Local zoning · Cerritos

Cerritos — Land Use

Q: Are auto dealerships allowed in Cerritos Auto Square without a conditional use permit?

No — the ADP‑5.1 / Cerritos Auto Square overlay makes many of its land uses allowed only with approval as conditional uses and requires findings that the ADP’s purpose will be accomplished; see § 22.61.070 and the use lists in § 22.61.080–090 . Applications will also typically require a precise plan and adherence to overlay site standards.

Q: Do I need a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for a clinic or small restaurant in an MC‑2 zone?

Many commercial and service uses in MC‑2 are listed as conditional uses (clinics, restaurants — excluding carry‑out only — are explicitly listed). See § 22.33.430 for the MC‑2 conditional‑use list and then follow the CUP criteria referenced in § 23.10.210 .

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

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Last reviewed: July 3, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the Cerritos development code says about allowed land uses, conditional uses, and area-specific use standards as found in the city’s zoning chapters (Title 22 and related chapters). It focuses on the actual local districts and overlay rules (for example the OS, OS-1, MC, MC-1, MC-2, and the ADP-5.1 / Cerritos Auto Square overlay) and the key code citations you will need when evaluating whether a use is permitted, conditional, accessory, or prohibited. For rules on setbacks, parking, design review, ADUs and building code compliance see the linked pages below for those separate topics.

Links (first natural mention in the text):

For the overall code and navigation, see Cerritos Zoning (/us/california/cerritos/zoning).
For site-level Development Standards (/us/california/cerritos/development-standards) referenced below.
For parking rules that are repeatedly required by the use chapters (/us/california/cerritos/parking).
For design review requirements that apply to many commercial or ADP projects (/us/california/cerritos/design-review).
For overlay districts such as the Auto Square ADP (/us/california/cerritos/overlay-districts).
For ADUs questions referenced in the code and state law (/us/california/cerritos/adu).
For when building-code issues are relevant, consult the California Building Standards Code (/us/california/building-codes).

How to read this ordinance material

When a chapter lists “permitted uses,” that means the activity may be established subject to permitted-use criteria in that chapter. When a chapter lists “conditional uses,” the use may be allowed only after specific findings and the conditional-use permit (see § 23.10.210 referenced throughout) are satisfied. Many chapters also allow accessory uses, temporary uses and list prohibited uses. See the specific chapter for each zone below for exact lists and limitations. (Definitions that control phrasing are in § 20.30; see § 20.30.010 et seq.)

OS — Open Space zone

Purpose: The OS zone is intended to preserve public and quasi‑public open spaces and related recreation/education uses; it is structured to avoid detrimental nuisances to adjacent uses. § 22.30.100 gives the detailed purpose and intent.
Typical permitted uses: Public/quasi‑public open space uses and recreational facilities. See the chapter for the complete permitted list. § 22.30.100 and the permitted-use sections in Chapter 22.30.
Conditional uses: The OS chapter lists conditional uses such as plant nurseries, botanical gardens, stables, private schools (with criteria), and limited automobile-storage related to the Auto Square on designated utility easements. Criteria for conditional uses (compatibility, access, buffering) are in § 22.30.350.
Key site standards: Chapter 22.30 also contains site development standards (setbacks, landscaping, screening) that apply to new construction in the OS zone — see § 22.30.400 (accessory uses) and related development standards.
Where it applies: OS is an open-space designation used where the general plan and map indicate open space resources. Verify parcel zoning on the official map. Verify with the jurisdiction.

OS-1 — Open Space Overlay (RV storage)

Purpose: The OS-1 overlay is applied only to OS parcels and allows storage of recreational vehicles as a conditional use where it will not adversely affect the open-space function. § 22.31.100 states the overlay purpose.
Typical permitted/conditional uses: Recreation vehicle storage by Conditional Use Permit only; additional criteria (distance to residential zones, ingress/egress safety) are in § 22.31.300.
Key dimensional/site rules: Setback adjacent to a street 25 ft, landscaping across the setback, lighting not to exceed 20 ft, screening required if impacted, and a prohibition on maintenance/repair—see § 22.31.400.
Where it applies: Only where OS-1 is mapped as an overlay on the zoning map. Verify parcel overlay status. Verify with the jurisdiction.

MC (Industrial‑Commercial / MC zone series)

The local code has multiple MC / MC‑series zones and related chapters that separate commercial/industrial mixes by intensity and allowed retail.

MC (general) — Chapter 22.29
- Purpose: The MC industrial‑commercial zoning provides for manufacturing, processing, research, wholesale and select commercial uses, with the intent of buffering from residential uses and encouraging compatible industrial‑retail operations. § 22.29.100 outlines purpose and location criteria.
- Permitted/conditional uses: The base MC zone generally requires most uses to be conditional or accessory; see § 22.29.300 and the conditional use considerations in § 22.29.400 / 22.29.430 for the MC use list.
- Accessory uses & restrictions: Typical accessory uses include employee recreational facilities and cafeterias; special rules exist for on-site car washes and similar facilities (size and visibility limitations). § 22.29.350 lists accessory uses.
MC‑1 — Industrial Commercial‑One zone (Chapter 22.32)
- Purpose & uses: The MC‑1 chapter identifies permitted uses, accessory uses and conditional uses appropriate for that intensity band. Consult § 22.32.100–700 for the full program of uses and site standards.
MC‑2 — Industrial Commercial‑Two zone (Chapter 22.33)
- Conditional/permitted uses: The MC‑2 zone includes an explicit list of conditional uses that covers many retail, service, office and light industrial activities (appliance stores, clinics, restaurants (not carry‑out only), hotels/motels, research labs, wholesaling/warehousing, and self‑storage subject to § 22.40.730). See § 22.33.430 for the conditional‑use list and § 22.33.500 for prohibited uses.
- Prohibitions: Typical prohibitions include automobile repair (in MC‑2), truck terminals, wrecking yards, and other uses incompatible with the chapter’s intent § 22.33.500.

(For all MC zones: intensity and site standards, including building height, coverage, setbacks and loading, are in the zone chapters and in the Development Standards chapter 22.70. See § 22.70 for architectural, walls/fences and related site rules.)

ADP / Area Development Plans and Overlay Districts

The code contains multiple Area Development Plans (ADPs) that supersede regular zoning in their footprints (they function like specific plans). Examples in the materials include ADP‑5 (Cerritos Auto Square standards, Chapter 22.15), ADP‑5.1 / Cerritos Auto Square Overlay (Chapter 22.61), ADP‑12 (Chapter 22.36) and ADP‑13 (Chapter 22.37). Each ADP contains its own permitted uses, accessory uses, intensity and site development standards. See § 22.15.080–110, § 22.61.070–110, § 22.36.110–140, and § 22.37.110–140 for those ADP rules.
- Example: The ADP‑5.1 (Cerritos Auto Square) overlay requires most ADP‑area land uses to be approved only as conditional uses, specifies parcel minimums (example: minimum parcel area 2.5 acres for auto retail under the overlay), limits building coverage (typical cap 50%, with exceptions up to 65% for existing buildings), and establishes special parking, vehicle storage, and test‑drive rules. See § 22.61.070, § 22.61.080, and § 22.61.110.
- Overlay use approvals must meet the general conditional use criteria in § 23.10.210 (referenced repeatedly by the ADP chapters).

Area Development Plans — samples and special standards

ADP‑5 provides a long permitted‑use list for office, retail and service uses appropriate to a concentrated commercial area and sets internal policies about site design and circulation § 22.15.110 and related sections.
ADP‑12 and ADP‑13 are residential ADPs that restrict uses to planned residential developments with specific density, open space and private‑usable‑open‑space requirements (for example, 40% building coverage or specific density caps set in those ADP chapters). See § 22.34.110–140 and § 22.36.030–050.

Decision‑relevant summary table (selected zones and highlights)

Zone / Plan	Typical permitted & conditional uses (decision highlights)	Key numeric standards / controls	Code Reference
OS	Open space, parks, botanical gardens; limited conditional uses (nurseries, schools, limited auto‑storage for Auto Square)	Purpose & use rules; conditional‑use criteria	§ 22.30.100, § 22.30.350
OS‑1 (overlay)	Recreation vehicle storage (conditional)	Street setback 25 ft, lighting ≤ 20 ft, screening, repair prohibited	§ 22.31.100–400
MC / MC‑1 / MC‑2	Industrial, manufacturing, wholesale; MC‑2 lists many retail/service/office uses as conditional; some uses expressly prohibited (auto repair, truck terminals, wrecking)	Intensity/site standards set in each chapter; accessory use limits (e.g., car wash size limits)	§ 22.29.100–430, § 22.32.100–700, § 22.33.430–500
ADP‑5.1 / Auto Square overlay	Auto dealerships (new & pre‑owned luxury), auto retail, auto service accessory uses only as allowed by the ADP	Minimum parcel area 2.5 acres, building coverage ≤ 50% (up to 65% for existing), parking & vehicle storage rules	§ 22.61.070–110
ADP‑12 / ADP‑13 (residential ADPs)	Planned residential only; multifamily dwellings (ADP‑12), detailed open space & density caps (ADP‑13)	Density limits tied to General Plan; building coverage and private usable open space percentages specified	§ 22.34.110–140, § 22.37.090–140

Checklist — what an applicant must satisfy (land‑use stage)

Confirm the parcel’s zoning and any overlays on the official zoning map (verify whether an ADP applies). (Verify with the jurisdiction.)
Match your proposed activity to the zone’s permitted/conditional/accessory lists in the applicable chapter (e.g., § 22.30, § 22.29, § 22.33, § 22.61).
If the use is conditional, prepare a Conditional Use Permit application that meets the general conditional criteria in § 23.10.210 (and any ADP‑specific criteria).
Prepare a site plan addressing the zone/ADP site-development standards and the Development Standards chapter § 22.70 (architecture, walls/fences, landscaping). Link to local Development Standards.
Provide a parking plan consistent with the code or ADP parking standards and the city’s parking rules. See § 22.61.110 for ADP‑5.1 specifics and the city’s parking chapter. (/us/california/cerritos/parking)
If in the Auto Square overlay, include a “precise plan” or development map amendment as required by the overlay (see § 22.61.040–070).
Check whether design review is required for the project type and prepare materials accordingly. (/us/california/cerritos/design-review)
Confirm whether any City ADP or area map imposes additional limits (parcel area minimums, building coverage caps, landscape coverage percentages). (See the ADP chapters cited above.)

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
“Comparable uses” wording	Many chapters allow “comparable uses as determined by § 22.20.100” — this leaves some discretion to staff/commission.	Verify how § 22.20.100 is applied in recent staff determinations (ask planning staff / check prior CUP decisions).
ADP vs. underlying zone conflict	ADP provisions replace or modify underlying zone standards where they conflict (ADP may be more restrictive).	Confirm whether an ADP has been adopted for the parcel (e.g., ADP‑5.1) and whether a precise plan has been approved § 22.61.040–110.
Parcel‑specific numeric standards	Many numerical limits (parcel area minima, building coverage caps, distance buffers) vary by ADP and by whether an existing building is present.	Verify the exact § that applies to the parcel and whether exceptions were previously granted. (Verify with the jurisdiction.)
Missing single‑family zone detail in retrieved snippets	The precise permitted uses/setbacks for RS‑5000/RS‑6500 or R‑1 style districts are not fully shown in the retrieved excerpts.	Not found in retrieved materials — check the full zoning chapter for RS/R‑1 rules or ask planning staff. Verify with the jurisdiction.
State ADU law vs. local ADU provisions	Local code must conform to state ADU law; local ADU rules are handled separately.	Consult the city’s ADU guidance and the state ADU law. (/us/california/cerritos/adu) If local code conflicts with state rules, state law controls.

Plain‑English summary

Cerritos’s zoning code assigns each parcel to a named zone or ADP (for example OS, MC, MC‑2, the ADP‑5.1 / Auto Square overlay), and each zone chapter lists the uses that are permitted, allowed only with a Conditional Use Permit, allowed as accessory uses, or expressly prohibited; many ADPs replace or layer additional rules on top of the base zoning (for example special parcel‑size, building‑coverage and parking rules for Auto Square). Always confirm the parcel’s mapped zone/overlay and the applicable chapter before assuming a use is allowed. (Verify with the jurisdiction.)

Source References

§ 22.30.100 (OS zone purpose) — Cerritos Development Code excerpts.
§ 22.30.350 (OS conditional uses list and criteria) — Cerritos Development Code excerpts.
§ 22.31.100–400 (OS‑1 overlay — RV storage criteria and site standards) — Cerritos Development Code excerpts.
§ 22.29.100–700 (MC zone purpose, uses, conditional use criteria) — Cerritos Development Code excerpts.
§ 22.32.100–700 (MC‑1 zone headings and standards) — Cerritos Development Code excerpts.
§ 22.33.430–500 (MC‑2 conditional uses and prohibited uses) — Cerritos Development Code excerpts.
§ 22.61.040–130 (ADP‑5.1 / Cerritos Auto Square overlay — eligibility, use approvals, permitted/accessory/prohibited uses, site standards) — Cerritos Development Code excerpts.
§ 22.15.080–110, § 22.34.110–140, § 22.36.020–050, § 22.37.090–140 (selected ADP chapters: ADP‑5, ADP‑10/12/13 extracts) — Cerritos Development Code excerpts.
§ 22.70 (Development Standards chapter headings) — Cerritos Development Code excerpts.
Definitions: Chapter 20.30 (definitions referenced across land‑use chapters).
State ADU summary used for context (not used to alter local code text): 2025 California ADU handbook (state law overview).

Sources

Retrieved passages

Cerritos Zoning Code (Section 22.20.100) High relevance
Cerritos Zoning Code (chapter and) High relevance
Cerritos Zoning Code (Section 22.20.100) High relevance
Cerritos Zoning Code (Chapter 22.31) High relevance
Cerritos Zoning Code (Chapter 22.45) High relevance
Cerritos Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
Cerritos Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
Cerritos Zoning Code (chapter shall) High relevance

Cited sections

**§ 22.30.100** (OS zone purpose) — Cerritos Development Code excerpts. (§ 22.30.100)
**§ 22.30.350** (OS conditional uses list and criteria) — Cerritos Development Code excerpts. (§ 22.30.350)
**§ 22.31.100–400** (OS‑1 overlay — RV storage criteria and site standards) — Cerritos Development Code excerpts. (§ 22.31.100)
**§ 22.29.100–700** (MC zone purpose, uses, conditional use criteria) — Cerritos Development Code excerpts. (§ 22.29.100)
**§ 22.32.100–700** (MC‑1 zone headings and standards) — Cerritos Development Code excerpts. (§ 22.32.100)
**§ 22.33.430–500** (MC‑2 conditional uses and prohibited uses) — Cerritos Development Code excerpts. (§ 22.33.430)
**§ 22.61.040–130** (ADP‑5.1 / Cerritos Auto Square overlay — eligibility, use approvals, permitted/accessory/prohibited uses, site standards) — Cerritos Development Code excerpts. (§ 22.61.040)
**§ 22.15.080–110**, **§ 22.34.110–140**, **§ 22.36.020–050**, **§ 22.37.090–140** (selected ADP chapters: ADP‑5, ADP‑10/12/13 extracts) — Cerritos Development Code excerpts. (§ 22.15.080)
**§ 22.70** (Development Standards chapter headings) — Cerritos Development Code excerpts. (§ 22.70)
Definitions: **Chapter 20.30** (definitions referenced across land‑use chapters). (Chapter 20.30)
State ADU summary used for context (not used to alter local code text): 2025 California ADU handbook (state law overview).
Cerritos_ZoningCode.md
2025 California ADU handbook.md

Frequently asked questions

What can I build on an R-1 lot in Cerritos?

The retrieved materials did not include a complete R‑1 (single‑family) district table or specific R‑1 permitted‑use list in the excerpts provided. The code uses RS‑style designations in some ADP descriptions (for example RS‑5000, RS‑6500 in ADP text), but precise R‑1 permitted uses and numeric setbacks were not found in the retrieved materials. Verify the parcel’s residential zone and consult the full zoning chapter for single‑family rules or contact Planning. Not found in retrieved materials.

What are the Cerritos setback requirements for commercial and industrial zones?

Setbacks are established in each zone chapter and in the development‑standards chapters; many ADPs and overlay chapters add parcel‑specific standards. The excerpts show site development standards appear in the zone/ADP chapters (for example § 22.31.400 for OS‑1 setbacks and § 22.61.110 for ADP‑5.1 standards). For project‑level setbacks, check the specific zone/ADP chapter that covers the parcel.

Are auto dealerships allowed in Cerritos Auto Square without a conditional use permit?

No — the ADP‑5.1 / Cerritos Auto Square overlay makes many of its land uses allowed only with approval as conditional uses and requires findings that the ADP’s purpose will be accomplished; see § 22.61.070 and the use lists in § 22.61.080–090. Applications will also typically require a precise plan and adherence to overlay site standards.

Do I need a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for a clinic or small restaurant in an MC‑2 zone?

Many commercial and service uses in MC‑2 are listed as conditional uses (clinics, restaurants — excluding carry‑out only — are explicitly listed). See § 22.33.430 for the MC‑2 conditional‑use list and then follow the CUP criteria referenced in § 23.10.210.

Where are accessory uses defined and constrained?

Accessory uses are listed in each zone chapter (for example § 22.30.400 lists OS accessory uses; § 22.61.090 lists ADP accessory uses). The code also defines “Accessory use” in the definitions chapter 20.30. Verify accessory use size/visibility and whether they must be attached to a principal permitted/conditional use.

Is landscape coverage or open‑space percent required in ADPs?

Yes — several ADPs require minimum landscape/open‑space coverage. For example, one ADP requires a minimum of 60% of the plan area not covered by buildings to be landscaped and other ADPs require minimum recreation open space and private usable open space percentages. See ADP chapters 22.15, 22.34, and 22.37 for specific numeric standards.

How does the code treat “comparable uses” not listed explicitly?

Several zone/ADP chapters allow “comparable uses as determined according to the provisions of § 22.20.100.” That gives the city discretion to interpret whether an unlisted use is sufficiently similar. If you propose an unlisted use, expect the planning department to compare it with the listed uses; be prepared to supply evidence of comparability.

Do ADPs replace the underlying zone?

Yes — an adopted Area Development Plan (ADP) or overlay can replace or supplement underlying zone standards to the extent of any inconsistency; ADP chapters state that their provisions apply in lieu of inconsistent underlying provisions once the ADP designation is applied and approved for a property (see § 22.61.040 and related ADP adoption language).

Does Cerritos have a use chart (land‑use table) I can consult?

The retrieved excerpts include use lists inside each zone/ADP chapter but do not show a single consolidated land‑use matrix in the materials provided. The code organizes uses by chapter and ADP; consult the chapters for the zone or the city staff for a consolidated matrix. Not found in retrieved materials.

If my proposed use is not listed, how will the city decide?

Unlisted proposals are often evaluated as “comparable uses” under § 22.20.100 or may require a conditional use finding. Expect review against compatibility criteria (noise, traffic, screening, buffering) spelled out in the CUP criteria referenced throughout the code (e.g., § 23.10.210).

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