots; see Table 9.28.040-C and § 9.28.020.G.

R-M — Multi-Family Residential

  • Purpose: Higher-density housing (duplexes, townhomes, apartments, senior); up to 20 du/ac (§ 9.28.020.H).
  • Typical permitted uses: Multi-family; single-family detached on certain existing lots in Mountain Vista; ADUs allowed (§ 9.28.020.H; § 9.29.120).
  • Key standards: Base setbacks per table; plus multi-family: 25 ft front (or avg), 15 ft street side, 10 ft interior/rear; 10 ft between buildings; extra buffers adjacent to single-family; unit size mins (500–1,100+ sf) (§ 9.28.040; § 9.29.070).

MHP — Mobile Home Park

  • Purpose: Existing mobile home parks; 5–15 du/net ac density (§ 9.28.020.I).
  • Typical permitted uses: Mobile home parks (§ 9.28.020.I).
  • Key standards: Height limit 18 ft (table); other MHP dimensional standards not provided. Not found in source materials (§ 9.28.040).

M-U — Mixed Use (applies in both residential and commercial tables)

  • Purpose: Integrated residential with commercial/office in a master-planned project; 4–30 du/ac (§ 9.28.020.J).
  • Typical permitted uses: Mixed residential/commercial consistent with standards; ADUs governed by state/Town ADU rules where applicable (§ 9.28.020.J; § 9.29.120).
  • Key standards: 1 ac min lot; 35 ft front on locals (10 ft on major/secondary); 0 ft side/rear; 50 ft height; 50% coverage; 10% landscape (plus residential open space per § 9.35.040 n.10, n.12; § 9.36 for open space) (§ 9.35.040; § 9.28.040).
  • Residential component minimums: ≥4 du/ac, or for existing sub-1-acre lots, at least 1 dwelling unit (§ 9.35.040 n.12).

PRD — Planned Residential Development

  • Purpose: Flexible standards in exchange for creative design; density must match General Plan (§ 9.28.020.K; § 9.29.080).
  • Typical permitted uses: Residential consistent with approved PRD (§ 9.28.020.K).
  • Key standards: Established through the PRD; table shows baseline mins (e.g., 10 ft front, 6 ft sides, 5 ft rear; 50% coverage) unless the approved PRD sets others (§ 9.28.040; § 9.29.080).

O-P — Office Professional

  • Purpose: Not found in source materials.
  • Typical permitted uses: Professional and administrative offices implied by district title; specific permitted-use list not provided. Not found in source materials.
  • Key standards: 7,500 sf min lot; 35/45 ft front setbacks; 0 ft side/rear (or 25 ft if adjacent to residential); 48 ft max height (up to 100 ft with a Development Permit); 1.0 FAR; 10% landscape (§ 9.35.040).
  • Review: All commercial development and exterior changes require a Development Permit; see Apple Valley Design Review (§ 9.35.040; § 9.37.010).

C-G — General Commercial

  • Purpose: Not found in source materials.
  • Typical permitted uses: Not found in source materials. See Chapter 9.36 for specific use regulations (not provided).
  • Key standards: 10,000 sf min lot; 35/45 ft front; 0 ft side/rear (25 ft if adjacent to residential); 35 ft height (25 ft within 100 ft of res.); 0.5 FAR; 10% landscape (§ 9.35.040).

C-S — Service Commercial

  • Purpose: Not found in source materials.
  • Typical permitted uses: Not found in source materials.
  • Key standards: Same basic setbacks and height caps as C-G; 0.5 FAR; 10% landscape (§ 9.35.040).

C-R — Regional Commercial

  • Purpose: Not found in source materials.
  • Typical permitted uses: Not found in source materials.
  • Key standards: 10,000 sf min lot; 35/45 ft front; 30 ft side/rear (from development perimeter); up to 100 ft height; 1.0 FAR; 10% landscape (§ 9.35.040).

C-V — Village Commercial

  • Purpose: Not found in source materials.
  • Typical permitted uses: Not found in source materials. Special outdoor display/storage allowances apply in the Apple Valley Village corridor (§ 9.36.170.C–D).
  • Key standards: 10,000 sf min lot; 10 ft front (local and major/secondary); 35 ft height; 0.5 FAR; 5% landscape (§ 9.35.040).

I-P — Planned Industrial

  • Purpose: Encourage flexible, high-quality industrial development; low emissions; buffered from residential (§ 9.46.020.A–B, E).
  • Typical permitted uses: Broad light-industrial, office, labs, warehousing, with several automotive and limited commercial support uses; selected examples:
    • Manufacturing/assembly from previously prepared materials — P (§ 9.45.030.A–C.1).
    • Labs — P; beverage production — P; bottling — P; bakeries — P (§ 9.45.030.C).
    • General warehousing/distribution — P (§ 9.45.030.D.5).
    • Administrative/professional offices — P (§ 9.45.030.E.1, E.6).
    • Restaurants — P (non-drive), drive-through — SUP; hotels/motels — CUP (§ 9.45.030.F).
    • Commercial antennas — CUP; non-commercial ≤35 ft — P; >35 ft — SUP (§ 9.45.030.D.2).
    • Automotive services: minor — SUP; major — CUP; gasoline/carwash — SUP (§ 9.45.030.E.3).
    • Small recycling collection facilities — SUP; larger facilities/centers/plants — CUP (§ 9.45.030.E.9).
  • Key standards: District-wide area min of 10 acres for a “planned industrial district”; min lot size 20,000 sf within that district; buffers/walls/landscaping adjacent to residential (§ 9.46.020.C–E). Site development standards table not provided. Not found in source materials.

I-RE — Resource Extraction

  • Purpose: Mineral resource extraction and related interim/after-uses (§ 9.45.030 n.3).
  • Typical permitted uses: Mining — SM (Surface Mining Permit); outdoor manufacturing — CUP; equipment storage — P; storage yards — P; certain agricultural uses — P (§ 9.45.030).
    • Industrial activities other than mining allowed only after the site is mined and reclaimed; interim non-mining uses may be allowed with a CUP if they don’t preclude future mining (§ 9.45.030 n.3).
  • Key standards: Site development standards table not provided. Not found in source materials.

P-F — Public Facilities

  • Purpose/uses/standards: Not found in source materials.

OS-C — Open Space, Conservation

  • Purpose/uses/standards: Not found in source materials.

OS-R — Open Space, Recreation

  • Purpose/uses/standards: Not found in source materials.

SP — Specific Plan

  • Purpose: A Specific Plan acts as zoning for its area (§ 9.40.010.D).
  • Example: Apple Valley Commercial Specific Plan (30.19 acres at Dale Evans Pkwy/Thunderbird Rd):
    • Permitted uses: A broad list of retail and service uses including offices, indoor recreation, retail, convenience stores, feed/tack (with incidental exterior storage of hay up to 10 ft high), gas/carwash, hotels/motels, nurseries, restaurants (drive-thru allowed), pharmacies (including drive-thru), superstores, indoor swap meets, vocational schools, etc. Many can operate 24 hours if so noted (§ 9.40.030.A, Table 1).
    • Land/structure regulations: 10,000 sf min lot; 0.5 FAR; max building area 246,034 sf; 35/45 ft front; 25 ft street side/rear; side/rear adj. to res = 25 ft; 42 ft height; 10% landscaping; outdoor storage allowed (§ 9.40.030.B, Table 2).
    • All subsequent approvals are ministerial and not appealable within the SP framework (§ 9.40.030.A.1; § 9.40.010.A–D).

Overlay districts and special area rules

Airport Overlay Districts (A-1, A-2)

  • Purpose: Minimize noise/safety hazards near Apple Valley Airport and ensure compatible land uses (§ 9.65.010.A).
  • Key rules:
    • Prohibit uses that impair visibility, emit distracting light or interference, attract large birds, or create objectionable hazards (§ 9.65.010.B.1–2).
    • Hazardous materials uses require Fire District/County Environmental Health approval (§ 9.65.010.B.3).
    • Labor‑intensive or people‑concentrating uses are not permitted in designated areas (§ 9.65.010.B.4).
    • No residential use of structures on premises of permitted uses (§ 9.65.010.B.5).
    • Require interior noise reduction (NLR 30 dB) for office and public‑receiving areas (§ 9.65.010.B.6).
    • Overlay is in addition to underlying zoning; the stricter rule governs (§ 9.65.010.C).

High Desert Corridor adjacency

  • Residential lots adjacent/abutting the corridor must seek Caltrans input on proximity requirements (§ 9.29.055).
  • Industrial sites adjacent/abutting the corridor must also request Caltrans requirements (§ 9.46.030).

Hillside Subdivisions

  • Applies where slopes ≥15%; prohibits mass grading; caps density to 1 du/ac (15–20% slopes), 1/5 ac (20–30%), and 1/20 ac (≥30%); typical height 25 ft; requires 55–60% undisturbed native open space and erosion control (§ 9.71.060.H–I).

Outdoor display/sales and cargo containers (commercial)

  • Outdoor business activity generally indoors unless permitted; selected outdoor uses require CUP or SUP (e.g., auto sales, building materials, outdoor swap meets) (§ 9.36.170.B).
  • Apple Valley Village (Outer Highway 18 from Navajo to Mesquite) allows administratively approved outdoor display/sales for on‑site retail, with limits on hours, item types, placement, and safety (§ 9.36.170.C).
  • In the Village, up to two screened cargo containers for storage are allowed in C‑V and C‑S with a Minor Development Permit and dimensional/placement/design limits (§ 9.36.170.D).

Desert Native Plant Protection

  • Regulates removal/transplant of protected desert natives (e.g., Joshua trees, Mohave yucca, barrel cactus); permits and tags/seals required; commercial harvesting prohibited (§ 9.76.020.C–E). Enforcement includes permit revocations on conviction (§ 9.76.020.F).

Cross-cutting land use rules you’ll likely encounter

  • Permits and review authority: CUPs, SUPs, Development Permits, Variances/Deviation Permits follow § 9.11.020; CUP/SUP applicability is set by each district’s use table (§ 9.16.020; § 9.35.040; § 9.45.030). See Apple Valley Variances and Exceptions.
  • ADUs and residential care: ADUs/JADUs are processed ministerially within 60 days under § 9.29.120; small residential care and small family day care are treated as residential uses (§ 9.29.110.C).
  • Supportive/Transitional housing: Requires a CUP and 2,000 ft separation from sensitive uses and similar facilities; annual business license required (§ 9.29.180.D–F).
  • Parking: Location/setbacks relative to uses and residential edges are controlled; e.g., commercial/industrial parking within 400 ft of the main structure; buffers adjacent to residential; multi-family assigned/guest parking required (§ 9.72.050; § 9.72.040). See Apple Valley Parking.
  • Landscaping/screening: Commercial/office standards set minimum landscaped area; additional buffers and screening often required, especially at industrial-residential interfaces (§ 9.35.040; § 9.46.020.E). See Apple Valley Landscaping and Screening.
  • Design review: All commercial development and modifications require a Development Permit; commercial/office design standards apply (§ 9.35.040; § 9.37.010). See Apple Valley Design Review.
  • Setback lines on recorded maps: Recorded building setback lines on maps from 1948–1987 or composite plans can supersede code setbacks; deviations require relief under variance/deviation procedures (§ 9.28.040; § 9.35.040).

Checklist

  • Confirm your parcel’s base district and any overlays in § 9.05.030 and verify if a [Specific Plan] applies (§ 9.40.010.D).
  • Identify whether your proposed use is permitted, requires SUP/CUP, or is prohibited in your district (industrial uses are in § 9.45.030; commercial/office use lists are Not found in source materials; verify with the jurisdiction).
  • Apply the site/development numbers that control your project (residential in § 9.28.040; commercial/office in § 9.35.040; multi-family add-ons in § 9.29.070).
  • Check for recorded building setback lines on any applicable final/parcel maps; if different, those control (§ 9.28.040; § 9.35.040).
  • If within the Airport Overlay, test compatibility and apply 30 dB NLR and people-intensity limits (§ 9.65.010.B).
  • For hillside sites (≥15% slope), verify density/open space/height/grading limits (§ 9.71.060).
  • If proposing outdoor sales/displays or cargo containers in the Village, ensure you meet § 9.36.170.
  • Verify parking location/setbacks and buffers, especially near residential (§ 9.72.050).
  • If removing native desert plants (e.g., Joshua tree), obtain permits per § 9.76.020.
  • Determine if a Development Permit (commercial), SUP/CUP, or variance/deviation is required, and which body acts on it (§ 9.11.020; § 9.16.020).
  • For residential ADUs/JADUs, confirm ministerial eligibility and standards (§ 9.29.120).

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Recorded map setbacks vs. code tables A recorded line can force larger or different setbacks Pull title/recorded maps; if deviating, use variance/deviation routes (§ 9.28.040; § 9.35.040)
Commercial permitted uses not provided Can’t confirm if a retail/service use is by-right or requires a CUP/SUP Specific use list for C‑districts is Not found in source materials; confirm with Planning; see Ch. 9.36 reference in § 9.35.040
Industrial outdoor operations Outdoor uses limited or require CUP; separation/screening applies Apply § 9.46.050 and § 9.45.030; measure distances to residential/public facilities
Airport Overlay people-intensity limits Some customer-heavy uses may be barred Map the overlay area; apply § 9.65.010.B.4 and NLR 30 dB requirement
Mixed-Use residential minimums M-U projects must include a residential component Meet ≥4 du/ac standard or the 1-unit exception for small existing lots (§ 9.35.040 n.12)
Deep Creek/peripheral buffers Larger edge lots or buffers may be required If in Deep Creek or edging lower-density areas, apply buffer rules (§ 9.28.040 n.17; § 9.28.050.F.3)
Village outdoor display/storage rules Different rules inside Apple Valley Village Confirm corridor limits and permit type for displays/containers (§ 9.36.170.C–D)
Specific Plan overrides SP can replace base zoning standards and processes If within an SP, use those permitted uses/standards; many approvals are ministerial (§ 9.40.010.D; § 9.40.030)

Plain-English Summary

Apple Valley assigns each parcel to a zoning district with its own allowed uses and numbers for setbacks, height, and lot size. Homes on standard R‑SF lots need about a 30‑ft front yard and can be up to 35 ft tall, while commercial front setbacks are typically 35–45 ft and heights 35–100 ft depending on the district. Industrial uses are tightly defined by tables, outdoor operations are limited, and overlays (like the Airport Overlay) can add extra constraints.

Source References

  • § 9.05.020 Applicability
  • § 9.05.030 Establishment of Zoning Districts (district list and overlays)
  • § 9.08 Definitions (selected terms)
  • § 9.11.020 Review Authority for Required Permits
  • § 9.16.020 Applicability (CUP/SUP)
  • § 9.16.040 Application Submittal Requirements
  • § 9.28.020 Residential Districts (purposes)
  • § 9.28.040 Site Development Standards (residential)
  • § 9.28.050 Subdivision Design Standards (buffers, access)
  • § 9.29.055 High Desert Corridor Near Residential Districts
  • § 9.29.070 Multi-Family Housing Standards
  • § 9.29.110 Residential Care Facilities
  • § 9.29.120 Accessory Dwelling Units
  • § 9.29.180 Supportive and Transitional Housing Facilities
  • § 9.35.040 Site Development Standards (commercial/office)
  • § 9.36.170 Outdoor Displays, Sales and Uses
  • § 9.37.010 Commercial and Office Districts Design Standards (purpose/review tie)
  • § 9.40.010 Apple Valley Commercial Specific Plan – Introduction
  • § 9.40.030 Apple Valley Commercial Specific Plan – Land Use Plan and Standards
  • § 9.45.030 Industrial Permitted Uses (I-P, I-RE)
  • § 9.46.010–.050 Specific Use Regulations for Industrial Districts (purpose; planned industrial; outdoor uses)
  • § 9.65.010 Airport Overlay Districts
  • § 9.71.060 Hillside Subdivisions
  • § 9.71.080 Lot Splits
  • § 9.71.140 Dedication and Improvement Regulations
  • § 9.72.040–.050 Parking (selected)
  • § 9.76.020 Desert Native Plant Protection

Also see related internal guidance:

Sources

Source passages

  • Apple Valley Zoning Code (§ 9.35.040) High relevance
  • Apple Valley Zoning Code (§ 9.45.030) High relevance
  • Apple Valley Zoning Code (§ 9.40.030) High relevance
  • Apple Valley Zoning Code (§ 9.37.010) High relevance
  • Apple Valley Zoning Code (§ 9.28.020) Medium relevance
  • Apple Valley Zoning Code (§ 9.05.020) Medium relevance
  • Apple Valley Zoning Code (§ 9.40.010) Medium relevance
  • Apple Valley Zoning Code (§ 9.28.050) Medium relevance
  • Apple Valley Zoning Code (§ 9.05.030) Medium relevance
  • Apple Valley Zoning Code (§ 9.76.020) Medium relevance
  • Apple Valley Zoning Code (§ 9.71.060) Medium relevance
  • Apple Valley Zoning Code (§ 9.71.140) Medium relevance
  • Apple Valley Zoning Code (§ 9.29.110) Medium relevance
  • Apple Valley Zoning Code (§ 9.16.020) Medium relevance
  • Apple Valley Zoning Code (§ 9.36.170) Medium relevance
  • Apple Valley Zoning Code (§ 9.29.180) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

What can I build on an R-SF lot in Apple Valley?

Single-family homes are the primary use; Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are allowed ministerially. Typical R‑SF standards require a minimum 18,000 sf lot, a 30 ft front setback, 15/10 ft sides, 25 ft rear, a 35 ft height limit, and 40% max lot coverage (§ 9.28.040). ADUs/JADUs must meet § 9.29.120.

What are Apple Valley’s commercial front setbacks and height caps?

Most commercial/office districts require 35 ft fronts on local streets and 45 ft on major/secondary streets, with max heights of 35–48 ft (OP up to 100 ft with a Development Permit). The C‑R district allows up to 100 ft, while C‑V fronts are 10 ft on all streets (§ 9.35.040).

Do I need design review for a new shop or exterior remodel?

Yes. All commercial development—including new construction, exterior modifications, and additions—requires a Development Permit, and commercial/office design standards apply (§ 9.35.040; § 9.37.010). See Apple Valley Design Review.

Which industrial uses are allowed in the I-P district?

A wide range of light industrial and support uses are allowed by right or with SUP/CUP: manufacturing/assembly from prepared materials (P), labs (P), warehousing (P), restaurants (P/SUP), hotels (CUP), automotive services (SUP/CUP), and antennas (CUP/P/SUP by type). Mining is not allowed in I‑P (§ 9.45.030).

How does the Airport Overlay affect my project?

In the overlay, uses must be compatible with airport operations: no visibility/light/EMI hazards, no bird-attracting uses; labor‑intensive or people‑concentrating uses are prohibited in designated areas. Offices/public areas must achieve a 30 dB interior noise reduction; the stricter overlay or base zoning rule applies (§ 9.65.010.B–C).

Are outdoor displays allowed along Outer Highway 18 in the Village?

Yes, subject to an administrative Outdoor Display/Sale Permit. Items must be associated with an on-site retail business, limited to business hours, and placed without blocking access or damaging landscaping; secondhand items (except antiques/collectibles) are restricted (§ 9.36.170.C).

What multi-family setbacks apply in R-M?

Base setbacks are 20 ft front (average 25), 10 ft interior sides and rear, and 15 ft street side (§ 9.28.040). Multi-family standards add a 10 ft building separation, unit size minimums, and enhanced setbacks/buffers when adjacent to single-family zones (§ 9.29.070).

Can I split my lot without a tentative map?

In very limited cases, a two-parcel split can proceed by certificate of compliance if strict size, location, access, and utility conditions are met (e.g., 2–10 acre lots east of Navajo or south of Bear Valley, existing graded dirt road, ≥200 ft from sewer, etc.) (§ 9.71.080). Otherwise, standard parcel/tract map processes apply (§ 9.71.140).

Do recorded map setback lines override the code tables?

Yes. If your recorded map (generally 1948–1987) shows a building setback line, it supersedes the code tables; deviations require a variance or deviation permit (§ 9.28.040; § 9.35.040).

Are ADUs allowed in Apple Valley residential zones?

Yes. ADUs and JADUs are processed ministerially within 60 days if they meet § 9.29.120. ADUs are allowed on lots with existing or proposed single-family dwellings; multi-family properties may also add certain ADUs (§ 9.29.120.E).

General information, not legal advice.

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Apple Valley Historic Preservation

Apple Valley Signage

Apple Valley Nonconforming Uses

Apple Valley Variances and Exceptions

Apple Valley Landscaping and Screening

Apple Valley overview

Apple Valley municipal code (full text)