Local zoning · Bell Gardens

Bell Gardens — Overlay Districts

Overlay Districts under the Bell Gardens local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.

Ask a question free See coverage

Last reviewed: July 1, 2026

Overview

Bell Gardens uses overlay districts to layer tailored rules on top of base zoning, allowing the city to address site- or corridor-specific issues without rewriting underlying districts. In the Bell Gardens Municipal Code Title 9, overlay standards apply in addition to base-zone rules and the city’s supplemental development standards (parking, landscaping, signs, etc.). The code establishes seven overlays: PBD, RD, HPD, RPDD, IPDD, EBOD, and CCOD (§§ 9.06.020, 9.18.010; overlays add to base and Division 4 standards per § 9.18.040) .

All overlay boundaries are shown on the city’s official zoning map, and overlays govern “in addition to” the base zoning on the same parcel (§ 9.06.030; § 9.18.040) . Uses remain governed by the underlying district unless the overlay states otherwise; the community development director may also allow complementary uses by conditional use permit when they meet an overlay’s intent (§ 9.18.030) .

What Bell Gardens recognizes as overlay districts

The code lists these overlays: PBD (Parking and Buffer District), RD (Recreation District), HPD (Historical Preservation District), RPDD (Residential Planned Development District), IPDD (Industrial Planned Development District), EBOD (Electronic Billboard Overlay District), and CCOD (Civic Center Overlay District) (§§ 9.06.020, 9.18.010) .

Overlay-by-overlay guidance

PBD — Parking and Buffer District

  • Purpose. Provide off-street motor vehicle parking and open space to buffer incompatible uses and expand public parking opportunities (§ 9.18.020.A) .
  • Typical permitted uses. Uses allowed by the underlying zone; other complementary uses may be authorized by conditional use permit (§ 9.18.030) .
  • Key standards. The PBD imposes a 25% increase in required parking over the base-zone requirement for qualifying projects, requires colored/stamped paving at vehicular entries, and requires 10% more landscaping than otherwise required—concentrated along street frontages. These triggers apply to new development or cumulative additions within ten years that exceed 50% of existing building area; landscaping upgrades are required when additions exceed 50% of existing floor area (§ 9.18.040.A) .
  • Where it applies. As mapped on the city zoning map (§ 9.06.030). Parcel-specific boundaries must be confirmed with the city (“Verify with the jurisdiction”) .

RD — Recreation District

  • Purpose. Enable public and private recreational facilities (e.g., amusement parks, miniature golf, outdoor entertainment) with incidental and community services (§ 9.18.020.B) .
  • Typical permitted uses. Underlying-zone uses continue; recreation-related uses emphasized. Additional complementary uses may be allowed by conditional use permit (§ 9.18.030) .
  • Key standards. Minimum lot area 20,000 sf; minimum lot width 100 ft; minimum lot depth 150 ft. Parking is as specified in Chapter 9.38 by use; where not listed, the planning commission sets parking based on a professional parking-demand study (§ 9.18.040.B) .
  • Where it applies. As mapped (§ 9.06.030). Verify parcel applicability with the city .

HPD — Historical Preservation District

  • Purpose. Protect the setting, character, and context around designated historic or cultural monuments; ensure adjacent development is harmonious (§ 9.18.020.C) .
  • Typical permitted uses. Underlying-zone uses, subject to compatibility; complementary uses by conditional use permit may be considered (§ 9.18.030) .
  • Process and key standards.
    • Before any construction, demolition, relocation, or modification within HPD, obtain site plan review approvals from the cultural heritage commission and the planning commission—submittals must include project scope, site/building locations, parking and loading layout, landscaping, and signage details (§ 9.18.040.C.1) . This is distinct from citywide design review and is specific to HPD.
    • Adjacencies and design. No new building within 100 ft of a declared historic structure; additions cannot dissipate historic character; utilities underground; parking and landscaping must be unobtrusive and compatible (§ 9.18.040.C.2) .
    • Designation. The cultural heritage commission designates historic sites/monuments (§ 9.18.040.C.3) and administers HPD review—see also the city’s historic preservation processes (§ 9.18.040.C.3) .
  • Where it applies. Properties within the HPD overlay as mapped; confirm whether a site is a designated historic monument and within the overlay (“Verify with the jurisdiction”).

RPDD — Residential Planned Development District

  • Purpose. Allow flexible, master-planned residential projects on larger tracts with private streets, shared open space, and amenities (§ 9.18.020.D) .
  • Typical permitted uses. Residential (detached or multi-unit); the commission may allow on-site assembly spaces, day care, and recreation facilities primarily serving residents (§ 9.18.040.D.2) .
  • Key standards.
    • Minimum site area 2 acres (§ 9.18.040.D.1) .
    • Density may not exceed the underlying zone unless a housing density bonus is approved under Chapter 9.59 (§ 9.18.040.D.2) .
    • Common open space ≥ 25% of net site; building coverage ≤ 45%; max height 40 ft/3 stories; building massing articulation requirements apply (§ 9.18.040.D.3–D.7) .
    • Parking per Chapter 9.38; the commission may adjust number, location, or design (e.g., tandem in garages) where justified (§ 9.18.040.D.6) .
  • Where it applies. As mapped (§ 9.06.030) .

IPDD — Industrial Planned Development District

  • Purpose. Enable unified industrial campuses near other uses, with performance and design safeguards via conditional use permit (§ 9.18.020.E) .
  • Typical permitted uses. Industrial uses consistent with underlying zoning; unified planning with buffering and access management (§ 9.18.040.E) .
  • Key standards.
    • Minimum site area 10 acres (may be less if directly extending an existing approved industrial plan on an adjoining parcel) (§ 9.18.040.E.1) .
    • FAR ≤ 1.0; ground-floor building coverage ≤ 60% of net lot; does not reduce required parking (§ 9.18.040.E.4) .
    • Underground new utility facilities unless waived for hardship; yards/walls/landscaping to buffer adjacent more restrictive uses; progress schedule required; tentative map required (§ 9.18.040.E.5–E.9) .
  • Where it applies. As mapped (§ 9.06.030); verify boundaries for specific sites .

EBOD — Electronic Billboard Overlay District

  • Purpose. Provide a planned framework for new electronic billboards and allow the voluntary relocation/replacement of conforming and nonconforming uses to the EBOD under reasonable controls (§ 9.18.020.F; § 9.40.065.A) .
  • Typical permitted uses. Electronic billboards, subject to a negotiated city agreement and compliance with state law (§ 9.40.065.B) .
  • Key standards.
    • Allowed only after execution of a city agreement setting compensation and public benefits (§ 9.40.065.B.2) .
    • Relocated or new electronic billboards must comply with the California Business and Professions Code and California Code of Regulations; new boards not tied to relocation are limited to EBOD areas not designated as “landscaped freeways” (§ 9.40.065.B.3) .
    • Overlay points to § 9.40.065 for all standards (§ 9.18.040.F) .
  • Where it applies. As mapped (§ 9.06.030). Parcel-level confirmation required (“Verify with the jurisdiction”) .

CCOD — Civic Center Overlay District

  • Purpose. Not explicitly stated in § 9.18.020. However, the overlay clearly functions to restrict certain sensitive uses in the civic center area.
  • Typical permitted uses. Underlying-zone uses continue except where the overlay imposes added restrictions. Notably, a cannabis retail use is prohibited in the CCOD, irrespective of the underlying zoning (§ 9.20.160.A.1) .
  • Key standards. Aside from the cannabis-retail prohibition, no additional CCOD-specific development standards were found in the retrieved materials. Not found in retrieved materials.
  • Where it applies. The CCOD is shown on the city’s zoning map (§ 9.06.030; § 9.20.160.A.1) — verify parcel boundaries with the city .

Quick-compare: decision-relevant overlay standards

Overlay Core Purpose Selected Dimensional/Process Rules Permitted Uses Basis Code Reference
PBD Buffer incompatible uses with added parking/open space +25% required parking; decorative paving at entries; +10% landscaping; thresholds at >50% additions Underlying zone; complementary uses via CUP § 9.18.020.A, § 9.18.040.A
RD Large-lot recreation sites Min lot 20,000 sf; width 100 ft; depth 150 ft; [parking] by Chapter 9.38 or PC-approved study Underlying zone; complementary uses via CUP § 9.18.020.B, § 9.18.040.B
HPD Protect character around historic resources CHC/PC approvals before work; 100 ft setback from historic structures; compatibility for design, signs, parking, landscaping Underlying zone; case-by-case compatibility § 9.18.020.C, § 9.18.040.C
RPDD Flexible, master-planned housing Min site 2 acres; open space ≥ 25%; coverage ≤ 45%; height ≤ 40 ft/3 stories; commission may adjust parking Underlying zone density unless Ch. 9.59 bonus § 9.18.040.D
IPDD Unified industrial campuses Min site 10 acres (with adjacency exception); FAR ≤ 1.0; GFA ≤ 60%; tentative map; buffering/undergrounding Consistent with underlying industrial uses § 9.18.040.E
EBOD Planned electronic billboards; relocation of signs City agreement required; state-law compliance; new boards limited re: “landscaped freeways” Electronic billboards only § 9.18.040.F, § 9.40.065
CCOD Civic center protections Cannabis retail prohibited regardless of base zone All other uses per underlying zone, unless otherwise limited § 9.20.160.A.1; mapping per § 9.06.030

How overlays interact with base rules

  • Overlays add to, and do not replace, base-zone rules. Applicants must comply with both the underlying district (see zoning, land use) and the overlay’s add-on provisions (§§ 9.18.030–.040) .
  • Supplemental standards in Division 4—such as parking, landscaping, and signage—still apply (§ 9.18.040, intro) .

Information Gaps

  • CCOD development standards beyond the cannabis-retail prohibition. Not found in retrieved materials.
  • Exact mapped boundaries and any parcel-specific overlay conditions. Verify with the jurisdiction (see § 9.06.030) .
  • Any additional HPD-specific design manuals or guidelines adopted by the cultural heritage commission. Not found in retrieved materials.

Checklist

  • Confirm the parcel’s base zone and whether an overlay applies using the city’s zoning map (§ 9.06.030). Verify with the jurisdiction .
  • Identify all applicable overlay standards in Chapter 9.18 and whether the overlay points to other chapters (e.g., EBOD → § 9.40.065; RD → Chapter 9.38) (§ 9.18.040) .
  • Align permitted uses with the underlying zone; if proposing a complementary use in an overlay, prepare a conditional use permit justification (§ 9.18.030) .
  • For PBD: Provide the additional 25% [parking] and 10% [landscaping] and show decorative paving at entries where applicable (§ 9.18.040.A) .
  • For RD: Confirm minimum lot dimensions and supply a parking-demand study if the use is not listed in Chapter 9.38 (§ 9.18.040.B) .
  • For HPD: Secure cultural heritage commission and planning commission approvals with complete site plan materials before any permit; design to meet compatibility, signage, [parking] and landscaping criteria (§ 9.18.040.C) .
  • For RPDD: Confirm site ≥ 2 acres, density at or below base zoning unless using Chapter 9.59; provide open space plan (≥ 25%), coverage (≤ 45%), height (≤ 40 ft), and any commission-approved parking adjustments (§ 9.18.040.D) .
  • For IPDD: Demonstrate site area (≥10 acres or adjacency extension), FAR/coverage compliance, buffering, undergrounding, progress schedule, and file a tentative map (§ 9.18.040.E) .
  • For EBOD: Negotiate and execute the required city agreement; document compliance with § 9.40.065 and state law (§ 9.40.065.B) .
  • For CCOD: If proposing cannabis retail, stop—use is prohibited irrespective of base zone (§ 9.20.160.A.1) .

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Overlay boundaries A parcel’s inclusion triggers added standards Confirm on the official zoning map (§ 9.06.030) and with staff
PBD “>50% addition” trigger Determines whether extra parking/landscaping apply Cumulative additions in a 10-year window; calculate scope (§ 9.18.040.A)
RD parking study scope Parking can be set by PC when not listed in Ch. 9.38 Study methodology, horizon year, peak demand assumptions (§ 9.18.040.B)
HPD compatibility findings Discretionary review can alter design, signs, and site work Early consultation with CHC/PC; submittal completeness (§ 9.18.040.C)
RPDD density and bonuses Exceeding base density needs Ch. 9.59 approval Bonus eligibility, affordability commitments (§ 9.18.040.D.2)
IPDD <10-acre exception Reliance on adjacency to extend a prior plan Document common boundary and orderly extension (§ 9.18.040.E.1)
EBOD agreement terms Content is negotiated; affects timing, benefits, relocation Agreement scope, state-law limits, landscaped-freeway status (§ 9.40.065.B)
CCOD standards beyond cannabis Unclear if other special rules apply Not found in retrieved materials; ask staff for any CCOD guidelines

Plain-English Summary

Bell Gardens overlays add extra rules in specific places on top of your property’s base zoning. Some areas must provide more parking or landscaping, some require special historic approvals, and some—like the EBOD—allow electronic billboards only with a city agreement. Always check the zoning map first to see if an overlay applies, then design to satisfy both your base zone and the overlay’s added standards (§§ 9.06.030, 9.18.030–.040) .

Source References

  • BGMC § 9.06.020, List of overlay districts (PBD, RD, HPD, RPDD, IPDD, EBOD, CCOD)
  • BGMC § 9.06.030, Zoning map adoption and use for boundaries
  • BGMC §§ 9.18.010–.020, Designation and purposes of overlay districts
  • BGMC § 9.18.030, Permitted land uses in overlays (base-zone led; CUP for complementary uses)
  • BGMC § 9.18.040.A–C, PBD/RD/HPD development and process standards
  • BGMC § 9.18.040.D, RPDD standards (site area, density, open space, coverage, height, parking adjustments)
  • BGMC § 9.18.040.E, IPDD standards (site area, FAR, coverage, buffering, tentative map)
  • BGMC § 9.18.040.F and § 9.40.065, EBOD standards and state-law constraints
  • BGMC § 9.20.160.A.1, Cannabis retail prohibited in CCOD (irrespective of base zoning)
  • BGMC § 9.34.030, Citywide nonresidential landscaping baseline (for context with PBD)

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Bell Gardens Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
  • Bell Gardens Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
  • Bell Gardens Zoning Code (Title 9) Medium relevance
  • Bell Gardens Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
  • Bell Gardens Zoning Code (chapter shall) Medium relevance
  • Bell Gardens Zoning Code (§ 9.04.260.) Medium relevance
  • Bell Gardens Zoning Code (title or) Medium relevance
  • Bell Gardens Zoning Code (chapter or) Medium relevance
  • Bell Gardens Zoning Code (§ 9.38.050) High relevance
  • Bell Gardens Zoning Code (§ 3) Medium relevance
  • Bell Gardens Zoning Code (chapter may) Medium relevance
  • Bell Gardens Zoning Code (chapter may) Medium relevance
  • Bell Gardens Zoning Code Medium relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

What overlay districts exist in Bell Gardens?

Bell Gardens recognizes seven overlays: PBD, RD, HPD, RPDD, IPDD, EBOD, and CCOD. They are designated in the zoning code and shown on the official zoning map (§§ 9.06.020, 9.06.030, 9.18.010) .

Do overlay districts change what uses I can have?

They can. Uses are still governed by your underlying zone, but an overlay may add restrictions or processes. The director may allow complementary uses through a conditional use permit when they meet the overlay’s intent (§ 9.18.030) .

What extra requirements apply in the PBD Parking and Buffer District?

PBD requires about a quarter more parking than the base zone, decorative paving at vehicular entries, and ten percent more landscaping, with thresholds for large additions (§ 9.18.040.A) .

What has to happen before I modify a property in the HPD?

Before any construction, demolition, relocation, or modification in HPD, you must obtain approvals from the cultural heritage commission and the planning commission, with full plan submittals. New buildings must stay at least 100 feet from declared historic structures, and design, signs, parking, and landscaping must be compatible (§ 9.18.040.C) .

What are the minimum lot standards in the RD Recreation District?

Recreational sites must have at least 20,000 square feet, be at least 100 feet wide, and 150 feet deep. Parking is per Chapter 9.38 or by planning commission determination based on a parking-demand study (§ 9.18.040.B) .

What does the RPDD allow that standard residential zoning doesn’t?

RPDD enables master-planned residential projects on sites two acres or larger, with at least 25% common open space, ≤45% building coverage, ≤40 feet/3 stories in height, and potential commission adjustments to parking. Density cannot exceed the underlying zone unless a Chapter 9.59 bonus is granted (§ 9.18.040.D) .

Can I install an electronic billboard outside the EBOD?

No. New or relocated electronic billboards must be within the EBOD, must have a city agreement, and must comply with state law. New boards unrelated to relocation are further limited relative to “landscaped freeways” (§ 9.40.065.B) .

Are cannabis retailers allowed in the CCOD Civic Center Overlay?

No. Cannabis retail uses are prohibited within the CCOD regardless of the underlying zoning (§ 9.20.160.A.1) .

More in Bell Gardens code

Ask about any Bell Gardens property

Get a cited, plain-English answer on Bell Gardens zoning, setbacks, FAR, ADUs and permits — for any address.

Start Free Trial

More Bell Gardens zoning topics

Bell Gardens Zoning

Bell Gardens Land Use

Bell Gardens Development Standards

Bell Gardens Parking

Bell Gardens Design Review

Bell Gardens Historic Preservation

Bell Gardens Signage

Bell Gardens Nonconforming Uses

Bell Gardens Variances and Exceptions

Bell Gardens Landscaping and Screening

Bell Gardens overview