Local zoning · Calabasas

Calabasas — Zoning

Zoning under the Calabasas local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.

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Last reviewed: July 1, 2026

Overview

Calabasas's local zoning is codified in the Land Use and Development Code of Title 17. The code formally defines the city's set of zoning districts, adopts the official zoning map, and ties allowed land uses and development standards to each district; where a base district and an overlay both apply, both sets of rules must be consulted. See the base district list in § 17.10.020 and the adopted zoning map rules in § 17.10.030 .

Important how-to pages you may need while using this reference: first check Land Use, then the city's development standards, whether your project triggers design review, and the city's parking standards; accessory unit applicants should read the ADU rules and consult the state building code for construction requirements. Links to those pages are embedded where those topics are first discussed below: Land Use, Calabasas Development Standards, Calabasas Design Review, Calabasas Parking, Calabasas Overlay Districts, Calabasas ADUs, and California Building Standards Code.

Article II establishes the districts; Article III and the district chapters provide the rules that implement them. Use the land‑use table (Table 2‑2) to confirm whether a use is allowed and what permit is required; unresolved questions are decided by the director under the local use‑determination procedures in § 17.11.020 and related provisions .

District-by-District breakdown

Below are the base zoning districts the city lists in § 17.10.020; each subsection states the district purpose (from the code), typical permitted uses (by common interpretation of the code and the Table 2‑2 land use structure), the most decision‑relevant dimensional standards (as provided in the code tables), and where that district is applied or when additional overlays commonly apply. All numeric standards below are grounded in the cited Calabasas Code sections.

  • Note: the city's sitewide design and performance standards in Article III (e.g., hillside/ridgeline, parking, landscaping) supplement and may supersede district figures; consult Chapter 17.20 and the chapters on parking and landscaping when designing a project .

RS (Residential, Single‑Family)

Purpose: Provide for detached single‑family homes and implement the single‑family land‑use designation of the General Plan (established in § 17.10.020) .

Typical permitted uses: single‑family dwellings, accessory uses (including accessory dwelling units where permitted by the ADU chapter), and limited home occupations (see Table 2‑2 and the specific use sections) .

Key dimensional standards (general): minimum lot area commonly 5,000 sq. ft., lot width 50 ft., site coverage 50% for lots under 1/3 acre, front/side/rear setbacks and height as set in the Residential District General Development Standards table in § 17.13.020; height maximum commonly 35 ft. for many RS cases (consult the table and § 17.20 for measurement rules) .

Where applied / overlays: typical single‑family neighborhoods; may have overlays like -CH (Calabasas Highlands) or -OT (Old Topanga) that impose additional site‑specific review and submittal requirements (see overlay chapters) .

RM (Residential, Multi‑Family)

Purpose: Provide for multi‑family housing consistent with the General Plan multi‑family designation .

Typical permitted uses: duplexes, small apartments, condominiums and associated accessory uses; multi‑family projects are subject to density limits and, where applicable, Affordable Housing Overlay rules for higher densities .

Key dimensional standards: Table in § 17.13.020 sets minimum lot, density (e.g., 20–24 du/acre for many RM numeric suffixes), site coverage and height (refer to the Residential District table for the exact numbers for the RM subtype) .

Where applied / overlays: RM parcels are listed on the official zoning map and some RM parcels carry the AHO notation to allow modified development limits if the affordability criteria are met; see § 17.18.060 and § 17.22.025 for AHO rules and the development limits tied to affordable unit commitments .

Key dimensional standards: consult the Commercial District General Development Standards table in § 17.14.020: typical minimum lot area 5,000 sq. ft., minimum lot width 50 ft., FAR and site coverage limits shown in the CL column (e.g., FAR 0.20 max; site coverage up to 72%) .

Where applied / overlays: small shopping nodes; may be subject to scenic corridor standards depending on location.

CR (Commercial, Retail)

Purpose: Shopping and active retail corridors; the land‑use implementation of the General Plan retail designation .

Typical permitted uses: retail stores, restaurants (with conditional use limitations such as buffers for adult entertainment), personal services; specific location rules for adult entertainment and distance separations are in the code .

Key dimensional standards: § 17.14.020 sets lot size (often no minimum in some CR areas), setbacks, FAR (e.g., 0.20–0.40 depending on subcategory), and site coverage figures (CR column shows up to 78% in some contexts) .

Where applied / overlays: primary commercial strips; freeway‑corridor design guidelines may apply within proximity to the Ventura Freeway (see § 17.20.120) .

CO (Commercial, Office)

Purpose: Professional office uses and compatible services; implements the General Plan professional office designation .

Typical permitted uses: offices, medical uses (with accessory retail limitations), limited personal services.

Key dimensional standards: § 17.14.020 CO column for minimum lot, FAR (e.g., 0.20–0.50 range), and site coverage (e.g., 76% maximum) .

Where applied / overlays: business park fringes and professional office nodes.

CMU (Commercial, Mixed‑Use)

Purpose: Encourage pedestrian‑oriented developments that mix residential and commercial uses; CMU supports the General Plan mixed‑use land use category .

Typical permitted uses: ground floor retail/office with upper‑floor residential; residential density ranges are specified and can be increased under performance standards and overlays like the AHO .

Key dimensional standards: § 17.14.020 CMU column shows minimum and maximum FAR (commonly 0.6–1.0 for some CMU subcategories), site coverage (up to 62%), and residential density minimums/maximums where applicable (e.g., 20–24 du/acre in some CMU contexts) .

Where applied / overlays: downtown nodes and corridors intended for compact mixed uses.

CB (Commercial, Business Park)

Purpose: Office and light industrial uses, limited warehousing—business park type development .

Typical permitted uses: offices, research & development, light manufacturing where compatible.

Key dimensional standards: § 17.14.020 CB column shows larger minimum lot area (e.g., 10,000 sq. ft.), FAR and site coverage limits (e.g., FAR 0.2–0.6, site coverage up to 72%) .

Where applied / overlays: business park locations and employment centers.

CT (Commercial, Old Town)

Purpose: Defines and preserves the Old Town Calabasas character; the CT district must comply with the Old Town Master Plan and design guidelines .

Typical permitted uses: retail, restaurants, small offices—development must preserve historic/Old Town character.

Key dimensional standards: CT column in § 17.14.020 shows site coverage and FAR (e.g., FAR ranges 0.2–1.0 in some CT contexts); setbacks may be determined through project review in the CT area .

Where applied / overlays: Old Town Calabasas and properties subject to the Old Town Master Plan and Design Guidelines.

PD (Planned Development)

Purpose: Flexible district applied where a tailored, integrated plan for a parcel or group of parcels is appropriate; PD permits a custom set of standards through rezoning to PD per § 17.10.020 .

Typical permitted uses: any uses consistent with the PD ordinance adoption and the approved development plan.

Key dimensional standards: established in the PD rezoning ordinance and may modify standard district requirements; see Chapter 17.62 development plan procedures for review and approval mechanics.

Where applied / overlays: sites intended for master planned redevelopment.

HM (Hillside/Mountainous)

Purpose: Apply to steep, sensitive hillside areas; HM controls density and requires compliance with the Hillside/Ridgeline performance standards in Article III .

Typical permitted uses: low‑density residential, limited accessory uses; secondary units allowed only where lot area standards are met.

Key dimensional standards: Table 2‑5 HM column and Article III performance standards (refer to hillside standards in § 17.20.150 and related tables) .

Where applied / overlays: mapped hillside areas; projects must submit slope/topography, grading and environmental submittals when in HM or the Calabasas Highlands (-CH) overlay .

OS and OS‑DR (Open Space / Open Space‑Development Restricted)

Purpose: Protect resource lands, open space and environmentally sensitive areas; OS‑DR is a more restrictive subcategory for development‑limited lands; see the Open Space chapters and voter‑approval protections for some redesignations in § 17.16.030 .

Typical permitted uses: passive recreation, limited public facilities, resource protection activities.

Key dimensional standards: Not a uniform set of residential/commercial dimensional standards; development restrictions are set by the OS chapter and may require voter approval for certain redesignations; see § 17.16.030 for voter approval requirements .

Where applied / overlays: mapped open‑space parcels and flood/creek corridors; OS designations often overlay or abut residential rural zones.

PF (Public Facility) and REC (Recreation)

Purpose: Public and institutional uses (PF) and public recreation uses (REC) to implement the General Plan public facilities and recreation designations .

Typical permitted uses: schools, government buildings (PF); parks, trails, sports fields (REC).

Key dimensional standards: Specifics depend on the facility; see PF/REC chapter language — numeric standards are project specific. Not found in retrieved materials for consistent numeric lot/setback tables.

Overlay districts (select examples)

The code applies overlay suffixes to base zoning symbols to create combined designations (e.g., RM‑AHO, RS‑CH). Overlay rules add submittal requirements, permit triggers, and/or adjusted development standards; see Chapter 17.18 for the full overlay framework and the adopted overlay map rules in § 17.10.030 .

  • -DP (Development Plan): Flexible site planning overlay allowing modifications to minimum lot area, setbacks, FAR, height, parking and street standards subject to development‑plan approval per § 17.18.030 and § 17.62.070 .
  • -CH (Calabasas Highlands): Applied to the Calabasas Highlands; requires site plan review and specialized submittals (topography, grading, biology, hydrology) and compliance with hillside/fire performance standards in § 17.18.025 .
  • -OT (Old Topanga): Mountainous area overlay with detailed submittal and review requirements for slope, oak trees, grading, and hydrology in § 17.18.020 .
  • -AHO (Affordable Housing Overlay): Allows modified development limits (height, density, FAR, open space) only when at least 25% of the units are affordable and meet the affordability standards in § 17.22.025; see § 17.18.060 and the AHO rules for applicability and eligibility .
  • -PM (Park Moderne): Controls issuance of building/grading permits for major construction to address narrow street and emergency access conditions; see § 17.18.050 .

For a full list of overlays and their mapping, consult Chapter 17.18 and the official zoning map on file with the city clerk, per § 17.10.030 .

Quick Standards Table (decision‑relevant snapshot)

District Typical mins / key dims Typical uses (decision view) Code reference
RS Minimum lot 5,000 sq. ft., width 50 ft., site coverage 50%, height 35 ft. (see table) Single‑family + ADUs (where allowed) § 17.13.020
RM Density commonly 20–24 du/acre (varies by suffix), see table for FAR/coverage Multi‑family residential § 17.13.020
CR Lot area variable; FAR 0.20–0.40 typical; site coverage up to 78% Retail, restaurants (special rules for adult uses) § 17.14.020
CMU FAR 0.6–1.0 (subcategories vary); residential density min/max in table Mixed commercial + residential § 17.14.020
CB Min lot 10,000 sq. ft., FAR 0.2–0.6 Offices, light industrial § 17.14.020
-CH (overlay) Requires site plan review + topography, grading, biology, hydrology submittals Hillside residential controls § 17.18.025
AHO (overlay) Relaxed height/density/FAR where ≥25% affordable units and affordability conditions met Affordable housing projects § 17.18.060 and § 17.22.025

Always consult the full table and the site‑specific columns in the development code (Table 2‑5 for residential and Table 2‑6 for commercial) for the exact numbers that apply to a parcel; the general references above point to the controlling tables in § 17.13.020 and § 17.14.020 .

How uses are determined

  • Use the official Land Use Table (Table 2‑2) to see allowed uses and the required permit type; the right column of Table 2‑2 cites any special standards for a use. If a specific use is not listed, it is prohibited unless the director makes a finding of similarity under the use determination procedure in § 17.11.020; see the guidance in § 17.11.010 and accompanying instructions on reading Table 2‑2 .

Checklist — what an applicant must satisfy (high level)

  • Confirm the parcel's base zoning symbol and any overlay suffix on the official zoning map on file with the city clerk (requirements for the map are in § 17.10.030) .
  • Determine whether the proposed land use is allowed in that base zoning district using Table 2‑2; if ambiguous, request a use determination under § 17.11.020 .
  • Meet the district development standards (minimum lot, setbacks, height, coverage, FAR) in § 17.13.020 (residential) or § 17.14.020 (commercial) as applicable .
  • Comply with Article III performance standards (hillside/ridgeline, stormwater, fire hazard measures, etc.) in Chapter 17.20; anticipate extra submittals in overlays like -CH or -OT (topography, hydrology, oak tree report) .
  • Provide the parking plan that meets the city's parking rules in Chapter 17.28; consult the city parking page for operational expectations and calculations Calabasas Parking .
  • If proposing an ADU, follow the accessory/unit standards in the ADU chapter and the specific ADU table (look to Chapter 17.22 and related ADU provisions) and consult state ADU law as needed Calabasas ADUs .
  • Verify whether your project will require design review or a development plan; many commercial, CMU, PD, -DP and overlay projects require discretionary approvals per Chapter 17.62; see § 17.62.070 for DP procedures and § 17.62.030 for site plan review submittal rules .
  • Check landscaping and screening rules in Chapter 17.26 and sign rules in Chapter 17.30 where applicable; consult the city pages on Landscaping and Screening and Signage for the practical steps.
  • Before building permit submittal, coordinate with the Building Division and verify that construction documents meet the California Building Standards Code (Title 24) for structural and life‑safety compliance.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Parcel straddles two zones Which district standards apply affects setbacks, height, density and permit requirement; rules require the most restrictive standards if a structure straddles a boundary Check § 17.10.040(D) and have the director confirm which standard applies; consider rezoning if parcels are consolidated
Overlay applicability not obvious on online map Overlays like -CH, -OT, AHO carry extra submittal and entitlement requirements that can add time/cost Verify the official zoning map on file with the city clerk per § 17.10.030 and the overlay chapter 17.18; contact Community Development for map clarifications
Use not in Table 2‑2 If a use is not expressly listed it is prohibited unless a similar‑use determination is made Request a director determination under § 17.11.020 and cite Table 2‑2 guidance in § 17.11.010
AHO eligibility and affordability metrics A developer counting on AHO relaxed standards must meet the 25% affordable threshold and affordability rules or the standard limits apply Confirm AHO mapping and read § 17.18.060 and § 17.22.025 for the affordability and unit requirements; "Verify with the jurisdiction" for parcel‑specific eligibility
Hillside / CH technical submittals Old Topanga / Calabasas Highlands require technical reports (topo, hydrology, oak tree) and stricter fire/erosion standards that materially affect design and cost Expect the submittals listed in § 17.18.020 and § 17.18.025; hire professionals early and confirm required report scope with the director

Plain‑English summary

Calabasas sets land‑use rules in Title 17: each parcel is assigned a base district (like RS or CR) with tabled dimensional limits and allowed uses, and many parcels also carry overlay suffixes (like -CH or AHO) that add special rules or allow adjusted standards. Always confirm the official zoning map, consult Table 2‑2 to see what permits a use needs, and expect Article III performance rules (hillside, parking, landscaping) to apply on top of the base district rules; where there's doubt, the director's use determination and the community development department are the official sources for parcel‑specific answers .

Source References

  • Zoning districts established: § 17.10.020 (Zoning districts list)
  • Zoning map adoption and interpretation: § 17.10.030 (zoning map adopted; interpretation rules)
  • Zoning district regulations and use determination: § 17.10.040 (district regulations) and Table 2‑2 guidance § 17.11.010 / use determination § 17.11.020
  • Residential district standards (Table 2‑5): § 17.13.020 (Residential District General Development Standards)
  • Commercial district standards (Table 2‑6): § 17.14.020 (Commercial District General Development Standards)
  • Article III performance standards: Chapter 17.20 (general development and use standards, hillside, freeway corridor, hazards)
  • Overlay zones and mapping: Chapter 17.18 and specific overlay sections § 17.18.020 (-OT), § 17.18.025 (-CH), § 17.18.030 (-DP), § 17.18.050 (-PM), § 17.18.060 (AHO)
  • Site plan review and development plan procedures: Chapter 17.62 (site plan / DP submittal and review; see § 17.62.030, § 17.62.070)
  • Parking rules (off‑street): Chapter 17.28 (referenced in district tables and Article III) and city parking guidance Calabasas Parking
  • Accessory Dwelling Units: ADU standards and parking exemptions summarized in the ADU chapter and cross‑references to Article III (see Chapter 17.22 references in code excerpts) and the city ADU page Calabasas ADUs

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Calabasas Zoning Code (Title 17) High relevance
  • Calabasas Zoning Code (§ 3) High relevance
  • Calabasas Zoning Code (Section 17.10.020) High relevance
  • Calabasas Zoning Code (Chapter 17.26) High relevance
  • Calabasas Zoning Code (Chapter 17.26) High relevance
  • Calabasas Zoning Code (Section 17.620.090.) High relevance
  • CEC § 3 (Section 17.62.020) High relevance
  • Calabasas Zoning Code (Section 8.20.030) High relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

What can I build on an R‑1 (RS) lot in Calabasas?

On a RS lot you can build a single‑family residence and accessory uses allowed by the code; accessory dwelling units are allowed where they meet the ADU chapter rules. Check Table 2‑2 to confirm the specific permitted uses and consult the Residential District General Development Standards in § 17.13.020 for setbacks, lot size, coverage, and height limits. For ambiguous uses, request a director determination under § 17.11.020 .

What are Calabasas setback requirements for single‑family homes?

Setbacks for single‑family homes are listed in the Residential District General Development Standards table; typical front/side/rear setbacks and the maximum height (often 35 ft.) are provided in § 17.13.020. Overlay zones and Article III exceptions (e.g., encroachments and measurements in § 17.20.180 and § 17.20.140) can modify how setbacks and heights are measured—verify with the site table and the director for parcel‑specific answers .

Do I need design review for a remodeling or new house in Calabasas?

Many projects require discretionary review (site plan, design review, or development plan) depending on district and overlays. The code routes most development‑plan and site‑plan reviews through Chapter 17.62; overlays like -CH and -OT explicitly require site plan review and extra submittals (topo, hydrology, oak tree report) in § 17.18.025 and § 17.18.020. If in doubt, confirm with the Community Development director—§ 17.62.030 lists site plan submittal requirements .

How do overlays like -CH or -OT change what I can build?

Overlays add mandatory submittals and performance standards and may change allowable lot coverage, setbacks, or require stricter environmental/erosion/fire controls. The Calabasas Highlands -CH and Old Topanga -OT overlays specify required reports (topographic map, grading plan, hydrology, oak tree report) and site plan review in § 17.18.025 and § 17.18.020; follow those overlay sections and the Article III performance standards for design limits and submittal checklists .

What is the Affordable Housing Overlay (AHO) and when does it apply?

The AHO allows relaxed site development limits (height, density, FAR, open space) for qualifying multi‑family or CMU projects only when at least 25% of new units are affordable and meet the affordability terms in § 17.22.025. The overlay applies only to parcels shown with the "AHO" notation on the official zoning map; see § 17.18.060 for applicability and § 17.22.025 for the required affordability standards .

Where is the official zoning map and how do I know my parcel’s zoning?

The adopted City of Calabasas zoning map—including legends, notations and overlay suffixes—is adopted by reference and is on file with the city clerk; see § 17.10.030 for map adoption and interpretation rules. If the map printout or online viewer is unclear about an overlay or suffix, contact the Community Development Department for an official determination .

Can I get a variance if my project doesn't meet a district standard?

The development code provides procedures for variances and exceptions through the land‑use permit chapters and Chapter 17.74 appeal routes; specific variance findings and appeal steps are in the code’s administration and permit chapters. For details on the variance process and required findings, consult the Variances and Exceptions chapter and the city's Variances page Calabasas Variances and Exceptions and the procedural parts of Chapter 17.62 and Article VI (administration) .

How are parking requirements handled for new development?

Off‑street parking requirements are set in Chapter 17.28 and are referenced in the district general development standards tables; parking reductions or exemptions (for ADUs, transit proximity, historic districts or car‑share proximity) are specifically called out in the ADU rules and parking chapter. Consult Chapter 17.28 and the city parking page for the exact parking calculation and allowed reductions; review Table 2‑5/2‑6 where the district tables reference parking requirements .

If my lot is partly in OS (open space), can I build?

Open Space designations (OS / OS‑DR) are intended to protect resources; development is limited and some redesignations require voter approval (see § 17.16.030 for voter approval requirements for changing OS designations to non‑open space). For a parcel partially in OS, the code prescribes interpretation and rezoning procedures; verify with the city because many OS parcels have special restrictions or require specific findings before development can proceed .

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