Local zoning · Del Rey Oaks

Del Rey Oaks — Land Use

Land Use under the Del Rey Oaks local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the Del Rey Oaks Municipal Code (Title 17) actually says about land use: permitted uses, conditional uses, and the dimensional/property-development standards that drive decisions. For background and maps see the city's Del Rey Oaks zoning & planning overview. Throughout this page I cite the controlling local code sections (the § symbol + number) and the ordinance excerpts I searched. Where the Code delegates design detail or exceptions (for example design review or parking), I link to the local topic pages referenced below.

How Title 17 organizes land-use rules (quick map)

Title 17 divides the city into conventional zoning districts plus overlays. The primary districts addressed in practice are R‑1, R‑2, C, C‑1, D, ST, and the Visitor Commercial Overlay; the Code also contains an Affordable Housing Overlay (AF/OZ) and special chapters for accessory units and cannabis uses. General use rules and procedures (use permits, zoning permits, variances) apply citywide. See § 17.04.050, § 17.04.060, § 17.04.070–080 for the basic permit framework.

Note: where the Code directs design or relief processes I point you to the local Del Rey Oaks Design Review and the Del Rey Oaks Development Standards pages; parking rules are at Del Rey Oaks Parking.

District-by-district breakdown

R-1 — Single‑family residential (Chapter 17.08)

Purpose & where it applies

  • R‑1 is Del Rey Oaks' primary single‑family zone; rules are in § 17.08.010–100.

Typical permitted and conditional uses

  • Permitted: one‑family dwellings, public parks/playgrounds, and home occupations subject to a use permit as required in § 17.08.020.
  • Conditional: two‑family dwellings, schools, churches, clinics etc. are allowed only with a use permit (same §). Short‑term rentals require a conditional use permit in § 17.08.025.

Key dimensional & development standards (decision‑relevant)

  • Maximum height: 30 ft (except as otherwise permitted) — § 17.08.030.
  • Minimum lot area: 6,000 sf (standard single‑family lot) — § 17.08.040(A).
  • Maximum FAR / footprints: size table in § 17.08.040(B) (tabular limits by lot size).
  • Front yard: 20 ft minimum — § 17.08.050.
  • Side yards: each side 10% of lot width but not less than 6 ft (special exceptions apply) — § 17.08.060.
  • Rear yard: 20% of lot depth (max 20 ft) — § 17.08.070.
  • Garage requirement: 288 sf minimum garage area; carports are not allowed — § 17.08.090.

Notes on accessory/auxiliary housing

  • The Code retains an older auxiliary housing/unit regime in § 17.08.100 (owner occupancy and one extra parking space, detached setback 6 ft, design review required). New ADU rules are in Chapter 17.70 and are expressly aligned with State ADU law; see the local Del Rey Oaks ADUs page and § 17.70.010.

Relevant Code citations: § 17.08.020, § 17.08.025, § 17.08.030, § 17.08.040, § 17.08.050–080, § 17.08.090–100.

R-2 — Medium‑density residential (Chapter 17.12)

Purpose & uses

  • R‑2 allows all uses permitted in R‑1, plus two‑family dwellings, multiple dwellings, hotels, clubs, lodges, etc., subject to use permits where noted — § 17.12.020.

Key dimensional standards

  • Height: up to 35 ft / 3 stories, with special limits where R‑2 is surrounded by R‑1 — § 17.12.030.
  • Lot coverage: buildings may cover up to 60% — § 17.12.050.
  • Rear yard: 15 ft minimum — § 17.12.080.
  • Front/side yards: “Same as R‑1” for front and side unless otherwise specified; see § 17.12.060–070.

Relevant Code citations: § 17.12.020–090.

C — General commercial (Chapter 17.20)

Purpose & uses

  • C permits a broad range of commercial uses (retail, service, offices) appropriate to the district; some uses require a use permit — see § 17.20.020–025. Commercial cannabis operations are allowed only with a conditional use permit per § 17.20.025.

Dimensional and yard rules

  • Heights: same as R‑2 limits — § 17.20.030.
  • Yards: generally none except that dwellings within C must meet R‑1 side‑yard rules and a 10 ft rear yard is required where applicable — § 17.20.040.

Relevant Code citations: § 17.20.020–050.

C‑1 — Neighborhood commercial (Chapter 17.24)

Purpose & uses

  • C‑1 targets restricted neighborhood commercial needs (small retail, offices, limited services) — § 17.24.010–020. The Code lists permitted principal uses and a fairly long conditional‑use list (hotels, cocktail lounges, auto service stations, many specialty businesses) — § 17.24.020–030.

Property development standards and parking

  • The C‑1 property standards are in § 17.24.040 (development standards) and parking requirements appear and are applied by cross‑reference to the parking chapter — consult Del Rey Oaks Parking and § 17.24.040 for exact ratios and reductions.

Relevant Code citations: § 17.24.010–050.

D — Multiple‑family / density & design control (Chapter 17.16)

Purpose & use permitting

  • D is the city’s design/density control zone for multi‑family developments; no use is allowed without a use permit — § 17.16.010–030. Typical allowed conditional uses include condominium/planned developments, private pools and recreation for residents — § 17.16.030.

Standards to expect

  • The chapter prescribes project standards (minimum lot area, open space, vehicular circulation, parking standards tied to unit mix) and requires a fiscal impact study for any D‑zone development — see § 17.16.040(D) and related subsections. Off‑street parking requirements appear in the D chapter and are project‑specific (e.g., 1.75 spaces/unit for studios/1–2BR, 2 spaces for 3+ BR in earlier tables).

Relevant Code citations: § 17.16.010–040.

ST — Special Treatment / large‑lot / agricultural fragments (Chapter 17.28)

Purpose & uses

  • ST is for parcels needing special site‑specific treatment (large lots, agricultural/grazing uses, selective development) — § 17.28.010–060. Permitted uses include agriculture and single‑family, with special use permit options for larger developments (five‑acre minimum unless otherwise approved).

Standards

  • Building site area minimums, yard exceptions, and coverage are largely governed by approved project plans; minimums default to 5 acres in many cases but can vary — see § 17.28.030–080.

Relevant Code citations: § 17.28.010–090.

Visitor Commercial Overlay (Visitor / V overlay) (Chapter 17.32)

Purpose & uses

  • The Visitor Commercial Overlay permits RV parks, park models, clubhouses, and other recreation‑oriented visitor uses, and incorporates most C‑1 uses by reference; marquee visitor uses (inn/resort hotels) are conditional — § 17.32.010–040. Performance standards limit occupancy (e.g., no stays longer than 30 consecutive days without specific approval) — § 17.32.060.

Relevant Code citations: § 17.32.010–070.

Quick standards table (decision‑relevant)

District Typical permitted uses (short) Key dimensional limits / rules Code reference
R‑1 Single‑family dwellings; parks; limited home occupations Height 30 ft; min lot 6,000 sf; front 20 ft; side 10% of width min 6 ft; rear 20% of depth (max 20 ft) § 17.08.020–100
R‑2 R‑1 uses + two‑family, multiple dwellings, hotels Height 35 ft / 3 stories; lot coverage 60%; rear yard 15 ft; other yards “same as R‑1” § 17.12.020–090
C General commercial retail, service, offices Heights same as R‑2; yards generally none except where residential adjacency applies (rear 10 ft) § 17.20.020–050
C‑1 Neighborhood retail & professional offices; conditional: hotels, cocktail lounges, auto service Property development standards + parking (see § 17.24.040); many conditional uses listed in § 17.24.030 § 17.24.010–050
D Multi‑family planned developments (only with CUP) Project standards: setbacks, open space, parking by unit mix; density capped in project rules § 17.16.010–040
ST Agriculture, single family; large‑lot special treatment Often 5 acres minimum; many standards project‑specific (see § 17.28) § 17.28.010–090
Visitor Overlay RV parks, park models, inns (conditional) Visitor limits (max stay 30 days unless CUP); some C‑1 standards waived/modified § 17.32.010–060

How permits and discretionary review work (short)

  • A zoning permit is required for construction and is issued under § 17.04.060.
  • Use permits / conditional use permits are available when the Code lists a use as conditional or when exceptions are sought; purpose and required findings are in § 17.04.070–080; revocation and procedures are set out there as well.
  • Design review authority is referenced across chapters (e.g., auxiliary units and Affordable Housing Overlay require design review per chapter 17.56) — consult the local Del Rey Oaks Design Review page for process.

Checklist — what an applicant must satisfy before a typical site/building project is approvable

  • Confirm zoning district on the city zoning map and applicable overlay zones (verify parcel) — see § 17.04.040.
  • Confirm proposed use is permitted in that district or obtain a use permit where required (consult § 17.04.070–080 and the district's permitted/conditional lists).
  • Meet dimensional standards (height, setbacks, lot coverage, minimum lot size or FAR) listed in the district chapter — e.g., § 17.08.040–070 for R‑1.
  • Provide required parking as specified by the parking chapter and district cross‑references; consult Del Rey Oaks Parking.
  • If ADU: follow Chapter 17.70 and State ADU law; confirm whether local auxiliary housing rules or the updated ADU chapter apply — see Del Rey Oaks ADUs and § 17.70.010.
  • If project proposes design concessions, expect design review (Chapter 17.56 referenced) and possible development incentives or density averaging for Affordable Housing Overlay projects — see § 17.90 and § 17.56 (design review).
  • If commercial cannabis is proposed, secure CUP and city cannabis permits; see § 17.60.030–070.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Overlay applicability (AH‑OZ, Visitor Overlay) Overlays can change permitted uses, modify setbacks, and add required findings — they can make a previously permitted use conditional or vice versa Confirm parcel‑specific overlays on the city zoning map and read the overlay chapter (e.g., § 17.32, § 17.90) — Verify with the jurisdiction.
Which auxiliary/ADU standard controls The older auxiliary‑housing rules in § 17.08.100 coexist with the updated ADU chapter 17.70; state law may preempt some local limits Confirm whether your proposal is processed under Chapter 17.70 (ADU) or the older auxiliary unit rules and apply State ADU law; verify with the jurisdiction.
Project‑level deviations (setback reductions / incentives) Affordable Housing Overlay and D‑zone incentives may permit reduced setbacks or higher coverage subject to findings — these are discretionary If you seek incentives, expect design review and council‑level findings per § 17.90 and § 17.56; verify required findings and filing materials.
Parcel‑specific lot size / grandfathering Small lots that predate the ordinance may qualify for exceptions (e.g., R‑1 exceptions for pre‑existing small lots) Check the lot history and the exact text in § 17.08.040(A) for the “small area” exception; verify with the jurisdiction.
Parking and landscape specifics Parking ratios and landscaping are cross‑referenced or delegated to separate chapters, and the visitor overlay modifies those rules Consult the parking chapter and § 17.24.040 / § 17.32.060 for reductions/exceptions; verify drainage/BMP conditions with city engineer.

Plain‑English summary

Del Rey Oaks' zoning code is traditional: single‑family neighborhoods are regulated under R‑1 (20 ft front setback; 6,000 sf typical lot; 30 ft height), medium density under R‑2 (higher coverage and 35 ft height), and commercial pockets under C/C‑1 with specific conditional uses. Multi‑family, visitor, and affordable housing overlays add project‑specific requirements and discretionary review; almost all specific exceptions or density increases require a use permit and design review. Key citations you need to check for any project: § 17.04.060–080 (permits), § 17.08 (R‑1), § 17.12 (R‑2), § 17.24 (C‑1), § 17.16 (D), § 17.32 (Visitor), and § 17.70 (ADUs).

Source References

  • Del Rey Oaks Municipal Code, Title 17 (Zoning): general permit framework § 17.04.050–100 (zoning permits and use permits)
  • R‑1 District rules and standards: § 17.08.010–100 (permitted uses, setbacks, site area, garages, auxiliary housing)
  • R‑2 District rules: § 17.12.010–090 (permitted uses, height, lot coverage, yards)
  • C / C‑1 Districts: § 17.20.010–050 and § 17.24.010–050 (uses, conditional uses, property development standards)
  • D District (multi‑family design/density control): § 17.16.010–040 (use permit required, parking, open space, findings)
  • Visitor Commercial Overlay: § 17.32.010–070 (permitted visitor uses, occupancy limits, performance standards)
  • Accessory Dwelling Units: Chapter 17.70 (purpose and connection to State ADU law) — § 17.70.010–020
  • Commercial Cannabis rules: Chapter 17.60 (CUP requirement and allowable districts) — § 17.60.030–070

Also see local topic pages for process and implementation:

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Del Rey Oaks Zoning Code (§ 11-205-A-1) High relevance
  • Del Rey Oaks Zoning Code (Section 17.04.080) High relevance
  • CBC § 11 (title shall) High relevance
  • Del Rey Oaks Zoning Code (section are) High relevance
  • Del Rey Oaks Zoning Code (§ 11-205.1) High relevance
  • Del Rey Oaks Zoning Code (Title 6) High relevance
  • Del Rey Oaks Zoning Code (§ 11-206.1) High relevance
  • Del Rey Oaks Zoning Code (Section 17.24.050) High relevance
  • Del Rey Oaks Zoning Code (Section 17.90.030) High relevance
  • CBC § 11 (§ 11-217) High relevance
  • Del Rey Oaks Zoning Code (Section 17.16.020) High relevance
  • CBC § 11 (section are) High relevance
  • Del Rey Oaks Zoning Code (Title 17) High relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

What can I build on an R‑1 lot in Del Rey Oaks?

You may build a one‑family dwelling as a principal use; certain accessory uses and home occupations are allowed (some require a use permit). Applicable details are in § 17.08.020–040 (site area, footprint/FAR table, and accessory rules); front, side and rear yard minimums are in § 17.08.050–070.

What are Del Rey Oaks R‑1 setback requirements?

The R‑1 front setback is 20 ft; side yards must be 10% of lot width but not less than 6 ft (with specific exceptions), and rear yards are 20% of lot depth up to 20 ft — see § 17.08.050–070.

Can I build an ADU on my Del Rey Oaks lot and what rules apply?

ADUs are regulated in Chapter 17.70, which implements State ADU law; local ADU standards apply but must conform to State provisions — see § 17.70.010. The older auxiliary housing rules for R‑1 (e.g., owner‑occupancy, parking, 6 ft detached setback) remain in the Code at § 17.08.100, so verify which chapter governs your proposal with planning staff.

Do I need a conditional use permit (CUP) for short‑term rentals or hotels?

Yes — short‑term rentals in R‑1 and R‑2 require a conditional use permit per § 17.08.025 and § 17.12.025 respectively; hotels and inns are listed as conditional uses in C‑1 or the Visitor Overlay (see § 17.24.030 and § 17.32.040).

Where are commercial cannabis businesses allowed in Del Rey Oaks?

Commercial cannabis businesses are allowed only in specific commercial districts: C, C‑1, C‑1‑D and C‑1‑V, and they require a Conditional Use Permit plus city and state licensing; see § 17.60.050–070.

What are the R‑2 height and lot coverage limits?

R‑2 allows up to 35 ft / 3 stories (subject to surrounding R‑1 limitations) and up to 60% lot coverage; see § 17.12.030 and § 17.12.050.

If my parcel is in the Affordable Housing Overlay (AH‑OZ), what’s different?

The Affordable Housing Overlay (AH‑OZ / AF‑OZ) allows development incentives (density averaging, modest reductions in setbacks up to 10% under specific findings), mandates design review and affordable‑housing findings, and sets overlay standards (minimum units/acre, max height 35 ft, building coverage caps) — see the AH‑OZ provisions in § 17.90 and the referenced design review rules in § 17.56. Verify project incentives and required findings with planning staff.

Where do I find parking requirements for a commercial project?

Parking is referenced in each district’s property standards (for example § 17.24.040 for C‑1) and there is a city parking chapter (see the city Del Rey Oaks Parking page). Visitor overlays may modify parking ratios; check § 17.32.060 for visitor district performance standards.

Who decides use permits and design review?

Use permits and revocations are processed per § 17.04.070–100 (planning commission procedures); many design or architectural controls are handled via the design review chapter (17.56) or an architectural control committee referenced in C‑1 rules — see the local Del Rey Oaks Design Review page. ---

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