Local zoning · Colfax

Colfax — Land Use

Q: When does a use require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP)?

If a use is designated CUP in the zoning district’s permitted‑use matrix it requires a Conditional Use Permit; additionally, size thresholds (e.g., single‑use floorspace thresholds in MU zones) can impose a CUP requirement — see § 17.72.020 (residential), § 17.74.020 (mixed‑use thresholds) and Chapter 17.32 for CUP processing rules .

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

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Last reviewed: July 1, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what Colfax’s local zoning code (Title 17 — ZONING) actually says about permitted land uses, conditional/administrative uses, and the development controls that apply by district. It is strictly grounded in the Colfax Zoning Ordinance text (Title 17) and cites the specific controlling sections; where the ordinance does not supply a factual item, the entry notes that explicitly. For process items (design review, parking, ADUs) the page points to the related Colfax topic pages linked inline.

How to read this page

Bold = terms and zone names to scan for.
Inline citations show the controlling Colfax Zoning Code section (the § symbol) and the file-search citation for the ordinance extract used (filecite). Verify parcel-specific details with the Planning Department.

District-by-district breakdown

Note: Title 17 is the city zoning law (Title 17 — ZONING) and frames all district rules (§ 17.04.010) .

Residential — R-1, R-M, R-MHS

Purpose: The single-family residence district (R-1) and multi‑family residence districts (R-M and R-MHS) are described in § 17.72.010; R-1 preserves low-density family neighborhoods while R-M allows higher-density residential development near downtown; R-MHS governs mobilehome subdivisions. See § 17.72.010 for the district purposes .
Typical permitted uses: Single‑family dwellings, accessory dwelling units, small community care facilities, family day‑care, and certain lodging/employee housing depending on parcel and district. The full permitted‑use matrix for R districts is in § 17.72.020 (use classifications shown as "P", "CUP", or "AP") .
Key dimensional & development standards: Minimum lot sizes, setbacks, lot width, allowable height, site coverage and usable open space are specified in § 17.72.030 and the R‑district tables (examples: R-1-5 minimum parcel area 5,000 sq ft, front setback 20 ft, typical max height 2½ stories / 30 ft) — consult § 17.72.030 for the table entries and notes .
Where it applies: City residential zones (see map/zoning layer maintained by the city). Accessory uses and structures rules are in Chapter 17.96 (§ 17.96.020–030) .
Practical note: Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are permitted in R districts consistent with local ADU rules; see § 17.196 and the Colfax ADU rules for specific size, setback and rental-term items (§ 17.196.050 et seq.) . (See the ADU page for guidance.)

(First mention of development standards is linked) — see Colfax Colfax Development Standards.

Mixed‑Use — MU‑1 (Downtown), MU‑2

Purpose: MU‑1 preserves and activates historic Main Street while allowing ground‑floor pedestrian retail; MU‑2 allows neighborhood‑serving mixed uses with context‑sensitive intensity controls (§ 17.74.010) .
Typical permitted uses: Uses are designated P / CUP / AP in the mixed‑use matrix (§ 17.74.020). Ground‑floor retail, cafes, restaurants, offices and residential are all contemplated; any single use > 5,000 sq ft in MU‑1 or > 8,000 sq ft in MU‑2 triggers a conditional use permit per § 17.74.020 .
Key dimensional standards: Density and FAR are explicit: MU‑1 FAR up to 2.0 and minimum net parcel area per unit 625 sq ft; MU‑2 FAR up to 1.5 with residential density 10–29 du/acre (§ 17.74.040) .
Where it applies: MU‑1 is applied to Main Street in the Historic Downtown; MU‑2 applies to adjacent neighborhoods and specified corridors (§ 17.74.010) .
Practical note: projects that exceed the threshold sizes or request deviations to FAR/density should anticipate a CUP and design review (see § 17.74.020 and § 17.40 series) .

(First mention of design review is linked) — see Colfax Colfax Design Review.

Commercial — C‑R (Retail Commercial), C‑H (Highway Commercial)

Purpose: C‑R serves neighborhood shopping; C‑H serves highway‑oriented, auto‑oriented commercial/tourist uses and is coordinated with I‑80 corridor policies (§ 17.76.010) .
Typical permitted uses: The commercial use matrix in § 17.76.020 lists use categories as P / CUP / AP (retail, restaurants, offices, lodging, automotive uses, entertainment, selected industrial‑support uses). See the commercial matrix (example entries: convenience retail P, full‑service restaurants P, drive‑through/fast food may be AP or CUP depending on district) .
Key dimensional standards: Commercial height limits are explicit: C‑R max 30 ft, C‑H max 35 ft unless modified by design review or specific plan (§ 17.76.030B) . Area/lot/yard rules are in § 17.76.030D (district tables) .
Where it applies: Retail/commercial corridors and nodes designated by the zoning map. Off‑street parking rules and screening requirements apply (see § 17.108) .
Practical note: outdoor storage and certain automotive activities have express screening or CUP requirements (§ 17.76.* and accessory rules) — check the use entry and § 17.96 accessory use rules for screening/administrative permit conditions .

(First mention of parking is linked) — see Colfax Colfax Parking.

Industrial — I (Industrial)

Purpose & general standards: Industrial zone general development standards are set out in § 17.80.030; note there are effectively no blanket height or yard requirements except where adjacent to another district (then the adjoining district’s limits apply) (§ 17.80.030B–D) .
Typical permitted uses: The industrial permitted‑use matrix (industrial use types and whether P / AP / CUP) is included in the Title 17 industrial tables; many manufacturing, wholesale, vehicle, and storage uses are listed as permitted with conditions and some as CUP (see the industrial permitted use table in the ordinance) .
Key dimensional standards: The industrial chapter removes minimum yard/area/coverage requirements generally, but mandates screening/enclosure for outdoor activities and requires compliance with Article IV/V performance standards (§ 17.80.030D–E; § 17.120) .
Where it applies: Parcels zoned I per the city zoning map. Verify adjacent district interfaces for additional setback/height requirements (§ 17.80.030D) .

Overlay & Special Purpose Zones — Historic Zone, other overlays

Purpose and effect: Overlay zones add requirements in addition to the base zone; the Historic overlay is intended to conserve downtown character and is established in § 17.84.010–020 (Historic Zone findings and purposes) .
Practical implications: Projects in overlays must meet the overlay standards in addition to base zone requirements; the Historic Zone imposes design/compatibility expectations and sign limits (see sign chapter) (§ 17.84.020; Chapter 17.112) .

(First mention of overlay districts is linked) — see Colfax Colfax Overlay Districts and Colfax Colfax Historic Preservation.

Accessory Uses & ADUs

Accessory uses: Chapter 17.96 defines accessory uses/structures rules (what’s allowed incident to a primary use, placement and dimensional rules) — see § 17.96.010–030 for detailed accessory structure standards and permitted accessory activities .
ADUs / JADUs: Colfax has ADU rules in Chapter 17.196; the ordinance confirms Doling out size and setback criteria, rental-term minimums, owner‑occupancy requirements for JADUs and other local limits (see § 17.196.050–070) — ADU rules are updated in recent ordinances listed in the code text .

(First mention of ADUs is linked) — see Colfax Colfax ADUs and the state standard California Building Standards Code when you pull building permits.

Nonconforming uses

The ordinance regulates nonconforming uses, buildings and structures in Chapter 17.100; purpose and conditions for continuation, expansion or discontinuance are described in § 17.100.010 et seq. — consult Chapter 17.100 for the rules and limitations on legal nonconforming activities .

(First mention of nonconforming uses is linked) — see Colfax Colfax Nonconforming Uses.

Key decision‑relevant table (summary)

Topic / District	Most decision‑relevant rule (plain English)	Code reference
Residential permitted uses (R‑districts)	Uses are table‑coded as P, CUP, AP (single‑family, ADUs, small care facilities permitted; some lodging/neighborhood commercial conditional)	§ 17.72.020
Residential development standards (setbacks, heights)	R‑district table: minimum front setback 20–30 ft depending on R‑subdistrict; typical max height 2½ stories / 30 ft	§ 17.72.030 (tables & notes)
Mixed‑use thresholds for CUP	Single use > 5,000 sq ft in MU‑1 or > 8,000 sq ft in MU‑2 requires CUP	§ 17.74.020
Commercial height limits	C‑R 30 ft, C‑H 35 ft (unless design review or specific plan modifies)	§ 17.76.030B
Industrial general rules	No blanket height/yards; must comply with adjoining district limits within 100 ft and screen outdoor industrial areas	§ 17.80.030B–E
Design review trigger (new buildings, exterior work)	Design Review Permit required for new construction or many exterior changes; some exemptions for single‑family—approval authority and findings specified	§ 17.32.010 and § 17.40.020–070
Accessory uses & structures	Accessory uses permitted where customary; accessory structure setbacks & limits set in Chapter 17.96	§ 17.96.020–030
Off‑street parking requirement	Off‑street parking spaces required per use at time of building/establishment; design and counts in Chapter 17.108	§ 17.108.020–040
ADUs	Specific size, setback, rental-term and owner-occupancy rules in Chapter 17.196 (local ADU rules consistent with state law)	§ 17.196.050–070

Checklist (what an applicant must satisfy before a project moves forward)

Confirm the parcel’s base zoning (R‑1/R‑M/MU‑1/C‑R/I) and overlay status on the official zoning map — read the base zone purpose (e.g., § 17.72.010, § 17.76.010, § 17.80.030) . Verify any overlay (Historic Zone § 17.84.020) .
Check the permitted‑use table for that zoning district to see whether your intended use is P, AP, or CUP (residential § 17.72.020; mixed‑use § 17.74.020; commercial § 17.76.020; industrial tables) .
If a CUP or Administrative Permit is required, prepare findings and materials per Chapter 17.32 and the applicable special‑use chapters (§ 17.32.010; permit processing rules) .
Confirm design review requirements: many new builds and exterior changes require a Design Review Permit and the approval authority/finding standards are set out in § 17.32 and § 17.40/17.116 (see the ordinance for administrative vs. commission review) .
Demonstrate compliance with district development standards (setbacks, lot area, height, coverage) — residential: § 17.72.030; commercial: § 17.76.030; industrial: § 17.80.030 .
Provide required off‑street parking based on Chapter 17.108, and show parking design compliance (accessible stalls per Title 24) — § 17.108.020–045 .
If proposing ADU/JADU, follow Chapter 17.196 requirements and the ADU-specific exceptions referenced there (§ 17.196.*) .
If the project is in the Historic Zone or other overlay, comply with overlay standards and sign/visual requirements (Chapter 17.84 and Chapter 17.112) .
Prepare landscape/screening to meet Chapter 17.XX landscaping standards (see Colfax Landscaping and Screening page and applicable ordinance excerpts) — specific landscape best practices are referenced in the code (design guidance) .
Submit complete application materials per Chapter 17.36 and the submittal checklist (maps, plans, fees, owner signature) § 17.36.020–050 .

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Use classification ambiguity (a proposed use does not fit neatly in a use type)	The code uses use‑type categories and the Planning Director interprets accessory uses — misclassification can lead to denial or unexpected CUP requirement	Confirm Planning Director’s interpretation and written determination; cite § 17.96.020 and § 17.08.020 for interpretation rules
Size thresholds that trigger CUP in MU zones	Exceeding 5,000 sq ft (MU‑1) or 8,000 sq ft (MU‑2) makes a project conditional and increases entitlement risk/time	Verify proposed gross footprint and whether the use is counted toward threshold; see § 17.74.020
Setback/height at district boundary (industrial adjacency)	Industrial chapter waives typical yards but requires adherence to adjoining district limits within 100 ft (§ 17.80.030) — a nearby residential edge can impose stricter limits	Verify exact parcel dimensions and adjacency rules; consult § 17.80.030D and the residential tables § 17.72.030
Design review vs. building‑permit scope	Some exterior work triggers DRP; single‑family exemptions exist, but the line can be gray (planning director discretion)	Confirm whether the planning director treats the package as exempt—see § 17.32.010 and § 17.40.020–070 for exemption and approval authority details
Nonconforming uses and expansions	Legal nonconforming uses are allowed limited continuation but expansions/changes can terminate rights	Review Chapter 17.100 for limitations and conditions before investing in expansion plans

Plain‑English summary

Colfax’s land‑use rules live in Title 17: every parcel sits in a named zone (e.g., R‑1, MU‑1, C‑R, I), each zone has a matrix of permitted uses (P/CUP/AP) and a table of dimensional rules (setbacks, lot size, height) — see the residential tables (§ 17.72.020–030), mixed‑use rules (§ 17.74.020–040), commercial (§ 17.76.020–030), and industrial standards (§ 17.80.030); accessory uses and ADUs are governed by Chapters 17.96 and 17.196, and project approvals (design review, CUPs, administrative permits) are processed under Chapters 17.32, 17.36, and 17.40. All cited code sections are in the Colfax Zoning Code extract referenced below .

Source References

Colfax Zoning Code (Title 17 — ZONING), introductory provisions and rules: § 17.04.010, § 17.08.020
Residential zones: § 17.72.010 (purpose), § 17.72.020 (permitted uses), § 17.72.030 (development standards)
Mixed Use zones: § 17.74.010 (purpose), § 17.74.020 (permitted use types), § 17.74.040 (density/FAR)
Commercial zones: § 17.76.010 (purpose), § 17.76.020 (permitted use types), § 17.76.030 (development standards)
Industrial zones: § 17.80.030 (general development standards) and industrial permitted use tables in the ordinance extract
Overlay zones / Historic: § 17.84.010–020 (purpose, historic zone findings)
Accessory uses & structures: Chapter 17.96 (§ 17.96.010–030)
ADU rules: Chapter 17.196 (ADU/JADU provisions and standards) § 17.196.050–070
Nonconforming uses: Chapter 17.100 (§ 17.100.010 et seq.)
Design review and permit procedures: Chapter 17.32, § 17.32.010 and design review authorization and findings in § 17.40.* and related sections (see § 17.40.020, § 17.40.070, and § 17.116.*)
Off‑street parking & loading: Chapter 17.108, parking counts and general requirements (§ 17.108.020–045)
Signs & Historic‑district signage: Chapter 17.112 and historic district sign limits (§ 17.112.*)

If you want the original ordinance print export that these citations reference, I can attach the relevant PDF pages or extract the exact table rows for your parcel—say which district or parcel APN you care about and I’ll extract the exact lines and citations.

Sources

Retrieved passages

Colfax Zoning Code (Chapter 17.12) High relevance
Colfax Zoning Code (Section 17.196.050) High relevance
Colfax Zoning Code (Chapter 17.112) High relevance
Colfax Zoning Code (Chapter 17.12) High relevance
Colfax Zoning Code (Chapter 17.12.030) High relevance
Colfax Zoning Code (Section 17.88.040) High relevance
Colfax Zoning Code High relevance
Colfax Zoning Code (Chapter 17.176.) High relevance
Colfax Zoning Code (title as) High relevance
Colfax Zoning Code (article shall) High relevance
Colfax Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
Colfax Zoning Code (Chapter 17.74) Medium relevance
Colfax Zoning Code (Chapter 17.180.) Medium relevance
CBC § 000 (Chapter 17.168.) Medium relevance
Colfax Zoning Code Medium relevance
Colfax Zoning Code (Chapter 17.128.) Medium relevance
Colfax Zoning Code (Section 65915) Medium relevance
Colfax Zoning Code Medium relevance
Colfax Zoning Code (chapter or) Medium relevance
Colfax Zoning Code (title prior) Medium relevance
Colfax Zoning Code (Chapter 17.112.) Medium relevance
Colfax Zoning Code (Section 65867.5) Medium relevance
Colfax Zoning Code (Section 17.40.050) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official Colfax code library

Frequently asked questions

What can I build on an R‑1 lot in Colfax?

You can generally build a single‑family dwelling and customary accessory uses; accessory dwelling units are permitted subject to Chapter 17.196 rules. Other residential uses are identified as P, CUP or AP in the R district matrix — see § 17.72.020 for the full use list and § 17.72.030 for setbacks and height limits .

What are Colfax setback requirements for single‑family lots?

Setbacks vary by R‑subdistrict; typical values appear in the R district development table in § 17.72.030 (for example, many R‑subdistricts show a 20–30 ft front setback and side setbacks of 6–15 ft depending on the R class) — consult § 17.72.030 for the exact per‑subdistrict table and accompanying notes .

Do I need design review in Colfax?

A Design Review Permit is required for most new construction and many exterior modifications (exceptions exist for some single‑family work). Permit triggers and approval authority are set out in § 17.32.010 and the design review chapters; the planning director can approve many projects administratively, while larger projects or those of community interest go to the Planning Commission (§ 17.32.010; § 17.40.*) .

When does a use require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP)?

If a use is designated CUP in the zoning district’s permitted‑use matrix it requires a Conditional Use Permit; additionally, size thresholds (e.g., single‑use floorspace thresholds in MU zones) can impose a CUP requirement — see § 17.72.020 (residential), § 17.74.020 (mixed‑use thresholds) and Chapter 17.32 for CUP processing rules .

Are ADUs allowed in Colfax and what limits apply?

Yes. ADUs and junior ADUs are allowed consistent with Chapter 17.196; that chapter sets size caps, setback minimums, owner‑occupancy rules for JADUs, and parking/short‑term rental rules where applicable — see § 17.196.050–070 for the Colfax ADU provisions .

What are the parking requirements for a new commercial use?

Off‑street parking is required at the time a use is established or a building is enlarged per Chapter 17.108; the number of spaces is set by use type in § 17.108.040 and design standards are in § 17.108.045–110 (including ADA stalls per Title 24) — consult § 17.108 for the exact space counts for your use .

Does the Historic overlay change permitted uses in downtown Colfax?

The Historic overlay does not necessarily change the base use matrix but adds preservation/design expectations, sign limits and design review considerations; see § 17.84.020 for the Historic Zone findings and Chapter 17.112 for historic‑area sign rules (§ 17.84.020; Chapter 17.112) .

How does Colfax treat nonconforming uses?

Nonconforming uses, buildings and structures are regulated by Chapter 17.100; the chapter describes how nonconforming uses may continue, be altered, or be terminated and sets time/expansion limits (§ 17.100.010 et seq.) .

Where are industrial yards and outdoor storage allowed?

Industrial activities and outdoor storage are governed by the industrial use tables and § 17.80.030; outdoor storage must be screened and industrial areas near other districts must meet adjacency rules (no blanket yards, but the code requires screening and compliance with adjoining district standards within 100 ft) — see § 17.80.030D–E and the industrial permitted‑use entries .

Who interprets ambiguous use classifications in Colfax?

The Planning Director has interpretation authority under the ordinance; accessory‑use determinations and whether a proposed use fits a use type are determined by the Planning Director (subject to appeals) — see § 17.96.020 and § 17.08.020 for interpretation rules .

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