Local zoning · Cerritos
Cerritos — Zoning
Zoning under the Cerritos local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.
Last reviewed: July 3, 2026
Overview
Cerritos zoning is codified in the City Development Code (land use chapters in Title 22 of the Cerritos Municipal Code) and implemented via the adopted development map and area development plans. The code defines land use zone symbols (for example RS, RM, COP, CN, MC, M, OS, and ADP), explains how the development map controls which properties are subject to those zones, and establishes that area development plans (ADPs) can replace or modify base-zone rules. See the development map and how zones apply under § 22.01.030 and the land‑use zone rules in § 22.20.010–030 .
This page summarizes what the Cerritos development code actually says about zoning: the official zone symbols, what the major zones are used for, where key numeric standards (setbacks, lot sizes, FAR/coverage, density) appear, and how overlays and ADPs interact with base zones. For application-level items (site plan, building permits, Title 24 compliance) see the separate pages on development standards and the state building code; this page stays focused on zoning rules. The city’s general land-use structure is described in § 22.01.030 and § 22.20.010–030 .
Note: first-time readers who need the city’s technical development rules should also consult the Cerritos Land Use summary and the city’s Development Standards for dimensional detail; parking rules in the code are cross-referenced with the local Parking rules.
How Cerritos organizes zoning (short primer)
- The adopted development map symbols and ADP labels are the legal zoning map (see § 22.01.030). The code lists the symbol keys: A, RS, RM, COP, CN, CC, M, MC, OS, and ADP (ADP = area development plan) and explains combined symbols such as RS/ADP-25 § 22.01.030 .
- Land use zones (Chapters 22.21–22.39) contain the zone-by-zone regulations; the general purpose of land use zones is in § 22.20.010 and applicability in § 22.20.020–030 .
- Area Development Plans (ADPs) are effectively specific‑plans that can replace standard zone rules for a mapped area; ADPs adopt an area map and specific standards and may override base zone rules where inconsistent (see § 22.10.105, § 22.10.210, and ADP chapters such as 22.34 and 22.61) .
Because ADPs frequently change how a parcel is regulated, the code requires applicants to read both the development map symbol and any ADP chapter that covers the parcel; ADPs are adopted with their own maps (for example, ADP‑5.1 and the “Cerritos Auto Square” overlay) and specific-use lists and standards (see § 22.61.040–080) .
District-by-district breakdown (what the code says)
Note: each district subsection below gives the code-stated purpose, typical permitted/conditional uses and the controlling numeric or procedural standards that appear in the code. Where the code places the numeric rules in an ADP or another chapter, that citation is shown.
RS (Single-Family Residential — e.g., RS‑5000, RS‑6500)
- Purpose: single‑family neighborhoods; location criteria listed in § 22.22.200 and general RS purpose found in the RS chapter headings. The development map places RS where pedestrian/neighborhood access is required § 22.22.200 .
- Typical permitted uses: one single‑family dwelling per lot; accessory residential uses; small family day care homes allowed per Chapter 22.40 (see § 22.22.300, § 22.40.230) .
- Key dimensional standards (RS‑5000 and RS‑6500): lot area, frontage and setbacks are explicitly stated in § 22.22.600 and § 22.22.700. Examples from code: minimum front yard setback 20 ft (average 18–25 ft allowed in subdivisions); RS‑6500 average lot area 6,500 sf; minimum street frontage RS‑5000: 50 ft, RS‑6500: 60 ft; maximum building coverage typically 40% and FAR cap 0.70 for RS zones § 22.22.600–700 .
- Where it applies: as shown on the development map; ADPs may require RS standards to be applied in local plans (§ 22.01.030, ADP chapters) .
RM (Multi‑Family Residential)
- Purpose: provide for multi‑family developments with variety and shared open space § 22.23.100 .
- Typical permitted uses: multi‑family dwellings, and accessory residential uses; second units are governed separately (code references state law and local rules) § 22.23.300 .
- Key standards: RM zone intensity and site standards are spelled out in the RM chapter (Ch. 22.23); minimum parking, building heights, unit sizes and visitor parking rules are provided in those sections and area plans § 22.23.600–700 .
COP (Commercial‑Office‑Professional)
- Purpose: office and professional uses near arterials; implementation via chapters in the 22.2x range and specific ADPs where applicable § 22.01.030 .
- Uses: office, limited retail-compatible uses; communications/telecom siting rules allow building‑mounted facilities in COP (see § 22.42.110) .
- Key procedural notes: telecommunication facility siting and design criteria cross‑reference COP as an allowed location with design criteria § 22.42.110 .
CN (Neighborhood Commercial) and CC/CR (Community / Regional Commercial)
- Purpose: commercial serving local (CN) or community/regional (CC, CR) markets; each commercial zone chapter lists allowed, conditional and prohibited uses and the applicable setbacks and parking rules § 22.27.x (CR), other CC/CN chapters .
- Uses and limits: CN allows neighborhood retail and services; ADP chapters may reallocate commercial uses; wireless facility rules note where CN/CC are acceptable locations and where extra design points are required (§ 22.42.110–120) .
M / MC / MC‑2 (Industrial / Industrial‑Commercial)
- Purpose: industrial and light industrial/industrial‑commercial uses; MC‑2 specifically lists conditional retail/service uses and explicit prohibitions § 22.33.430, § 22.33.500 .
- MC‑2 permitted/conditional uses: MC‑2 allows many retail sales and industrial uses when approved as conditional uses (appliance stores, clinics, offices, restaurants (not carry‑out), wholesaling, self‑storage—see § 22.33.430) and prohibits automobile sale/lease, automobile repair, truck terminals, wrecking yards, etc. § 22.33.430–500 .
- Key standard: environmental performance standards for MC‑2 are applied from Chapter 22.80 and the specific MC‑2 chapter provides detailed conditional‑use criteria § 22.33.800 .
OS (Open Space)
- Purpose: parks, flood channels, well sites; used in maps and ADP area maps; ADPs reference OS uses and may attach special standards § 22.01.030 .
Overlays / ADP examples (overlay districts that change or refine zoning):
- ADP‑5.1 — Cerritos Auto Square overlay: explicit overlay zone with its own map, eligibility rules and use approval procedures; ADP overlay provisions do not apply to an individual parcel until an application to apply the ADP overlay has been filed and approved (the overlay can replace underlying zone rules where inconsistent) § 22.61.010–080 .
- M‑1 — Emergency Shelter Overlay: an overlay inside the industrial zone that implements SB‑2 requirements; M‑1 permits one permitted emergency shelter and sets permit/approval procedures § 22.60.100–250 .
- Practical rule: ADP text controls where there is a conflict — “the area development plan shall govern” and the most recent ADP governs if more than one applies § 22.10.210–220 .
Quick reference table — select decision-relevant items
| Topic / District | What the code permits / requires (decision‑relevant) | Code reference |
|---|---|---|
| Development map symbols and mapping rules | The development map is adopted as part of the code; zone symbols (A, RS, RM, COP, CN, CC, M, MC, OS, ADP) indicate regulatory chapters that apply (ADPs combine with zone symbols) § 22.01.030 | § 22.01.030 |
| RS zones (RS‑5000 / RS‑6500) | Lot sizes, frontages, setbacks, coverage, FAR: e.g., RS‑6500 average lot area 6,500 sf; minimum front setback 20 ft (average 18–25 allowed in subdivision); building coverage typically 40%; FAR ≤ 0.70 § 22.22.600–700 | § 22.22.600–700 |
| RM (Multi‑family) | Purpose and permitted uses (multi‑family), intensity and site standards in Ch. 22.23 § 22.23.100–700 | § 22.23.100–700 |
| MC‑2 (Industrial‑Commercial) | Large list of conditional retail/industrial uses; explicit prohibited uses (auto repair, auto sale, truck terminals etc.) § 22.33.430, § 22.33.500 | § 22.33.430, § 22.33.500 |
| ADP‑5.1 (Auto Square overlay) | Overlay map adopted as part of ADP; properties eligible but ADP provisions apply only after an application & approval; ADP can replace underlying zone where inconsistent; specific conditional‑use criteria § 22.61.040–080 | § 22.61.040–080 |
| Second dwelling (pre‑ADU rules / second units) | Local second‑unit permit rules: size ≤ 750 sf, 1 bedroom max, 1 bath max, occupancy limit, minimum 10 ft setback from primary if detached; one on‑site parking space required for second unit § 22.40.220 (second unit rules) and cross‑refs § 22.40.230 for home care | § 22.40.220 |
| Zone regulations and comparable uses | Chapters 22.21–22.39 contain zone regulations; planning commission may find comparable uses under § 22.20.100 | § 22.20.030, § 22.20.100 |
Practical guidance & interpretation (plain-English direction)
- Always start at the development map: the map’s symbol (for example RS‑6500, MC‑2, RS/ADP‑5) determines which chapter(s) apply. The code explicitly says the development map is part of the code (§ 22.01.030) .
- If an ADP applies to your parcel (e.g., ADP‑5.1), read that ADP chapter first — ADPs can replace or modify base‑zone rules and often list their own permitted/conditional uses, maps and site standards (§ 22.10.210, § 22.61.040–080) .
- For residential projects: RS numeric standards are in § 22.22.600–700 (lot area, frontage, setbacks, coverage, FAR). Second‑dwelling/second‑unit rules (local permit, size and setback requirements, deed‑restriction/parking requirements) are set in the code (local second‑unit section § 22.40.220) — note state ADU law may also apply, so check the city ADU page and state law if relying on the ADU pathway California ADU law .
- For commercial/industrial uses: consult the specific chapter (for example MC‑2 conditional use lists and prohibitions are in § 22.33.430 and § 22.33.500) before assuming a use is permitted; many uses require conditional use permits and the code cross‑references the CUP standard § 23.10.210 (see ADP conditional‑use rules also) .
- For overlays such as M‑1 or ADP‑5.1: the overlay chapter includes an adopted area map and eligibility/approval steps; the overlay does not automatically replace the underlying zone until the ADP or overlay designation is applied to the parcel by the city (see § 22.61.040 for ADP‑5.1 eligibility) .
(If you will prepare a site plan, consult the city’s Development Standards, check parking minimums on the Parking page, and prepare for design review where the ADP or chapter requires it — see Design Review.)
Checklist (what an applicant must satisfy under the code)
- Confirm the parcel’s development map symbol and any ADP overlay that applies (§ 22.01.030) .
- Read the full zone chapter that applies (Ch. 22.21–22.39) for permitted/conditional uses and numeric standards (§ 22.20.030) .
- If the proposed use is not obviously permitted, prepare conditional use application materials (follow CUP rules; ADP conditional approval criteria are in overlay chapters such as § 22.61.070 for ADP‑5.1) .
- For residential proposals consult RS numeric rules (§ 22.22.600–700) and the second‑unit rules where applicable (§ 22.40.220) .
- Check applicable ADP chapter(s) and area maps — ADPs frequently have unique setbacks, coverage, open space or design rules (§ 22.10.105, ADP chapters) .
- Prepare neighborhood noticing and plan sets required for amendments or ADP/precise plan applications — the code specifies map‑amendment and public‑notice requirements (§ 22.90.400, § 22.90.300) .
- Coordinate with design‑review and parking standards (see Design Review and Parking).
- Verify non‑zoning technical requirements (building code/Title 24) with the building department — zoning permission does not replace building permits; check California Building Standards Code.
Risks & Ambiguities
| Issue | Why it matters | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| ADP vs. underlying zone | ADPs can replace or modify base zone rules; relying on base zone alone can miss ADP restrictions or allowances § 22.10.210 | Verify whether the parcel is inside any ADP (check the ADP map text and § 22.61.060 for ADP‑5.1) |
| Whether a proposed use is “comparable” | Planning commission may approve uses as “comparable” — outcome is discretionary and procedural § 22.20.100 | If use is marginal, request a comparability determination or prepare a CUP; obtain findings under § 22.20.100 |
| Numeric standards that vary by area plan | Some ADPs (for example ADP‑10, ADP‑17, ADP‑21) set their own setbacks, densities and coverage different from base zones (see ADP chapters) | Confirm which chapter applies to your parcel; look up the ADP area map and the ADP site‑standards section (e.g., § 22.34.130–140) |
| Local second‑unit rules vs. State ADU law | Code contains a local “second unit” permit standard (size ≤ 750 sf, deed restriction, parking, setbacks — § 22.40.220), but state ADU law and recent changes may preempt or alter local procedures | Verify with Community Development whether the project should use local second‑unit rules § 22.40.220 or the state ADU pathway; consult the city ADU page and the state ADU law link California ADU law |
| Parcel‑specific deviations | Many approvals (precise plans, ADPs, CUPs) allow minor deviations; code language authorizes variances and precise plan discretion § 22.90.300 | Verify discretionary findings and obtain precise plan or variance where the code allows deviations — check Section 22.90 and Chapter 23.90 procedures |
Plain-English Summary
Cerritos’ zoning is map‑driven: find the parcel’s development‑map symbol; that symbol points you to the city code chapter that controls uses and standards (or to an area development plan that replaces the base rules). For single‑family lots the RS chapters state lot sizes, setbacks and coverage; for industrial and commercial areas the MC/MC‑2 chapters list permitted/conditional uses and prohibitions; ADP overlays (like the Cerritos Auto Square ADP‑5.1) carry their own maps and may change or add rules — always verify the parcel’s ADP status before assuming the base zone applies § 22.01.030, § 22.22.600–700, § 22.33.430, § 22.61.040–080 .
Source References
- Development map and zone symbols — § 22.01.030
- Land use zones purpose & applicability — § 22.20.010–030
- RS zone numeric standards (RS‑5000 / RS‑6500) — § 22.22.600–700
- RM multi‑family chapters and purposes — § 22.23.100–700
- MC‑2 permitted/conditional/prohibited uses — § 22.33.430, § 22.33.500, environmental performance § 22.33.800
- ADP‑5.1 (Cerritos Auto Square overlay) — § 22.61.010–080 (area map, eligibility, use approvals, permits)
- Development plan / ADP conflict & map rules — § 22.10.105, § 22.10.210
- Second‑unit (local “second dwelling unit”) permit rules (size, setbacks, parking, deed restriction) — § 22.40.220 (adjacent to § 22.40.230)
- Zone regulations chapters overview — Chapters 22.21–22.39; general referencing in § 22.20.030
- Amendment / map amendment & citizen participation requirements — § 22.90.300–400
Also consult these city guidance pages (internal summary pages you may need next): Cerritos Land Use, Cerritos Development Standards, Cerritos Parking, Cerritos Design Review, Cerritos Overlay Districts, Cerritos ADUs, and the state California Building Standards Code for non‑zoning technical code requirements.
Sources
Retrieved passages
- Cerritos Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
- Cerritos Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
- Cerritos Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
- Cerritos Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
- Cerritos Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
- Cerritos Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
- Cerritos Zoning Code (chapter shall) Medium relevance
- Cerritos Zoning Code (Chapter 22.45) Medium relevance
- Cerritos Zoning Code (Section 22.42.305) Medium relevance
- Cerritos Zoning Code (Chapter 22.80) Medium relevance
- Cerritos Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
- Cerritos Zoning Code (§ 18) High relevance
- Cerritos Zoning Code (Chapter 22.40) High relevance
- Cerritos Zoning Code (§ 3) High relevance
- Cerritos Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
- Cerritos Zoning Code (Section 22.20.100) High relevance
- Cerritos Zoning Code (Chapter 22.70) Medium relevance
- Cerritos Zoning Code (Section 22.13.180) Medium relevance
- Cerritos Zoning Code (section shall) High relevance
- Cerritos Zoning Code (section shall) Medium relevance
- Cerritos Zoning Code Medium relevance
- CFC § 3 (§ 3) Medium relevance
- Cerritos Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
- Cerritos Zoning Code (Section 22.40.540) Medium relevance
- Cerritos Zoning Code Medium relevance
- Cerritos Zoning Code (Chapter 23.50) Medium relevance
- Cerritos Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
- CBC § 22.40.910 (Chapter 22.48) Medium relevance
- Cerritos Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
Cited sections
- Development map and zone symbols — **§ 22.01.030** (§ 22.01.030)
- Land use zones purpose & applicability — **§ 22.20.010–030** (§ 22.20.010)
- RS zone numeric standards (RS‑5000 / RS‑6500) — **§ 22.22.600–700** (§ 22.22.600)
- RM multi‑family chapters and purposes — **§ 22.23.100–700** (§ 22.23.100)
- MC‑2 permitted/conditional/prohibited uses — **§ 22.33.430**, **§ 22.33.500**, environmental performance **§ 22.33.800** (§ 22.33.430)
- ADP‑5.1 (Cerritos Auto Square overlay) — **§ 22.61.010–080** (area map, eligibility, use approvals, permits) (§ 22.61.010)
- Development plan / ADP conflict & map rules — **§ 22.10.105**, **§ 22.10.210** (§ 22.10.105)
- Second‑unit (local “second dwelling unit”) permit rules (size, setbacks, parking, deed restriction) — **§ 22.40.220** (adjacent to **§ 22.40.230**) (§ 22.40.220)
- Zone regulations chapters overview — Chapters **22.21–22.39**; general referencing in **§ 22.20.030** (§ 22.20.030)
- Amendment / map amendment & citizen participation requirements — **§ 22.90.300–400** (§ 22.90.300)
- Cerritos_ZoningCode.md
Frequently asked questions
What can I build on an R‑S lot in Cerritos?
Single‑family residential uses are the principal permitted use in the RS zones; check whether your lot is RS‑5000 or RS‑6500 on the development map, then read the RS chapter for numeric limits. RS rules (lot area, frontage, setbacks, coverage, FAR) are in § 22.22.600–700; accessory uses are governed by Chapter 22.40 (and small family day care has a specific rule at § 22.40.230) .
What are Cerritos setback requirements for single‑family lots?
The RS chapters specify setbacks. For both RS‑5000 and RS‑6500 the code lists minimum front yard setback 20 ft with subdivision averages allowed and specific front‑setback ranges and exceptions (see § 22.22.700(5)–(6) for front/rear and side yard detail) .
Do I need an ADP or precise plan if my property is inside an ADP area?
If your parcel is mapped as an ADP (for example RS/ADP‑10 or ADP‑5.1), the ADP chapter applies and many ADPs require a precise plan or development map amendment and may require conditional use/precise plan approvals; ADPs explicitly state when their provisions replace underlying zone rules (§ 22.10.105, § 22.61.040) .
What uses are allowed in the MC‑2 zone in Cerritos?
The MC‑2 chapter lists many conditional uses (appliance stores, certain manufacturing and retail, offices, clinics, restaurants excluding carry‑out and drive‑ins) under § 22.33.430 and explicitly prohibits auto repair, auto sale/lease, truck terminals, wrecking/salvage and similar uses under § 22.33.500 — review those two sections for permitted vs. prohibited uses and CUP criteria § 22.33.430–500 .
Does an ADP overlay automatically change base zoning rules?
No — most ADP overlay chapters state that ADP provisions apply only once a property receives the overlay designation via an approved development map amendment; until then the underlying zone rules remain in effect. ADP eligibility and the application/approval requirement are spelled out in overlay chapters (for example § 22.61.040 for ADP‑5.1) .
What are the rules for second units (ADUs) in Cerritos?
Cerritos has a local second‑unit permit standard (the code section immediately preceding § 22.40.230) that limits local second units to ≤ 750 sf, one bedroom, one bathroom, one additional onsite parking space, minimum 10 ft setback from the primary dwelling if detached, deed restriction and occupancy limits — see the local second‑unit rules (local section in the code) § 22.40.220 (text adjacent to § 22.40.230) . Verify whether state ADU law changes the applicable process for your project by contacting the city (state law can affect permit process).
Where are the zone definitions and comparable‑use rules?
Zone definitions and the process for having the planning commission determine a “comparable use” are in § 22.20.100 and § 22.20.030; the code requires a public hearing and findings for comparability requests § 22.20.100 .
Do I need design review for projects in ADPs or Auto Square?
Many ADPs (for example the Cerritos Auto Square ADP‑5 / ADP‑5.1) require precise plan approval and include architectural/design standards (Cerritos Auto Square Architectural Design Standards in § 22.15.260), and the code cross‑references design review procedures (see § 22.15.240 and the design review chapter § 23.90.240) .
How do I change a property’s zoning map designation?
Map amendments and development map changes follow the procedures in Chapter 22.90: the director prepares recommendations, the planning commission holds hearings and the code requires public notice and other application materials (base maps, owner lists). See § 22.90.300–400 for preparation, notice and hearing requirements § 22.90.300–400 .
What are the parking rules I must follow?
Parking minimums and design standards are cross‑referenced in zone and ADP chapters (for example visitor parking ratios in multi‑family and ADP sections) and the city’s parking chapter sets citywide rules: check the city’s parking rules and the zone chapter for the parcel; see the local Parking summary and zone‑specific parking language (e.g., multi‑family parking in RM chapters) § 22.23.x . ---
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