Local zoning · Benicia

Benicia — Development Standards

Development Standards under the Benicia local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.

Quick answer

In Benicia’s housing overlay, projects may reach 35 ft (or 40 ft in the Town Core) with 1,452 sq ft site area per unit and even four units on parcels existing 1/1/2023 (§ 17.64.040). PS yards are 15/5/10/15 ft (front/side/corner side/rear) where that overlay applies (§ 17.64.040(B)). The Hillside overlay fixes yards at 15/10%/25 ft and height at 30 ft (§ 17.50.040). Small lot subdivisions need 1,200 sq ft (RS) or 600 sq ft lots and at least 13.2 du/ac (§ 17.90.130).

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

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

Overview

Benicia’s development standards live in Title 17 (Zoning) and pair each base zoning district with citywide rules and, where mapped, overlay districts that modify setbacks, height, coverage, and allowed density. A few chapters also add objective, housing-focused standards and ministerial approvals. Below is a district-by-district synthesis of what the code makes explicit, plus the key quantitative rules you can actually rely on from the source materials.

The most pro-housing rule here: where the § 17.64 overlay applies, any conflict with base zoning or the Downtown form-based code is resolved in favor of the standard that is more permissive of housing production (§ 17.64.040(D)).

Citywide rules that affect all projects

Development on lots split by different zones must keep each use and its access within a zone where it’s allowed; you can’t route access across a zone that doesn’t allow that use (§ 17.70.140).
Front setback averaging in Residential (R) and Commercial (C) districts: you may reduce the front yard to the average of the blockface if 40% of the frontage is improved; detached garages/carports don’t count in the calculation (§ 17.64.040(C)).
How height is measured and where exceptions apply are controlled by the city’s general standards, but the detailed rules are not in the source materials; verify specifics in §§ 17.70.170 and 17.70.180 (Not found in source materials).

Selected quantitative standards you can use now

Topic	Standard	Where it applies	Code Reference
Front setback averaging	Front yard may be reduced to average of blockface when 40% improved; excludes detached garages/carports in calc	Any parcel in R or C districts	§ 17.64.040(C)
PS setbacks (overlay standard)	Front 15 ft; Side 5 ft; Corner Side 10 ft; Rear 15 ft	Public and Semipublic (PS), when governed by § 17.64 overlay	§ 17.64.040(B)
Housing overlay: site area/unit	1,452 sq ft per multifamily dwelling unit	§ 17.64 overlay area	§ 17.64.040(A)
Housing overlay: height	Max 35 ft (3 stories); in Town Core, max 40 ft	§ 17.64 overlay area	§ 17.64.040(A)
Housing overlay: lot coverage	45% (single-family residential only)	§ 17.64 overlay area	§ 17.64.040(A)
Housing overlay: fourplex rule	Four multifamily units allowed on any parcel legally existing 1/1/2023, subject to all other standards	§ 17.64 overlay area	§ 17.64.040(A)(1)
Housing overlay: 3rd-story stepback	Third story must step back 10 ft along at least 35% of primary street facade	R, C, or PS projects within § 17.64 overlay	§ 17.64.050(B)(1)
Housing overlay: balcony limit	Upper-story balconies ≤3 ft projection toward a side yard of an adjacent residential use	R, C, or PS projects within § 17.64 overlay	§ 17.64.050(B)(2)
Hillside overlay setbacks	Front 15 ft; Side 10% lot width (5 ft min, 10 ft max); Corner Side 10% (10–15 ft); Rear 25 ft	HD overlay	§ 17.50.040
Hillside overlay height	30 ft; plus daylight-plane limit near front setback	HD overlay	§ 17.50.040(F)
Hillside overlay density	Slope-density formula governs units/acre (e.g., 7 du/ac at 0–10% slope; declines with slope)	HD overlay	§ 17.50.050; § 17.50.040(B)
Solar utilities height	Max 15 ft (ground-mounted)	Citywide (where allowed)	§ 17.70.420(D)
Solar utilities lot standards	Min lot 5 acres; Max 50% lot coverage; prohibited on slopes >20% and in FEMA 100-year floodplains	Citywide (where allowed)	§ 17.70.420(J), (M), (N), (O)
Small lot subdivision sizes	Min parcel: 1,200 sq ft (RS); 600 sq ft (other eligible zones)	Eligible zones listed below	§ 17.90.130(C)(3)(d)
Small lot subdivision density	At least 66% of max district density or 13.2 du/ac (whichever greater); 13.2 du/ac if no max is set	Eligible zones listed below	§ 17.90.130(C)(3)(f)
Small lot subdivision ADUs	ADUs/JADUs not allowed on newly created parcels	Eligible zones listed below	§ 17.90.130(C)(3)(c)

Linkages you’ll likely need: citywide zoning, design review for non-ADU multifamily/mixed-use, objective standards in the housing overlay (§ 17.64.050), parking, overlay districts, historic preservation, ADUs, and potential variances and exceptions.

District-by-district standards and guidance

RS – Residential, Single-Family

Purpose and uses: Not found in source materials (see § 17.24; verify with the jurisdiction).
Key dimensional standards: Not found in source materials. Front setback averaging is allowed per citywide rule (§ 17.64.040(C)).
Small lot subdivisions: Eligible in RS with conditions; min new parcel size 1,200 sq ft; lot must be vacant; ADUs/JADUs are not allowed on newly created parcels (§ 17.90.130(B)(1), (B)(3), (C)(3)(c), (C)(3)(d)(i)).
ADUs: Allowed where single-family dwellings are permitted; ministerial if meeting standards (§ 17.90.020(B), (C)(1)). See ADUs.
Where it applies: Citywide RS-mapped areas (confirm on the zoning map).

RM – Residential, Multifamily (Medium Density)

Purpose and uses: Not found in source materials (see § 17.24; verify).
Key dimensional standards: Not found in source materials. Front setback averaging allowed (§ 17.64.040(C)).
Small lot subdivisions: Eligible; min new parcel 600 sq ft; density minimums apply (§ 17.90.130(B)(1), (C)(3)(d)(ii), (C)(3)(f)).
ADUs: Allowed where multifamily dwellings are permitted (§ 17.90.020(B)).
Where it applies: RM-mapped neighborhoods (verify).

RH – Residential, High Density

Purpose and uses: Not found in source materials (see § 17.24; verify).
Key dimensional standards: Not found in source materials. Front setback averaging allowed (§ 17.64.040(C)).
Small lot subdivisions: Eligible; min new parcel 600 sq ft; density minimums apply (§ 17.90.130(B)(1), (C)(3)(d)(ii), (C)(3)(f)).
Where it applies: RH-mapped areas (verify).

HZ – Residential (Historic Zone)

Purpose and uses: Not found in source materials (listed as eligible for small lot subdivisions).
Key dimensional standards: Not found in source materials. Front setback averaging allowed (§ 17.64.040(C)). Projects may also be subject to historic preservation requirements (Verify with the jurisdiction).
Small lot subdivisions: Eligible; min new parcel 600 sq ft; density minimums apply (§ 17.90.130(B)(1), (C)(3)(d)(ii), (C)(3)(f)).
Where it applies: HZ-mapped historic residential areas (verify).

CC – Community Commercial

Purpose and uses: Not found in source materials (see § 17.28.010; verify).
Key dimensional standards: Not found in source materials. Front setback averaging allowed (§ 17.64.040(C)).
Where it applies: CC-mapped corridors/activity centers (verify).

CO – Office Commercial

Purpose and uses: Not found in source materials (see § 17.28.010; verify).
Key dimensional standards: Not found in source materials. Front setback averaging allowed (§ 17.64.040(C)).
Where it applies: CO-mapped areas (verify).

CG – General Commercial

Purpose and uses: Not found in source materials (see § 17.28.010; verify).
Key dimensional standards: Not found in source materials. Front setback averaging allowed (§ 17.64.040(C)).
Where it applies: CG-mapped corridors (verify).

CW – Waterfront Commercial

Purpose and uses: Not found in source materials (see § 17.28.010; verify).
Key dimensional standards: Not found in source materials. Front setback averaging allowed (§ 17.64.040(C)).
Small lot subdivisions: Eligible (§ 17.90.130(B)(1)(c)).
Where it applies: Waterfront commercial areas (verify).

MU-I – Mixed Use-Intensive

Purpose and uses: Not found in source materials.
Key dimensional standards: Not found in source materials. Projects may be subject to the Downtown mixed-use form-based code (verify). Objective standards may also apply where the § 17.64 overlay is mapped (§ 17.64.050).
Small lot subdivisions: Eligible (§ 17.90.130(B)(1)(b)).
Where it applies: MU-I-mapped areas (verify).

MU-L – Mixed Use-Limited

Purpose and uses: Not found in source materials.
Key dimensional standards: Not found in source materials. Objective standards may also apply where the § 17.64 overlay is mapped (§ 17.64.050).
Small lot subdivisions: Eligible (§ 17.90.130(B)(1)(b)).
Where it applies: MU-L-mapped areas (verify).

TC-O – Town Core–Open

Purpose and uses: Not found in source materials.
Key dimensional standards: Not found in source materials. If within the § 17.64 overlay, maximum building height can be 40 ft (§ 17.64.040(A)(2)).
Small lot subdivisions: Eligible (§ 17.90.130(B)(1)(d)).
Where it applies: Town Core plan area (verify).

NG and NG-O – Neighborhood General and Neighborhood General–Open

Purpose and uses: Not found in source materials.
Key dimensional standards: Not found in source materials.
Small lot subdivisions: Eligible (§ 17.90.130(B)(1)(e)–(f)).
Where it applies: Neighborhood General zones (verify).

IL – Limited Industrial

Purpose: Protect light industrial/business service areas; prevent conversion to unrelated retail/office uses (§ 17.32.010(B)(1)).
Typical uses: Light manufacturing, business services (purpose statement; verify permitted list in § 17.32.020).
Key dimensional standards: Not found in source materials (see § 17.32.030; verify).
Where it applies: IL-mapped industrial areas (verify).

IG – General Industrial

Purpose: Provide sites for full range of manufacturing/processing/distribution with performance standards to reduce impacts (§ 17.32.010(B)(2)).
Typical uses: Manufacturing, industrial processing, general service, distribution (purpose statement; verify in § 17.32.020).
Key dimensional standards: Not found in source materials (see § 17.32.030; verify).
Where it applies: IG-mapped areas (verify).

IW – Water-Related Industrial

Purpose: Reserve port-priority, water-related industry/marine services for the Port of Benicia; performance standards to minimize impacts (§ 17.32.010(B)(3)).
Typical uses: Port terminals, water-related industry (purpose statement; verify in § 17.32.020).
Key dimensional standards: Not found in source materials (see § 17.32.030; verify).
Where it applies: Waterfront industrial areas supporting the Port (verify).

IP – Industrial Park

Purpose: Landscaped industrial office/research parks, limited industrial/assembly, small-scale warehousing (no raw material processing) (§ 17.32.010(B)(4)).
Typical uses: R&D, industrial office, assembly, small-scale distribution (purpose statement; verify in § 17.32.020).
Key dimensional standards: Not found in source materials (see § 17.32.030; verify).
Where it applies: IP-mapped campuses (verify).

PS – Public and Semipublic

How standards apply:
- Generally: Development standards are set by the use permit; if a standard is not set, apply the nearest base district’s regulations (§ 17.40.040).
- If the § 17.64 overlay controls the site, PS minimum yards are: Front 15 ft; Side 5 ft; Corner Side 10 ft; Rear 15 ft (§ 17.64.040(B)).
Where it applies: PS-mapped civic/semipublic sites (verify).

Overlay districts and special rules

HD – Hillside Development Overlay (§ 17.50)

How it works: HD standards add to and govern over base-district rules where conflicts arise (§ 17.50.040).
Dimensional standards: Front 15 ft; Side 10% lot width (5 ft min; 10 ft max); Corner Side 10% (10–15 ft); Rear 25 ft; Height 30 ft; front daylight-plane control near the setback (§ 17.50.040).
Density: Must use the slope-density formula (e.g., 0–10% avg. slope = 7 du/ac; decreases as slope increases) (§ 17.50.050; § 17.50.040(B)).
Other performance: Mechanical screening, driveway visibility/turnouts, guest parking conditions in driveways (see § 17.50.040(H)–(J)). Cross-reference citywide height/projection rules (§§ 17.70.170, 17.70.180, 17.70.150).

MP – Master Plan Overlay (§ 17.68)

How it works: Base-district rules apply unless modified by another overlay or an approved master plan. No new/expanded use needing a use permit may proceed without a master plan (§ 17.68.030).
If HD also applies: HD standards and slope-density formula govern (§ 17.68.040).

IS – IS District (§ 17.66)

How it works: Development regulations are specified by a use permit or, if silent, by the base district combined with IS (§ 17.66.040).

§ 17.64 Overlay (housing-forward standards)

Applicability: “Any housing proposed in this overlay district” must meet objective standards; where this overlay conflicts with base zoning or the Downtown mixed-use form-based code, the rule more permissive of housing prevails (§ 17.64.050(A); § 17.64.040(D)).
Quantitative standards: 1,452 sq ft site area per unit; height 35 ft/3 stories (Town Core 40 ft); 45% lot coverage (single-family only); four units allowed on any parcel that legally existed on 1/1/2023, subject to all other standards (§ 17.64.040(A)).
Objective design: Third-story 10 ft stepback along ≥35% of primary street facade; upper-story balconies limited to 3 ft toward a side yard next to a residential use (§ 17.64.050(B)).

Solar utilities (citywide use-specific standards)

Height and siting: 15 ft max height (ground-mounted); min lot 5 acres; coverage ≤50% of the parcel; prohibited on slopes >20% and in FEMA 100-year floodplains; no municipal services; must protect scenic vistas; traffic limited to occasional maintenance (§ 17.70.420(B), (D), (J), (K), (M), (N), (O), (H)).
Environmental/performance: Noise must meet Chapter 8.20; SWPPP required if >1 acre; Travis AFB ALUCP compliance; decommissioning plan and financial assurance required (§ 17.70.420(E), (G), (I), (F)).

Small lot subdivisions (ministerial)

Eligibility zoning: RS, RM, RH, HZ, MU‑I, MU‑L, CW, TC‑O, NG, NG‑O (§ 17.90.130(B)(1)).
Parcel size: Max existing parcel size: 1.5 acres (RS) or 5 acres (other zones); new parcels ≥1,200 sq ft (RS) or ≥600 sq ft (others) (§ 17.90.130(B)(2), (C)(3)(d)).
Surroundings: Site must be “substantially surrounded” by qualified urban uses (≥75% of perimeter), as defined by state law (§ 17.90.130(B)(4)).
Unit count: Up to 10 parcels and 10 units; one dwelling per new parcel (§ 17.90.130(C)(3)(a)–(b)).
ADUs: Prohibited on newly created parcels (§ 17.90.130(C)(3)(c)).
Density: Result must achieve at least 66% of max district density or 13.2 du/ac, whichever is greater; if no max density in zone, use 13.2 du/ac (§ 17.90.130(C)(3)(f)).
Process: Ministerial; city must act in 60 days or deemed approved; written denial must list fixes (§ 17.90.130(C)(1), (2)).

Information Gaps

Items below were not in the source materials and must be confirmed with the City:

Exact setbacks, height, coverage, FAR, and density for the base RS, RM, RH, HZ districts (referenced at § 17.24.030) – Not found in source materials.
Exact property development standards for CC, CO, CG, CW (referenced at § 17.28.030) – Not found in source materials.
Exact property development standards for IL, IG, IW, IP (referenced at § 17.32.030) – Not found in source materials.
Detailed rules for building projections, front yards in R districts, height measurement, and height exceptions (§§ 17.70.150, 17.70.160, 17.70.170, 17.70.180) – Not found in source materials.
Map extents for the § 17.64 overlay and how it interfaces with the Downtown mixed-use master plan – Verify with the jurisdiction.

Checklist

Identify your base zone and any mapped overlays on the parcel (zoning; overlay districts); if HD is mapped, apply slope-density and hillside setbacks (§ 17.50.040–.050).
If within the § 17.64 overlay, apply the 1,452 sq ft site area/unit, 35/40 ft height, any 45% single-family lot coverage limit, and housing-forward precedence (§ 17.64.040(A), (D)).
In Residential/Commercial zones, test whether front setback averaging can lawfully reduce your front yard (§ 17.64.040(C)).
If in PS, confirm whether a use permit sets your standards; if not, apply nearest base district’s rules, and check if § 17.64 overlay PS yards apply (Front 15; Side 5; Corner 10; Rear 15) (§ 17.40.040; § 17.64.040(B)).
For hillside lots, check daylight plane, driveway turnout/width, and guest parking nuances (§ 17.50.040(F), (J)).
For a small lot subdivision, confirm eligibility zone, parcel size limits, “substantially surrounded” status, ADU prohibition, and the 13.2 du/ac or 66% minimum density; track the 60‑day ministerial timeline (§ 17.90.130).
If proposing a solar utility, verify lot size, slope, floodplain, coverage, decommissioning, ALUCP, SWPPP triggers, and noise (§ 17.70.420).
Confirm parking compliance for the use and district (guest parking rules may apply in HD; § 17.50.040(J)).
Determine if design review or objective design standards apply (e.g., § 17.64.050 for housing projects in that overlay).
If standards can’t be met, assess relief via variances and exceptions. If nonconforming, see nonconforming uses.
If in a historic area (HZ or landmark), coordinate with historic preservation.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Base RS/RM/RH/HZ and C-district dimensional standards	Drive building envelopes (height, setbacks, FAR)	Ask the City for § 17.24.030 and § 17.28.030 details (Not found in source materials)
Applicability of the § 17.64 overlay	Changes height, coverage, site area/unit, and allows fourplexes	Confirm if parcel is inside the § 17.64 overlay and whether Downtown form-based code also applies (§ 17.64.040(D))
PS standards hierarchy	Use permits can set custom standards; overlay may set yards	Check approved PS use permit conditions vs. § 17.64.040(B) and nearest base district (§ 17.40.040)
Height measurement/exceptions	Can change buildable height	Obtain §§ 17.70.170 and 17.70.180 details (Not found in source materials)
Small lot “qualified urban uses” test	Determines eligibility	Document the 75% perimeter adjacency to qualified urban uses (§ 17.90.130(B)(4))
ADUs with small lot splits	ADUs banned on newly created parcels	Plan unit yield without ADUs on new lots (§ 17.90.130(C)(3)(c)); see ADUs for other sites (§ 17.90.020)
Hillside daylight-plane and driveway standards	Can force massing/setback changes	Apply § 17.50.040(F), (J) early in site planning
Solar utility siting constraints	Large-footprint use with strict limits	Check slope, floodplain, coverage, scenic vistas, and decommissioning plan (§ 17.70.420)

Plain-English Summary

Benicia sets development rules by zone and overlay. The hillside overlay fixes setbacks and caps height at 30 ft, while the housing overlay pushes more housing by allowing four units on qualifying parcels and up to 35–40 ft building heights with specific stepbacks. Small lot subdivisions can be approved ministerially in listed zones if they hit minimum densities and parcel sizes. Use the citywide front-setback averaging and overlay precedence rules to fine-tune what fits on a site.

Source References

§ 17.24 Residential Districts (RS, RM, RH, HZ) — headings only; base standards Not found in source materials.
§ 17.28 Commercial Districts (CC, CO, CG, CW) — headings only; base standards Not found in source materials.
§ 17.32.010 Industrial Districts — purposes for IL, IG, IW, IP.
§ 17.32.020–.030 Industrial land use/property development regs — Not found in source materials.
§ 17.40.040 PS Development regulations (use-permit-driven; nearest base if silent).
§ 17.50.040 HD Hillside Development Overlay — setbacks, height, performance, and references to general rules.
§ 17.50.050 HD Slope/Density formula — units per gross acre by slope.
§ 17.64.040 Housing overlay development regulations — site area/unit, height, coverage, fourplex allowance; PS yards; front setback averaging; pro-housing precedence.
§ 17.64.050 Housing overlay objective design standards — third-story stepback; balcony limits.
§ 17.66.040 IS District development regulations — by use permit or base.
§ 17.68.030–.040 MP Master Plan Overlay — master plan requirement; HD cross-application.
§ 17.70.140 Development on lots divided by district boundaries — apply regs within each district; access limits.
§ 17.70.150, § 17.70.160, § 17.70.170, § 17.70.180 — projections, front yards in R, height/height exceptions (Not found in source materials).
§ 17.70.420 Solar utilities — siting, height, lot size, coverage, slope, floodplain, noise, SWPPP, ALUCP, decommissioning.
§ 17.90.020 ADUs/JADUs — where allowed; ministerial process.
§ 17.90.130 Small lot subdivisions — eligibility zones, parcel sizes, density minimums, ADU prohibition, process.

Sources

Source passages

Benicia Zoning Code (§ 17.32.010) High relevance
Benicia Zoning Code (§ 17.90.130) Medium relevance
Benicia Zoning Code (§ 17.64.040) Medium relevance
Benicia Zoning Code (§ 17.70.140) Medium relevance
Benicia Zoning Code (§ 17.68.040) Medium relevance
Benicia Zoning Code (§ 17.66.040) Medium relevance
Benicia Zoning Code (§ 17.24) Medium relevance
Benicia Zoning Code (§ 17.50.040) Medium relevance
Benicia Zoning Code (§ 17.32) Medium relevance
Benicia Zoning Code (§ 17.70.420) Medium relevance
Benicia Zoning Code (§ 17.90.020) Medium relevance
Benicia Zoning Code (§ 17.64.050) Medium relevance
Benicia Zoning Code (§ 17.70) Medium relevance
Benicia Zoning Code (§ 17.40.040) Medium relevance
Benicia Zoning Code (§ 17.70.140) Medium relevance
Benicia Zoning Code (§ 17.50) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official Benicia code library

Frequently asked questions

What can I build on an RS lot in Benicia?

Exact RS setbacks, height, and lot coverage were not in the source materials (see § 17.24; Not found in source materials). However, front setback averaging is allowed on RS parcels (§ 17.64.040(C)), ADUs are permitted where single-family is allowed (§ 17.90.020(B)), and qualifying small lot subdivisions are ministerial with new lots at least 1,200 sq ft and minimum project density targets (§ 17.90.130(C)(3)(d)–(f)).

What are Benicia’s hillside (HD overlay) setback and height rules?

In the HD overlay, the minimum yards are Front 15 ft; Side 10% of lot width (5 ft min; 10 ft max); Corner Side 10% (10–15 ft); and Rear 25 ft. Max height is 30 ft, with a daylight-plane limit near the front setback (§ 17.50.040). Overall density must follow the slope-density formula (§ 17.50.050).

How does the housing overlay in § 17.64 change what I can do?

It allows four multifamily units on any parcel that legally existed on January 1, 2023 (subject to all other standards), sets site area per unit at 1,452 sq ft, caps height at 35 ft (40 ft in the Town Core), and applies objective design standards like a 10 ft third-story stepback (§§ 17.64.040(A), 17.64.050(B)). If it conflicts with base zoning or the Downtown form-based code, the more housing-permissive standard wins (§ 17.64.040(D)).

Can I reduce my front setback in a residential or commercial zone?

Yes. If at least 40% of the blockface frontage is improved with buildings, the front yard may be reduced to the average of those front setbacks (detached garages/carports excluded from the calculation) (§ 17.64.040(C)).

What are the rules for small lot subdivisions in Benicia?

They’re ministerial in listed zones (RS, RM, RH, HZ, MU‑I, MU‑L, CW, TC‑O, NG, NG‑O). New lots must be at least 1,200 sq ft (RS) or 600 sq ft (others), the subdivision must reach at least 66% of max density or 13.2 du/ac, and ADUs/JADUs are not allowed on newly created parcels. The City must act within 60 days (§ 17.90.130(B), (C)).

What are PS (Public/Semipublic) district setbacks?

A PS project’s standards are set by its use permit or, if not specified, by the nearest base district (§ 17.40.040). Where the § 17.64 overlay applies, the PS minimum yards are Front 15 ft; Side 5 ft; Corner Side 10 ft; Rear 15 ft (§ 17.64.040(B)).

How tall can I build in Benicia?

In the HD overlay, height is limited to 30 ft (§ 17.50.040). In the § 17.64 overlay, max height is 35 ft citywide and 40 ft in the Town Core (§ 17.64.040(A)(2)). Height measurement details and exceptions are in §§ 17.70.170 and 17.70.180 (Not found in source materials).

Can I build a solar farm or large ground-mounted solar array?

Solar utilities must be on parcels at least 5 acres, may cover no more than 50% of the lot, are limited to 15 ft in height, and are prohibited on slopes over 20% and in FEMA 100‑year floodplains. Decommissioning plans and other performance standards also apply (§ 17.70.420).

How are lots with multiple zoning districts handled?

Each portion of the lot must comply with the regulations of its own district. A use (other than its parking) cannot be located in a district that doesn’t allow it, and access cannot traverse a district where the use is not permitted or conditional (§ 17.70.140).

Do I need design review for housing projects?

If you’re in the § 17.64 overlay, housing must meet objective planning/design standards (§ 17.64.050). ADUs that meet standards are approved ministerially (§ 17.90.020(C)(1)); deviations may trigger design review or a variance (§ 17.90.020(C)(2)).

General information, not legal advice.

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