Local zoning · Commerce

Commerce — Zoning

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

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Last reviewed: July 1, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the City of Commerce zoning ordinance (Title 19 of the Commerce Municipal Code) actually says about zoning: zone map, zone list, permitted/conditional uses, and key dimensional standards. It focuses only on zoning (use and development standards, overlays, and map rules) — not building-code details or tenant/housing law. The city adopts an official zoning map by reference and divides the city into specific zones including R-1, R-2, R-3, C-2, C/M-1, M-1, M-2, PF, plus overlay tools such as (PD) and MSP; these definitions and the map rule are in § 19.05.010–020.

NOTE: This summary is an ordinance synthesis and points you to the controlling local code sections. Verify parcel-specific conclusions with the City of Commerce Community Development Department.

How to read this page

Zones established (official map + boundary rules)

  • The code lists the city zones and adopts the official zoning map on file with the city clerk; the map is an integral part of Title 19 and must be maintained current. See § 19.05.010–020.
  • If a boundary is unclear, the ordinance prescribes rules (center lines, lot lines) and a written planning commission decision process for disputes — § 19.05.030.

Zones enumerated by the code: R-1, R-2, R-3, C-2, C/M-1, M-1, M-2, PF, (PD) Planned Development Overlay, and MSP Modelo Specific Plan. See § 19.05.010.

District-by-district breakdown

Below are the city’s zone districts with the ordinance-stated purpose, the typical permitted uses, and the key numeric standards the code prescribes where available. Each numeric item is grounded in the controlling code section (the § number is cited).

NOTE: Where the uploaded materials do not include numeric standards for a district, the text says “Not found in retrieved materials” and you should Verify with the jurisdiction.

R-1 — Low-density Residential

  • Purpose: Provide areas for detached and attached single‑family dwellings and protect single‑family neighborhood character. § 19.07.010(1).
  • Typical permitted/conditional uses: single‑family dwellings (P), accessory dwelling units (P), accessory buildings (A); certain childcare and community uses may be conditional. See § 19.07.020 / Table 19.07.020A.
  • Key dimensional standards (development standards apply citywide to R zones in § 19.07.030):
    • Maximum density: 0–8.70 dwelling units/acre. § 19.07.030(1).
    • Minimum lot area: 4,000 sf. § 19.07.030(2).
    • Maximum building height: 25 ft., two‑story max. § 19.07.030(4).
    • Front yard setback: 20 ft. minimum. § 19.07.030(6).
    • Side yard: 10% of average lot width each side (min 3 ft). § 19.07.030(9).
    • Rear yard: 15 ft. minimum. § 19.07.030(13).
    • Maximum lot coverage: 45% of lot area. § 19.07.030(16).
    • Floor‑area limits / FAR are expressed as 40% allowable floor area for one unit (see § 19.07.030(15)).

Practical note: Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are allowed as “Dwelling Unit, Accessory” in R zones (see § 19.07.020); also consult the City's ADU guidance and state ADU laws for ministerial limits.

R-2 — Medium-density Residential

  • Purpose: accommodate single‑family and duplex units and stabilize medium-density areas. § 19.07.010(2).
  • Typical uses: single‑family and duplex (P), limited accessory uses; multifamily generally not by right. See § 19.07.020 / Table 19.07.020A.
  • Key standards (from § 19.07.030):
    • Maximum density: 8.71–14.52 dus/acre. § 19.07.030(1).
    • Minimum lot area: 5,000 sf (or 3,000 sf/unit for certain two‑unit configurations). § 19.07.030(2).
    • Height: 25 ft. max. § 19.07.030(4).
    • Front yard: 20 ft. § 19.07.030(6).
    • Lot coverage / FAR / side/rear yards same method as R-1 — see § 19.07.030.

R-3 — High-density Residential

  • Purpose: Provide for multifamily housing (apartments) and higher densities while providing open space amenities. § 19.07.010(3).
  • Typical uses: multifamily dwellings (P), some conditional community uses. See § 19.07.020.
  • Key standards (from § 19.07.030):
    • Maximum density: 21.78 dus/acre (subject to rounding rules). § 19.07.030(1).
    • Minimum lot area: 2,000 sf/unit, not less than 7,500 sf total. § 19.07.030(2).
    • Height: 35 ft. or three stories, whichever is less. § 19.07.030(4).
    • Front yard: 15 ft. minimum. § 19.07.030(6).
    • Side and rear yards, distance between buildings rules in § 19.07.030.

(See Table 19.07.030A for the full R‑zone development standards: § 19.07.030.)

C-2 — Commercial

  • Purpose: Retail and service commercial corridor and neighborhood‑serving commercial uses. See § 19.09.020.
  • Typical permitted uses: broad retail/service mix (many retail uses are P); some uses require a conditional use permit (e.g., bars, auto dealers, gaming, entertainment). See Table 19.09.010A in § 19.09.020 for a use-by-use matrix.
  • Key standards and special rules (selected):
    • Outdoor activity limitation: Uses in the C‑2 zone generally must be conducted within a completely enclosed building except for parking/loading, uses approved via CUP, and certain temporary uses — § 19.09.040.
    • Fences/walls: max 6 ft height generally; solid masonry wall of 8 ft required along property lines adjoining residential zones/schools/parks (reduced to 3.5 ft along front yard). See § 19.09.060(B–C).
    • Projections into setbacks and other site standards are spelled out in § 19.09.050 and associated tables.
  • For full permitted‑use table and conditions, consult § 19.09.010 / Table 19.09.010A.

Practical note: many commercial uses are also subject to chapterwide site and performance standards (noise, odor, landscaping, parking) — see Chapter 19.19 and Chapter 19.21 (off‑street parking) referenced from the zone chapters.

C/M-1, M-1, M-2 — Commercial‑Manufacturing and Manufacturing zones

  • Purpose (general): allow a mix of commercial/manufacturing (C/M‑1) and industrial uses (light manufacturing M‑1, heavy manufacturing M‑2). See § 19.05.010 and Chapter 19.11 for manufacturing zone intent.
  • Typical permitted uses: assembly, fabrication, warehousing, distribution, and compatible commercial‑industrial services — specific uses are enumerated in the manufacturing zone tables (Chapter 19.11). Not all numeric limits for these zones were present in the retrieved excerpts.
  • Key numeric development standards: Not found in retrieved materials for all numeric M‑zone standards (Verify with the jurisdiction; see Chapter 19.11 in Title 19).

PF — Public Facility (commercial public facility)

  • Purpose: Provide sites for community services and public uses (fire station, schools, parks, public buildings). § 19.13.010 and use tables.
  • Typical permitted/conditional uses: churches, libraries, police/fire stations, parks, hospitals (C), public parking structures, utilities — see Table 19.13.020A for the full list. § 19.13.020.
  • Key standards (Table 19.13.030A / § 19.13.030):
    • Minimum lot area: 15,000 sf (Table 19.13.030A). § 19.13.030.
    • Permitted projections into required open space and fence rules are in § 19.13.040–050.

(PD) — Planned Development Overlay

  • Purpose: The PD overlay is an overlay that customizes standards for a large, planned project and emphasizes design; it is applied in addition to the underlying zone (§ 19.15.010).
  • Application rules: All PDs require approval of a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) and a zone change, a master plan and traffic management plan, and a minimum project size (40,000 sf minimum site area). See § 19.15.030–040.
  • PD standards may vary from the underlying zone, but must still meet open space, landscaping, and parking requirements of the underlying zone (§ 19.15.040(E)).

MSP — Modelo Specific Plan

  • The Modelo Specific Plan (MSP) is incorporated by reference; where the specific plan contains different standards (height, density, parking, etc.), the specific plan controls over Title 19 for sites within MSP. See § 19.16.020.

Housing Opportunity Overlay (HOO)

  • The HOO is an overlay to allow residential redevelopment of underutilized industrial sites; it raises by‑right residential entitlements on eligible industrial parcels. See § 19.47.010–050 for purpose and development standards.
  • Representative HOO numeric standards (Table 19.11.040A / § 19.47.040A):
    • Maximum residential density: 40 du/ac. § 19.47.040A(1).
    • Maximum nonresidential intensity: 1.0 FAR. § 19.47.040A(2).
    • Maximum height: up to 5 stories / 60 ft where allowed; setbacks and frontage types are specified in the HOO chapter. § 19.47.040A(5).

Quick reference table — decision‑relevant standards (selected)

District / Standard Key numeric standard (code) Code Reference
R‑1 — Min lot area 4,000 sf § 19.07.030(2)
R‑1 — Front setback 20 ft. min § 19.07.030(6)
R‑1 — Max height 25 ft. (two‑story) § 19.07.030(4)
R‑1 / R‑2 / R‑3 — Max lot coverage 45% § 19.07.030(16)
C‑2 — Indoor use requirement Uses must be within enclosed building except parking/loading and CUP uses § 19.09.040
PF — Min lot area 15,000 sf § 19.13.030 (Table 19.13.030A)
HOO — Max residential density 40 du/acre § 19.47.040A(1)
Official zoning map Map on file with city clerk; map controls with boundary rules in code § 19.05.020–030

How zoning decisions are processed (very briefly)

  • Discretionary actions (CUPs, variances, zone changes, general plan amendments) follow Chapter 19.39 procedures; planning commission and city council roles are set out in § 19.39. Change‑of‑zone initiation and hearings are in § 19.39.270–300.
  • Variances must meet findings in § 19.39.480–510; a variance cannot authorize a use not allowed by the zone.
  • PD overlays require a CUP and zone change and must submit a master plan and traffic management plan (see § 19.15.030–040).

Checklist (what an applicant must satisfy before filing/expect)

  • Verify the parcel’s zone on the official zoning map maintained by the city clerk (§ 19.05.020) and confirm zone boundary if ambiguous per § 19.05.030.
  • Confirm proposed use is listed as Permitted (P), Accessory (A), or requires a Conditional Use Permit (C) in the applicable zone table (e.g., § 19.07.020, § 19.09.010, § 19.13.020).
  • Design project to meet the zone’s development standards (setbacks, height, lot area, lot coverage, FAR) — see § 19.07.030, § 19.13.030, HOO table § 19.47.040A as applicable; consult Commerce Development Standards.
  • Provide required off‑street parking per Chapter 19.21 and consult the City parking rules early (see Commerce Parking).
  • If the project triggers discretionary review (CUP, variance, or zone change), prepare required findings and materials per Chapter 19.39; determine hearing body per Table 19.39.020A.
  • If in an overlay (e.g., PD, HOO, MSP), confirm overlay/plan controls and any superseding specific‑plan standards (see § 19.15, § 19.47, § 19.16.020).
  • Check sign rules (Title 19 references Chapter 19.25), landscaping (Chapter 19.23), and design review triggers (see Commerce Design Review).
  • For ADUs, follow local ADU allowance noted in residential use tables (see § 19.07.020) and consult the City ADU page and state ADU laws.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Zone boundary ambiguity A small parcel may straddle zones; permitted uses and standards differ by zone. Confirm official zoning map; if unclear, request planning commission boundary determination per § 19.05.030.
Manufacturing zones (M‑1 / M‑2) numeric standards Manufacturing chapters were not fully present in retrieved excerpts — numeric setbacks / heights may affect feasibility. Review full Chapter 19.11 in Title 19 or ask Community Development to produce the M‑zone standards. Not found in retrieved materials.
Use not listed in table The director can deem an unlisted use similar to a listed use, which affects approval route. Confirm whether the Community Development Director has administratively classified your proposed use per § 19.07.020(C) / similar provisions in each zone.
Planned Development (PD) deviations PDs may deviate from underlying standards but still must meet open space/parking/landscaping rules. If pursuing PD, expect CUP + zone change and review master plan requirements (§ 19.15.040).
Overlays vs. underlying code Specific Plan or MSP rules can supersede Title 19 numeric standards. Confirm whether a parcel lies within the Modelo Specific Plan or other specific plans; see § 19.16.020.

Plain‑English summary

Commerce’s zoning rules live in Title 19: the city uses a single official zoning map and clear zone tables to say what you can build where. Residential zones (R‑1/R‑2/R‑3) set concrete minimum lot sizes, setbacks, heights, and lot‑coverage limits (for example, R‑1 front setback 20 ft., height 25 ft., min lot 4,000 sf — § 19.07.030). Commercial and public facility chapters list permitted uses and special site rules (e.g., C‑2 limits outdoor activity; PF has a 15,000 sf minimum lot in some cases). Overlays (PD, HOO, MSP) can change these rules for covered sites; always check the official zoning map and the specific zone chapter to confirm both allowed uses and numeric standards.

Source References

  • Commerce Municipal Code, Title 19 — Zones established and official map: § 19.05.010–020.
  • Residential zones (R‑1 / R‑2 / R‑3) — permitted uses and development standards: § 19.07.010–040; Table 19.07.020A; Table 19.07.030A.
  • Commercial zone (C‑2) — permitted uses and activity restrictions (use table and outdoor use limits): § 19.09.010–060; Table 19.09.010A.
  • Public Facility zone (PF) — uses and development standards: § 19.13.020–030; Table 19.13.020A; Table 19.13.030A.
  • Planned Development overlay (PD) — purpose, application, standards: § 19.15.010–040.
  • Modelo Specific Plan (MSP): incorporation and primacy where different: § 19.16.010–020.
  • Housing Opportunity Overlay (HOO): intent and development standards (Table 19.11.040A / § 19.47.040A).
  • Administration and procedure (CUPs, zone change, variances, hearings): Chapter 19.39 (Divisions on procedures, findings, variances).
  • Definitions and measurement rules (lot area, lot coverage, yards): Chapter 19.45 definitions.

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Commerce Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
  • Commerce Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
  • Commerce Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
  • Commerce Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
  • Commerce Zoning Code (Title 19) Medium relevance
  • Commerce Zoning Code (Section 50079.5.) Medium relevance
  • Commerce Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
  • Commerce Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
  • Commerce Zoning Code (Chapter 19.39) High relevance
  • Commerce Zoning Code (Chapter 19.07) High relevance
  • Commerce Zoning Code (Chapter 19.07) High relevance
  • Commerce Zoning Code (§ 4) High relevance
  • Commerce Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
  • Commerce Zoning Code (Chapter 19.19.) Medium relevance
  • Commerce Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

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

In R‑1 (Low‑density Residential) the primary permitted use is single‑family dwelling and typical accessory uses (including Accessory Dwelling Units) are allowed; some uses (larger single‑family additions, childcare centers) may require CUPs or special conditions. See the R‑zone use table and development standards in § 19.07.020–030.

What are Commerce front‑yard setback requirements for single‑family homes?

For R‑1 and R‑2 the minimum front setback is 20 ft.; for R‑3 the minimum front setback is 15 ft. These are the residential development standards in § 19.07.030.

Do I need a conditional use permit (CUP) for a new commercial use in C‑2?

Some commercial uses in C‑2 are permitted outright, others are conditional (C) and require a CUP; the use table Table 19.09.010A in § 19.09.020 identifies which uses require a CUP. CUP procedures and findings are in Chapter 19.39.

Where do I confirm my parcel’s zone and whether overlays apply?

Check the City’s official zoning map on file with the city clerk — the map is adopted into Title 19 and is the authoritative source for parcel zoning (§ 19.05.020). Also check whether your parcel lies in an overlay (PD, HOO, MSP) because overlay chapters can change allowed uses/standards (§ 19.05.010; § 19.15; § 19.47; § 19.16.020).

Can I have an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) in R zones?

Yes — the use tables list Dwelling Unit, Accessory as Permitted in R‑zones (§ 19.07.020). Local ADU allowances are subject to state ADU law limits as well; consult the City ADU page and state guidance.

What if the zoning map line splits my lot?

If a boundary splits a lot or uncertainty remains, the ordinance provides that the planning commission may issue a written boundary determination; see § 19.05.030(D). Verify with the Community Development Director if this applies.

Are outdoor commercial uses allowed in C‑2?

Generally, uses in the C‑2 zone must be conducted inside a completely enclosed building, except for parking/loading, temporary uses, or where a CUP allows outdoor activity — see § 19.09.040.

What standards apply if I propose a Planned Development (PD)?

PDs require a CUP and a zone change, a master plan, and a traffic management plan; PD development standards may deviate from the underlying zone but must still comply with open space, landscaping, and parking requirements of the underlying zone (§ 19.15.030–040).

Are there specific height/density incentives for converting industrial sites to housing?

Yes — the Housing Opportunity Overlay (HOO) allows by‑right residential development on identified industrial opportunity sites with higher densities (example: up to 40 du/ac, up to 5 stories / 60 ft where allowed). See § 19.47.040A for the HOO standards.

Who decides if a use not listed in the table is allowed?

The Community Development Director has authority to determine the closest comparable listed use and whether the unlisted use is permitted; see the use‑table notes in § 19.07.020(C) and similar clauses in zone chapters. ---

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