Local zoning · Clearlake

Clearlake — Zoning

Q: What can I build on an RR or LDR lot in Clearlake?

Single-family detached homes are allowed in both RR and LDR , and [ADUs] are generally allowed per the residential use table. In RR , density is 1 du/ac with a 1.25-acre minimum lot, while LDR allows up to 8 du/ac on lots as small as 5,000 sf. Height is typically 25 ft in both, with an administrative path to 35 ft (§ 18-3.020; § 18-4.020; § 18-18.020) .

Q: How tall can a building be downtown or on Lakeshore Drive?

In DC , height is 35 ft but may reach 65 ft if strict performance standards are met (include housing, limit storefront-level private parking, and not be on the lake side of Lakeshore Dr.). In GC , buildings are 35 ft by right, up to 50 ft with a CUP, but must stay at 35 ft on the lake side of Lakeshore Dr. where the lake is publicly visible (§ 18-8.020; § 18-9.020) .

Q: Can I mix residential and commercial uses?

Yes. MUX and DC enable vertical/horizontal mixed-use. MUX allows up to 25 du/ac (unless the General Plan designation is lower) and supports live-work; DC allows upper-floor housing with downtown-oriented retail/services at street level (§ 18-7.010–.020; § 18-8.010–.020) .

Q: What if my lot is in a “paper subdivision” with limited services?

The AV Avenue combining district offers flexible standards (e.g., 5,000 sf min lot, up to 8 du/ac, 45-ft height) plus clear water/sewer prerequisites before building. AV overlays the base zone and controls where in conflict (§ 18-14.010–.030; § 18-2.020) .

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

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

Overview

Clearlake’s zoning rules live in Chapter 18, Zoning Regulations, of the Clearlake Municipal Code. The city establishes nine base zoning districts and several “combining” overlays; all zoning boundaries are shown on the official Zoning Map that is part of the ordinance itself (§ 18-2.010; § 18-2.030) . Land uses allowed in each district are organized in Article 18-18, while quantitative standards like yards, height, coverage, and parking live in Article 18-20 (§ 18-18.020; § 18-20.040; § 18-20.050; § 18-20.060; § 18-20.090) . Zoning must remain consistent with the General Plan, and the code includes a land use/zoning consistency matrix to keep them aligned (§ 18-1.050; § 18-2.040) .

Most important rule: When a combining (overlay) district conflicts with a base zone, the overlay controls (§ 18-2.020) .

Use this page alongside the Clearlake zoning & planning overview, Clearlake Land Use, Clearlake Development Standards, and Clearlake Overlay Districts. If your project triggers design review, signage, or ADUs, see those pages for process details.

How Clearlake’s Zoning System Works

Base zoning districts: RR, LDR, MDR, HDR, MUX, DC, GC, IN, O (§ 18-2.010, Table 1) .
Combining/overlay districts: SP, SC, AV, PD, AE, CB (§ 18-2.020; Table 2) .
Official Zoning Map is part of the code and maintained by the Community Development Department (§ 18-2.030) .
Land-use permissions are in Article 18-18 (e.g., residential uses table at § 18-18.020; industrial/utility at § 18-18.040; temporary uses at § 18-18.050) .
Dimensional standards (yards, height, lot coverage, density rules, encroachments) are centralized in Article 18-20, and each district points back to those sections (§ 18-20.040; § 18-20.050; § 18-20.060; Tables 17–18) .

Base Zoning Districts (district-by-district)

RR — Rural Residential

Purpose and where applied: Low-density single-family on larger lots; applied to “Low Density Residential” on the General Plan map (§ 18-3.010) .
Typical permitted uses: Single-family detached and manufactured homes are allowed in RR per the residential use table (§ 18-18.020, Table 4) .
Key standards: Maximum density 1 du/ac; minimum lot size 1.25 acres; maximum height 25 ft, up to 35 ft with administrative use permit; yards per citywide standards; [parking] per Article 18-20 (§ 18-3.020; § 18-20.040; § 18-20.090) .

LDR — Low Density Residential

Purpose and where applied: Preserves single-family neighborhoods; applied to “Low Density Residential” on the General Plan map (§ 18-4.010) .
Typical permitted uses: Single-family detached and [ADUs] are allowed per Table 4 (§ 18-18.020) .
Key standards: Density up to 8 du/ac; min lot area 5,000 sf (50 ft x 90 ft; 20 ft frontage); max building height 25 ft (up to 35 ft with AUP); max lot coverage 40%; yards per Article 18-20; [parking] per Article 18-20 (§ 18-4.020) .

MDR — Medium Density Residential

Purpose and where applied: Medium-density residential near services; applied to areas designated “Medium and High Density Residential” (§ 18-5.010) .
Typical permitted uses: Multifamily developments allowed per Table 4 (§ 18-18.020) .
Key standards: Density up to 15 du/ac; min lot 5,000 sf; max height 45 ft; max coverage 60%; yards and [parking] per Article 18-20 (§ 18-5.020) .

HDR — High Density Residential

Purpose and where applied: Higher-density residential near jobs/education; applied to “High Density Residential” (§ 18-6.010) .
Typical permitted uses: Multifamily and group housing; specific density floor applies to multiplex/multifamily—minimum 16 du/ac for “limited” use, with CUP if less than 16 du/ac (§ 18-18.020(e)(4)) .
Key standards: Density up to 25 du/ac; min lot 5,000 sf; max height 45 ft; max coverage 60%; yards and [parking] per Article 18-20 (§ 18-6.020) .

MUX — Mixed-Use

Purpose and where applied: Mixed residential and low-impact commercial to activate centers/corridors (§ 18-7.010) .
Typical permitted uses: Residential (including live-work) and retail/service; manufacturing/production is limited in size and must have a retail outlet (§ 18-7.020; § 18-18.010 notes; § 18-18.010(c) excerpt) .
Key standards: Density up to 25 du/ac unless the underlying General Plan designation is lower; max height 35 ft, with pathway up to 65 ft if performance standards are met; max coverage 80%; min lot 3,000 sf; yards and [parking] per Article 18-20 (§ 18-7.020) .

DC — Downtown Commercial Mixed-Use

Purpose and where applied: Downtown-serving retail, services, entertainment with upper-story housing; applied to the city’s main commercial district (§ 18-8.010) .
Typical permitted uses: Community-scale retail/service; residential typically above ground floor via permits noted in Table 4 (§ 18-18.020) .
Key standards: Height 35 ft with potential up to 65 ft if all performance standards are met (include housing, limit storefront-level private parking to 30%, and not on the lake side of Lakeshore Dr.); min lot 3,000 sf; special driveway controls—AUP required for new driveways to preserve pedestrian continuity; [parking] policy emphasizes pedestrian orientation (§ 18-8.020(c)–(f)) .

GC — General Commercial

Purpose and where applied: Community/regional-serving commercial along corridors (§ 18-9.010) .
Typical permitted uses: Broad retail/office/institutional; residential limited/conditional under Table 4 (§ 18-18.020) .
Key standards: No max residential density stated; height 35 ft, up to 50 ft with a CUP, except cap stays 35 ft on the lake side of Lakeshore Dr. where the lake is visible; no max coverage; min lot 3,000 sf; yards and [parking] per Article 18-20 (§ 18-9.020) .

IN — Industrial

Purpose and where applied: Wholesale/heavy commercial within buildings, with performance standards to protect residents/environment (§ 18-10.010) .
Typical permitted uses: Manufacturing, assembly, and certain utility/communications uses per Table 6 (§ 18-18.040) .
Key standards: Height 35 ft (higher by CUP); no max coverage; min lot 3,000 sf; yards and [parking] per Article 18-20 (§ 18-10.020) .

O — Open Space

Purpose and where applied: Preserves open space/parks; permanent zoning for “Open Space” or “Park” mapped areas (§ 18-11.010) .
Typical permitted uses: Open space/parks; see Article 18-18 for any residential allowances that may apply to specific parcels (§ 18-18.020) .
Key standards: Yards: front 35 ft; side 15 ft (30 ft street-side corner); rear 20 ft, but no rear setback on properties abutting Clear Lake or Cache Creek; min lot area varies by ownership; [parking] per Article 18-20 (§ 18-11.020) .

Combining/Overlay Districts

SP — Specific Plan: Implements an adopted specific plan; after a plan is adopted, uses and standards follow the plan; otherwise the underlying zone applies (§ 18-12.010–.030) .
SC — Scenic Corridor: Applies to parcels with any portion within 300 ft of the State Hwy 53 right‑of‑way; focuses on preserving viewsheds; includes grading/utility siting and viewshed-sensitive design standards that may trigger [design review] (§ 18-13.010–.030) .
AV — Avenue: Flexible standards for “paper subdivisions” with limited services and steep terrain; density up to 8 du/ac, height 45 ft, coverage 60%, min lot 5,000 sf, and explicit water/sewer prerequisites (§ 18-14.010–.030) .
PD — Planned Development: Project-specific overlay for parcels ≥1 acre; may modify base standards (height, FAR, parcel size, parking, setbacks, etc.) if consistent with the General Plan; permits/uses follow the underlying zone unless the PD overlay specifies otherwise (§ 18-15.020(e); § 18-15.020(b)–(d)) .
AE — Adult Entertainment: Listed as a combining district; specific standards Not found in retrieved materials (§ 18-2.020; Table 2) .
CB — Commercial Cannabis Business: Cannabis uses must be in the CB combining district (on a separate zoning map), with additional siting/operational controls in Article 18-43 and cross-references in Article 18-18 (§ 18-18.010(a); Article 18-43; Table 2 excerpt) .

Key standards at a glance

District	Max Residential Density	Max Height	Min Lot Area	Max Coverage	Special Notes	Code Reference
RR	1 du/ac	25 ft (35 ft with AUP)	1.25 ac	Not specified	Yards via citywide standards; [parking] Article 18-20	§ 18-3.020
LDR	8 du/ac	25 ft (35 ft with AUP)	5,000 sf	40%	Standard lot dims: 50x90 ft; 20 ft frontage	§ 18-4.020
MDR	15 du/ac	45 ft	5,000 sf	60%	—	§ 18-5.020
HDR	25 du/ac	45 ft	5,000 sf	60%	Multifamily “limited” use ≥16 du/ac; CUP if lower	§ 18-6.020; § 18-18.020(e)(4)
MUX	25 du/ac (unless GP lower)	35 ft (to 65 ft with performance)	3,000 sf	80%	Taller buildings require housing + frontage parking limits	§ 18-7.020
DC	—	35 ft (to 65 ft with performance)	3,000 sf	—	AUP for new driveways; lake-side height constraints via standards	§ 18-8.020
GC	—	35 ft (to 50 ft with CUP; 35 ft cap lake-side of Lakeshore Dr.)	3,000 sf	—	Corridor-oriented commercial	§ 18-9.020
IN	—	35 ft (higher with CUP)	3,000 sf	—	Performance standards to limit off-site impacts	§ 18-10.020; § 18-10.010
O	—	Not stated	Varies by ownership	—	Rear yard may be 0 ft on Clear Lake/Cache Creek parcels	§ 18-11.020

Notes

Yards, coverage, height methods, and yard encroachments/exceptions are controlled by Article 18-20, including Tables 17–18 (yard encroachments and discretionary exceptions) (§ 18-20.040; Tables 17–18) .
Density rules also include transfer/averaging, state density bonus, and rebuild-after-destruction provisions (Article 18-20) that can affect residential potential (§ 18-20.020 excerpts) .

Practical use permissions (high-level)

Residential by district: Table 4 shows, for example, single-family detached permitted in RR and LDR, multifamily allowed in MDR and HDR (with HDR nuances noted above), and [ADUs] are permitted in most residential districts (§ 18-18.020) .
Industrial/utility siting: See Table 6 for IN and conditional/administrative pathways in other zones (§ 18-18.040) .
Temporary uses: Farmers’ markets, temporary construction yards, and similar activities are organized in Table 7 with zone-by-zone permit levels (§ 18-18.050) .

Checklist

Confirm your parcel’s base zoning and any combining overlays on the official Zoning Map (§ 18-2.030) .
Check land use permissions and permit type in Article 18-18, then align with Clearlake Land Use (§ 18-18.020 et seq.) .
Verify density limits and any averaging/transfer or state bonus options (Article 18-20; Article 18-31 for density bonus) (§ 18-20.020; § 18-31.070) .
Apply the right dimensional standards: yards, height, coverage; confirm any yard encroachment options (Article 18-20; Tables 17–18) (§ 18-20.040) .
Calculate [parking] per Article 18-20.090; note DC’s driveway/parking constraints (§ 18-8.020(e)–(f)) .
If in SC or AV/PD/CB overlays, layer those rules on top of the base zone and remember the overlay controls (§ 18-2.020; § 18-13; § 18-14; § 18-15; Article 18-43) .
Determine if your project triggers design review (e.g., scenic corridor landscaping/screens) (§ 18-13.030) .
For existing structures, evaluate nonconforming status, including rebuild allowances after involuntary destruction (Article 18-20 excerpts) .
If standards can’t be met, explore variances and exceptions and Article 18-20 encroachment exceptions (Tables 17–18) .
Coordinate related topic approvals like Clearlake Signage separately.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Lakeshore Drive height caps	GC caps height at 35 ft on the lake side where the lake is publicly visible; DC/MUX have separate height pathways tied to performance standards (§ 18-9.020; § 18-8.020; § 18-7.020)	Precisely map which frontage is “lake side” and whether visibility applies; confirm any [design review] triggers.
DC driveways/parking	Downtown discourages new driveways and does not guarantee residential parking (§ 18-8.020(e))	Whether an Administrative Use Permit can be granted for your frontage; apply [parking] ratios correctly.
HDR minimum intensities	Multiplex/multifamily in HDR treated as “limited” use if ≥16 du/ac; CUP if lower (§ 18-18.020(e)(4))	Planned density; whether a CUP is feasible for a lower-density concept.
Open Space rear setbacks on water	O Zone waives rear yard where a parcel abuts Clear Lake or Cache Creek (§ 18-11.020)	Parcel boundary relative to water; any easements or resource buffers outside zoning.
Overlay conflicts	Overlays control over base zones (§ 18-2.020)	Whether parcel has SP/SC/AV/PD/CB overlays; read those rules first.
Cannabis siting	Cannabis uses limited to CB combining districts; separate CB map and Article 18-43 controls (§ 18-18.010(a); Article 18-43)	Exact CB designation and additional state/local permit requirements.
Yard encroachments	Some features can project into yards; discretionary exceptions possible (§ 18-20.040; Tables 17–18)	Whether your encroachment fits a listed allowance or needs an AUP/variance.

Plain-English Summary

Clearlake assigns every parcel a base zoning district, then layers any special overlays on top. What you can build and how big it can be depends first on your base zone (RR/LDR/MDR/HDR/MUX/DC/GC/IN/O) and then on the citywide development standards for yards, height, coverage, and [parking]. Overlays like Scenic Corridor or Planned Development can tighten or adjust those rules, and when there’s a conflict, the overlay wins. If you’re adding an [ADU], switching uses, or working downtown, expect extra, zone-specific nuances. Anything uncertain or parcel-specific? Verify with the jurisdiction.

Source References

§ 18-1.050 General Plan consistency; § 18-2.010 Base districts; § 18-2.030 Zoning Map; § 18-2.040 Land use consistency matrix
§ 18-2.020 Combining/overlay districts; Table 2 excerpts (SP, SC, AV, PD, AE, CB)
RR: § 18-3.010; § 18-3.020; LDR: § 18-4.010; § 18-4.020; MDR: § 18-5.010; § 18-5.020; HDR: § 18-6.010; § 18-6.020; MUX: § 18-7.010; § 18-7.020; DC: § 18-8.010; § 18-8.020; GC: § 18-9.010; § 18-9.020; IN: § 18-10.010; § 18-10.020; O: § 18-11.010; § 18-11.020
Article 18-18 Use Tables: § 18-18.020 Residential; § 18-18.040 Industrial; § 18-18.050 Temporary uses; CB references in § 18-18.010(a)
Article 18-20 Development Standards: § 18-20.040 Yards; Tables 17–18 encroachments/exceptions; density/averaging/bonus/rebuild excerpts; § 18-20.050 Coverage; § 18-20.060 Height; § 18-20.090 Parking
Article 18-31 Density Bonus: § 18-31.070 Density Bonus Agreement
Article 18-43 Commercial Cannabis siting/permissions

Sources

Retrieved passages

Clearlake Zoning Code (Section 18-20.020) High relevance
Clearlake Zoning Code (Article 18-45) High relevance
Clearlake Zoning Code (Section 18-20.040.) High relevance
Clearlake Zoning Code (Section 18-20.040.) High relevance
Clearlake Zoning Code (Section 18-18.010) High relevance
Clearlake Zoning Code (Section 18-20.020) High relevance
Clearlake Zoning Code High relevance
Clearlake Zoning Code High relevance
Clearlake Zoning Code (Section 18-20.020) High relevance
Clearlake Zoning Code (Section 18-20.090.) High relevance
Clearlake Zoning Code (Section 18-18.010) High relevance

Cited sections

§ 18-1.050 General Plan consistency; § 18-2.010 Base districts; § 18-2.030 Zoning Map; § 18-2.040 Land use consistency matrix (§ 18-1.050)
§ 18-2.020 Combining/overlay districts; Table 2 excerpts (SP, SC, AV, PD, AE, CB) (§ 18-2.020)
RR: § 18-3.010; § 18-3.020; LDR: § 18-4.010; § 18-4.020; MDR: § 18-5.010; § 18-5.020; HDR: § 18-6.010; § 18-6.020; MUX: § 18-7.010; § 18-7.020; DC: § 18-8.010; § 18-8.020; GC: § 18-9.010; § 18-9.020; IN: § 18-10.010; § 18-10.020; O: § 18-11.010; § 18-11.020 (§ 18-3.010)
Article 18-18 Use Tables: § 18-18.020 Residential; § 18-18.040 Industrial; § 18-18.050 Temporary uses; CB references in § 18-18.010(a) (Article 18-18)
Article 18-20 Development Standards: § 18-20.040 Yards; Tables 17–18 encroachments/exceptions; density/averaging/bonus/rebuild excerpts; § 18-20.050 Coverage; § 18-20.060 Height; § 18-20.090 Parking (Article 18-20)
Article 18-31 Density Bonus: § 18-31.070 Density Bonus Agreement (Article 18-31)
Article 18-43 Commercial Cannabis siting/permissions (Article 18-43)
Clearlake_ZoningCode.md

Frequently asked questions

What can I build on an RR or LDR lot in Clearlake?

Single-family detached homes are allowed in both RR and LDR, and [ADUs] are generally allowed per the residential use table. In RR, density is 1 du/ac with a 1.25-acre minimum lot, while LDR allows up to 8 du/ac on lots as small as 5,000 sf. Height is typically 25 ft in both, with an administrative path to 35 ft (§ 18-3.020; § 18-4.020; § 18-18.020) .

What are Clearlake’s basic setback (yard) rules?

Yards are defined citywide in Article 18-20, not per-district tables. Many common features can project into yards, and some reductions are possible through administrative permits per Tables 17–18. Always start with your base zone’s cross-reference to Article 18-20 (§ 18-20.040; Tables 17–18) .

How tall can a building be downtown or on Lakeshore Drive?

In DC, height is 35 ft but may reach 65 ft if strict performance standards are met (include housing, limit storefront-level private parking, and not be on the lake side of Lakeshore Dr.). In GC, buildings are 35 ft by right, up to 50 ft with a CUP, but must stay at 35 ft on the lake side of Lakeshore Dr. where the lake is publicly visible (§ 18-8.020; § 18-9.020) .

Do I need design review near Highway 53?

Parcels within 300 ft of the Hwy 53 right‑of‑way fall in the SC Scenic Corridor overlay. Projects must protect the viewshed and may need screening, low-glare finishes, and viewshed-sensitive lighting—items commonly reviewed through design review (§ 18-13.010–.030) .

Can I mix residential and commercial uses?

Yes. MUX and DC enable vertical/horizontal mixed-use. MUX allows up to 25 du/ac (unless the General Plan designation is lower) and supports live-work; DC allows upper-floor housing with downtown-oriented retail/services at street level (§ 18-7.010–.020; § 18-8.010–.020) .

What if my lot is in a “paper subdivision” with limited services?

The AV Avenue combining district offers flexible standards (e.g., 5,000 sf min lot, up to 8 du/ac, 45-ft height) plus clear water/sewer prerequisites before building. AV overlays the base zone and controls where in conflict (§ 18-14.010–.030; § 18-2.020) .

How are nonconforming homes handled after a disaster?

The code allows residences in several zones (RR, LDR, MDR, HDR, DC, GC, MUX) to be rebuilt to the same density/size after involuntary destruction, with timelines and findings limits. Current codes still apply to the reconstruction (§ 18-20.020 excerpts) .

Where can cannabis businesses locate?

Only in the CB combining district and subject to additional siting/operational standards in Article 18-43. The CB district uses a separate zoning map—confirm that designation early (§ 18-18.010(a); Article 18-43) .

Does HDR have a minimum density?

For multiplex/multifamily, HDR treats projects as a “limited use” only if they reach at least 16 du/ac; proposals under 16 du/ac need a CUP. Other non-multifamily types are generally not allowed without a CUP (§ 18-18.020(e)(4)) .

Who decides if a use not listed is allowed?

The Director can determine if an unlisted use is a subcategory or functionally similar to a listed permitted/limited/conditional use; otherwise the use is prohibited. The Director may refer determinations to the Planning Commission (§ 18-18.050(b)) .

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