Colfax — Overlay Districts

Last reviewed: July 1, 2026

Overview

Colfax treats overlay and special-purpose zones as add-on layers to its base zones: they impose additional guidance and requirements where unique site, neighborhood, or area characteristics require special review. The Colfax municipal zoning code places overlay rules in Chapter 17.84 (Overlay and Special Purpose Zones) and specifically establishes a Historic District overlay; other special overlays referenced previously (for example, the SD special development overlay) were repealed. See the city's zoning summary for context on how overlays sit above base zone rules in practice. § 17.84.010, § 17.84.020 .
(First-read link: Colfax zoning & planning overview.)

Chapter 17.84 explains the role of overlay zones: they "provide guidance for development and new land uses in addition to the standards and regulations of the applicable zoning districts" — in other words, overlay requirements apply in addition to whatever base zone (R-1, RM, CR, CH, MU-1, MU-2, I, R-MHS, CD, O) already requires. § 17.84.010; § 17.16.010 .

For quick navigation, the overlay-specific provisions you will use most are in:

• 17.84.010 — Purpose of overlays (adds to base district rules). § 17.84.010
• 17.84.020 — The Historic Zone (overlay): findings, purpose, and the rule that “All uses in the historic zone must comply with any applicable requirements set forth in Article IV - general development regulations and Article V - special area and specific use regulations.” § 17.84.020
• 17.84.030 — Reserved; Editor’s note shows the former “SD” Special Development overlay was repealed (verify current map). § 17.84.030

(See city design and project review processes as you prepare materials: Colfax Design Review, Colfax Development Standards, and Colfax Historic Preservation.)

District-by-district breakdown

Note: the code identifies these base zoning districts in § 17.16.010; the Historic overlay is shown on the zoning map on file with the City Clerk and applies only where mapped. § 17.16.010; § 17.84.020C

Below are the base districts established by the code with the overlay implications explained. If the Historic overlay is mapped over a parcel in any of these districts, the Historic overlay rules in § 17.84.020 operate in addition to the base-zone rules cited.

R-1 (Single-Family Residence District)

• Purpose: Provide for quiet, low-density residential neighborhoods; allow single-family dwellings and limited public/quasi-public uses. § 17.72.010
• Typical permitted uses: single-family homes, limited public/quasi-public (schools, parks) and accessory uses consistent with Chapter 17.96 (accessory uses). § 17.72.010; § 17.96.020
• Key dimensional standards: The Title contains yard, setback and lot definitions and general development standards that apply citywide; specific numeric setbacks for R-1 parcels are in the development standards tables of Title 17 (not fully excerpted in the retrieved materials). See definitions for yard measurements and note that development standards apply as minimums. § 17.12.* (definitions) — yard definitions; general standards in Article IV. Not found in retrieved materials for numeric R‑1 setbacks — Verify with the jurisdiction.
• Historic overlay: where the Historic District overlays an R-1 parcel, the overlay requires that projects maintain/enhance historic character in addition to meeting base-zone standards; design review findings for historic projects apply. § 17.84.020; design review findings § 17.116.050(2)

(If you are proposing an ADU, review the ADU rules separately: Colfax ADUs.)

RM (Multi-family Residence District)

• Purpose: Provide for apartments, condominiums, townhouses and other attached/detached multi-family housing. § 17.72.010
• Typical permitted uses: multi-family dwellings and accessory uses; density and lot-area rules are set in respective residential development sections. § 17.72.010; § 17.96.020
• Dimensional standards: density and dimensional tables are located elsewhere in Title 17 (some mixed-use density rules are present for MU zones — see § 17.74.040); specific RM numeric standards not found in retrieved snippets. Verify with planning staff. Not found in retrieved materials for RM numeric standards.

CR (Retail Commercial) and CH (Highway Commercial)

• Purpose: CR supports neighborhood retail/service centers; CH supports highway-oriented commercial and tourism/automotive uses. § 17.76.010
• Typical permitted uses: retail, restaurants, personal services; uses are categorized as P, AP or CUP in the commercial use tables (see the permitted-use charts in Title 17). § 17.76.020; use tables throughout Title 17
• Key dimensional standards: maximum height limits are explicit: Retail Commercial (C‑R) — 30′; Highway Commercial (C‑H) — 35′, unless modified by a specific plan or design review. § 17.76.030B
• Overlay effect: Historic overlay may require design treatments or findings that maintain small‑town/historic character in addition to these standards. § 17.84.020; see design review findings for non‑historic and historic projects. § 17.84.020; § 17.116.050

MU-1 (Downtown Mixed‑Use) and MU-2

• Purpose: Mixed-use zones permitting combined residential and commercial uses with differing FAR and density. § 17.16.010; § 17.74.040
• Typical permitted uses: ground-floor commercial with residential above (varies by MU zone), subject to mixed-use density and FAR rules. § 17.74.040
• Key numeric standards (explicit in Title 17): MU‑1 downtown maximum FAR 2.0 and minimum parcel area per dwelling 625 sq ft; MU‑2 max FAR 1.5, residential density 10–29 du/acre. § 17.74.040
• Overlay effect: Historic overlay in downtown portions will heighten emphasis on preserving visual character and will trigger historic design findings where mapped. § 17.84.020; § 17.116.050(2)

I (Industrial District)

• Purpose and standards: Industrial uses must comply with community design guidelines and applicable specific plans; 17.80.030 indicates there are generally no height or yard requirements in the industrial district except near other districts and includes special screening/fencing rules for outdoor activities. § 17.80.030
• Typical permitted uses: industrial and research/service types per the industrial use table (Title 17 use tables). Not all industrial uses are permitted; some require CUP/AP. See the use tables in Title 17.
• Overlay effect: If the Historic overlay overlaps an industrial parcel (unlikely but possible), the overlay’s design and preservation objectives still apply per § 17.84.020D; compliance with Article IV and V is required. § 17.84.020D

R‑MHS (Residential Mobilehome Subdivision District) and CD (Civic District)

• Purpose and standards: R‑MHS addresses mobilehome park development; CD provides for civic uses. See § 17.16.010 and the separate chapter for Civic District development standards; CD has special setback interactions with adjacent residential/mixed‑use zones (e.g., structures within 20 ft of a property line must comply with lesser of adjacent district setbacks or a formula). § 17.16.010; § 17.68.040
• Overlay effect: Historic overlay provisions apply where mapped; additional Article IV/V standards apply per the overlay rules. § 17.84.020D

O (Open Space)

• Purpose and standards: Open space district regulates permitted uses consistent with design guidelines and allows additional development standards to be determined through administrative or conditional use permits. § 17.68.030
• Overlay effect: If overlaid, the Historic zone requirements remain additive. § 17.84.020D

Key Overlay Standards (decision‑focused)

Checklist — what an applicant must satisfy when the Historic overlay applies

• Confirm whether the parcel is mapped in the Historic District (overlay) on the official zoning map on file with the City Clerk (§ 17.84.020C).
• Demonstrate compliance with the base-zone regulations (use, setbacks, height, FAR, parking) that apply to the parcel’s zoning district (see the district chapters and the development standards articles). § 17.16.010; Article IV references.
• Prepare materials to satisfy design review requirements — for historic projects, the approval authority must find the project will maintain/enhance small‑town character and historic resources (Design Review findings for Historic Zone). § 17.116.050(2). (Colfax Design Review)
• Provide a zoning clearance or other required permits (zoning clearance certification is required for building permits and major changes of use; 14‑day review target). § 17.28.020–.030.
• Meet any applicable Article IV general development regulations and Article V special-area or specific-use regulations (these are explicitly required by the Historic overlay). § 17.84.020D.
• Provide parking information consistent with Title 17 parking standards and local parking provisions for the base zone (see the parking chapter and parking considerations for lots). § 17.108.* and parking guidance in landscaping/parking sections. (Colfax Parking)
• If proposing an ADU, confirm ADU standards in Chapter 17.196 and how they interact with overlay rules. § 17.196.* (Colfax ADUs)
• Expect design/fundamental plan review for projects that affect historic resources (planning commission/Planning Director authority per design review chapter). § 17.116.040–.070; § 17.32.010.

Risks & Ambiguities

Plain‑English summary

Colfax has one active, mapped overlay in Title 17: the Historic District overlay. Where that overlay covers a parcel, you must meet the base‑zone rules AND the overlay’s preservation/design expectations (including applicable design review findings). Confirm whether your parcel is mapped in the overlay, get a zoning clearance, and expect design review focused on preserving small‑town historic character. § 17.84.020; § 17.28.020; § 17.116.050.

Information Gaps

• Full numeric setback, lot coverage and side/rear/front yard tables for R‑1, RM, I and other base zones — Not found in retrieved materials; development standards tables exist elsewhere in Title 17 but were not included in the excerpts. Verify with the City’s official Title 17 or planning staff.
• Any other overlays or specific‑plan overlays currently mapped (beyond Historic overlay) — the code excerpts show a repealed SD overlay but do not present a current list of other overlays. Verify with the current zoning map. § 17.84.030 (repeal note).

Source References

• Colfax Municipal Code, Title 17 — Chapter 17.84 (Overlay and Special Purpose Zones): § 17.84.010, § 17.84.020, § 17.84.030.
• Colfax Municipal Code — § 17.16.010 (Establishment of districts listing O, R‑1, RM, CR, CH, MU‑1, MU‑2, I, R‑MHS, CD).
• Colfax Municipal Code — Chapter 17.72 (Residential zones purpose and uses). § 17.72.010.
• Colfax Municipal Code — Chapter 17.76 (Commercial zones; permitted-use approach) and § 17.76.030B (height limits for C‑R and C‑H).
• Colfax Municipal Code — § 17.80.030 (Industrial zone general development standards).
• Colfax Municipal Code — Chapter 17.116 (Design review; findings including Historic Zone findings). § 17.116.050.
• Colfax Municipal Code — Chapter 17.28 (Zoning clearance certification and process). § 17.28.020–.030.
• Colfax Municipal Code — Chapter 17.196 (Accessory dwelling units). § 17.196.*.
• Municode print export / Colfax Title 17 source (code print). Source: library.municode.com (Title 17 — Zoning) — for the official online code, consult the City of Colfax municipal code online (search “Colfax Title 17 Zoning” on the municipal code site). (Print export indicated in the code file.)

Retrieved passages

• Colfax Zoning Code (Chapter 17.176.) Medium relevance show source text
• Colfax Zoning Code (Chapter 17.164.) Medium relevance show source text
• Colfax Zoning Code (title and) Medium relevance show source text
• Colfax Zoning Code (Article IV) Medium relevance show source text
• Colfax Zoning Code (Chapter 17.112.) Medium relevance show source text
• Colfax Zoning Code (Section 17.196.050) Medium relevance show source text
• Colfax Zoning Code (Chapter 17.180.) Medium relevance show source text
• Colfax Zoning Code (Title 17) Medium relevance show source text

Cited sections

• Colfax Municipal Code, Title 17 — **Chapter 17.84 (Overlay and Special Purpose Zones)**: **§ 17.84.010**, **§ 17.84.020**, **§ 17.84.030**. (Title 17)
• Colfax Municipal Code — **§ 17.16.010** (Establishment of districts listing **O**, **R‑1**, **RM**, **CR**, **CH**, **MU‑1**, **MU‑2**, **I**, **R‑MHS**, **CD**). (§ 17.16.010)
• Colfax Municipal Code — **Chapter 17.72** (Residential zones purpose and uses). § 17.72.010. (Chapter 17.72)
• Colfax Municipal Code — **Chapter 17.76** (Commercial zones; permitted-use approach) and **§ 17.76.030B** (height limits for **C‑R** and **C‑H**). (Chapter 17.76)
• Colfax Municipal Code — **§ 17.80.030** (Industrial zone general development standards). (§ 17.80.030)
• Colfax Municipal Code — **Chapter 17.116** (Design review; findings including Historic Zone findings). § 17.116.050. (Chapter 17.116)
• Colfax Municipal Code — **Chapter 17.28** (Zoning clearance certification and process). § 17.28.020–.030. (Chapter 17.28)
• Colfax Municipal Code — **Chapter 17.196** (Accessory dwelling units). § 17.196.*. (Chapter 17.196)
• Municode print export / Colfax Title 17 source (code print). Source: library.municode.com (Title 17 — Zoning) — for the official online code, consult the City of Colfax municipal code online (search “Colfax Title 17 Zoning” on the municipal code site). (Print export indicated in the code file.) (Title 17)
• Colfax_ZoningCode.md

• Official Colfax code library