Local zoning · Del Rey Oaks

Del Rey Oaks — Zoning

Zoning 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 Zoning Ordinance (Title 17) actually requires about zoning: the official district categories, what each district allows, and the decision‑relevant dimensional and procedural standards you will run into when proposing a project. It is grounded in the city code language (Title 17) and points to the controlling sections (§) so you can verify specifics with the ordinance. The city’s zoning map and rules determine where each district applies; see the rules on the map and boundaries in § 17.04.030 and § 17.04.040 .

How to read this page

  • Bolded terms are code names or numbers (for quick scanning).
  • The first time I mention related operational topics I link to the corresponding GoCodebook menu page (parking, design review, overlays, ADUs, development standards, etc.) so you can jump to more procedural content.
  • Every substantive requirement below is tied to the specific code section (the § number) and the ordinance excerpt I used is cited.

Zoning districts (district‑by‑district)

Note: the zoning districts and the map are adopted in Title 17. The map itself is made part of Chapter 17.04; if a boundary is unclear, the rules in § 17.04.040 control (street/alley/lot lines or map scale) .

R-1 (Single‑family residential)

Purpose

  • Preserve single‑family neighborhoods and control scale/density of houses. See § 17.08.010 .

Typical permitted uses

  • One‑family dwellings, public parks/playgrounds, and home occupations subject to use permit rules; two‑family dwellings, schools, churches, and similar institutional uses may be allowed with a use permit (§ 17.08.020) .

Key dimensional and program standards

  • Height: buildings limited to 30 ft unless otherwise allowed (§ 17.08.030) .
  • Minimum lot area: standard minimum 6,000 sq ft for a dwelling (§ 17.08.040(A)) and the code includes a graduated maximum building footprint/FAR schedule by lot size (see table excerpt in § 17.08.040(B)) .
  • Front yard: 20 ft minimum (§ 17.08.050) .
  • Side yard: each side at least 10% of lot width but not less than 6 ft (special rules for narrow lots/corner lots) (§ 17.08.060) .
  • Rear yard: 20% of lot depth, capped at 20 ft (§ 17.08.070) .
  • Auxiliary housing / ADUs: the code retains a local auxiliary housing unit regime (limits, owner‑occupancy and use permit triggers) at § 17.08.100; modern state ADU law interacts with this—see “Information Gaps” below and the local ADU chapter for details. Link to the ADU page: Del Rey Oaks ADUs (§ 17.08.100) .

Where it applies

  • Applied per the city Zoning Map; boundaries and tie‑breaker rules are in § 17.04.030 and § 17.04.040 .

R-2 (Multiple‑family residential)

Purpose

  • Provide for higher residential intensity than R-1 while still controlling layout and building spacing (§ 17.12.010) .

Typical permitted uses

  • All uses allowed in R-1 (subject to any R-1 use permits) plus two‑family dwellings, dwelling groups, multiple dwellings, hotels, clubs, lodges; some automobile‑camp style uses with permits (§ 17.12.020) .

Key dimensional and program standards

  • Rear yard: 15 ft minimum (§ 17.12.080) .
  • Distance between main buildings on same lot: 15 ft minimum (special rules for dwelling groups; see § 17.12.090) .
  • Many of the R‑2 spacing requirements are carried into multi‑unit overlay standards (see AH‑OZ below) .

Where it applies

  • Per the Zoning Map and the district rules in Chapter 17.12; see § 17.04.030 for map incorporation .

D (Garden‑type apartment / density and design control)

Purpose

  • A density/design control zone intended to concentrate multiple‑family development with design, open‑space and lot‑area controls (§ 17.16.010) .

Typical permitted uses

  • No uses are permitted without a use/conditional permit; allowed uses by CUP include common‑interest subdivisions, condominiums, planned development townhouses, private resident‑only recreation, accessory buildings, parking (§ 17.16.030) .

Key dimensional and program standards

  • Minimum lot area: 14,000 sq ft; lot width min 80 ft, lot depth min 100 ft (§ 17.16.D.1) .
  • Area per dwelling unit: min 1,500 sq ft; usable open space 400 sq ft/unit; front yard 20 ft, side yard typically 7 ft (with story increases), rear 15 ft (§ 17.16.D.2–4) .
  • Height: principal buildings up to 35 ft / 3½ stories; lot coverage 50% maximum (§ 17.16.D.5–6) .
  • Projects require conditional use permit and must meet plan, landscaping, open space, fiscal impact study and design objectives (§ 17.16.E) . Design review procedures referenced in Chapter 17.56 apply.

Where it applies

  • Where parcels are mapped as D on the Zoning Map; plan‑level review is required for any D‑zoned project (§ 17.16.020–030) .

C districts (General commercial / C, C‑1 and C variants)

Purpose

  • Accommodate retail, service and commercial service activities in appropriate locations (§ 17.20.010) .

Typical permitted uses

  • Permitted uses differ by C subtype. The Code includes a C‑1 subtype with additional conditions; some uses require buildings to be enclosed; design and utility (undergrounding) standards can apply (§ 17.24.050) .

Key dimensional and program standards and conditions

  • Many C‑zone uses must be entirely indoors (exceptions listed in § 17.24.050(A)); where C‑1 sits across a street from R or D zones, landscaped parking setbacks apply (§ 17.24.050(B)) .
  • Parking requirements and surfacing obligations are specified in the C chapters (see § 17.24.040/050 and the off‑street parking chapter) — consult the city’s parking rules Del Rey Oaks Parking for design and counts .

Where it applies

  • As shown on the Zoning Map and in Chapters 17.20 / 17.24; boundaries per § 17.04.030–040 .

ST (Special Treatment)

Purpose

  • Protect agricultural/open land values while allowing limited residential/agricultural uses (§ 17.28.010) .

Typical permitted uses

  • Agriculture and grazing, single‑family residences; some conditional uses allowed (§ 17.28.020–030) .

Key standards

  • Specific use permit triggers and development standards are in Chapter 17.28; short‑term rentals are permitted with a conditional use permit (§ 17.28.025) .

Where it applies

  • Parcels mapped ST on the Zoning Map; see § 17.04.030 for map incorporation and § 17.04.040 for boundaries .

Overlay districts — key overlays in Title 17

The city uses overlays to modify base district rules. Two prominent overlays in the code are:

  • Affordable Housing Overlay (AH‑OZ or AF‑OZ) — purpose is to facilitate affordable housing by allowing incentives (density averaging, limited setbacks relaxations, building coverage rules, fee waivers). Development standards and incentive rules are in § 17.90.030 and related subsections; projects still require design review and findings consistent with state housing law (§ 17.90.030 and related) .

    • Examples of incentives: density averaging; setbacks may be reduced up to 10% as a council‑approved incentive; building coverage cap commonly 50%, minimum not less than 45% under incentives; height commonly 35 ft and 20–7–15 setback scheme consistent with R‑2 (§ 17.90.030 and table excerpt) .

  • Visitor Commercial Overlay (VCO) — establishes visitor‑oriented uses (RV parks, park models, clubhouses) and performance standards (e.g., occupancy limits, additional CUP triggers); see Chapter 17.32 (§ 17.32.010–060) .

Where overlays apply

  • Overlays are mapped and/or adopted by ordinance amendment; the AH‑OZ overlay amendment explicitly requires a zoning map amendment to apply the overlay (see § 17.90.030.L) — check the Zoning Map exhibit and ordinance exhibit (map/exhibit A) for exact parcels; the zoning map exhibit referenced in the ordinance was not included in the retrieved file excerpts (Exhibit A picture omitted) .

Quick standards table (decision‑relevant summary)

District Typical permitted primary uses (short) Key dimensional standards Code Reference
R‑1 Single‑family dwellings; parks; limited institutional with CUP Height 30 ft; Front 20 ft; Side min 10% lot width / ≥6 ft; lot min 6,000 sq ft; building footprints/FAR by lot size table in code § 17.08.020–070
R‑2 All R‑1 uses + duplexes, multiple dwellings, hotels (some CUPs) Rear 15 ft; Min spacing between main buildings 15 ft; dwelling group spacing rules (§ 17.12.090) § 17.12.020, 17.12.080–090
D Garden‑type multi‑family via CUP (condos, PD townhouses) Min lot 14,000 sq ft; Lot area/unit 1,500 sq ft; Height ≤35 ft; Lot coverage 50%; open space 400 sq ft/unit § 17.16.010–030, D standards
C / C‑1 Retail, service, commercial; some outdoor exceptions Use‑specific enclosure rules; parking surfacing & screening; undergrounding utilities required in C‑1 (see § 17.24.050) § 17.20.010, 17.24.050
ST Agriculture / single‑family Permitted agriculture; single family; CUPs for other uses; short‑term rentals allowed with CUP (§ 17.28.025) § 17.28.010–030
AH‑OZ / AF‑OZ (Affordable Housing Overlay) Affordable housing projects (incentivized) Density 20–25 units/acre; Height ≤35 ft; Coverage 50%; setbacks consistent with R‑2; incentives allow limited setback reduction (≤10%) and fee waivers § 17.90.030 and table (AH‑OZ standards)

Checklist (what an applicant must satisfy)

  • Confirm parcel base zoning and any overlays on the official Del Rey Oaks Zoning Map (map and boundaries are adopted into Title 17 — see § 17.04.030–040) . Verify exhibit maps where appropriate (some exhibits are ordinance attachments).
  • Determine whether the proposed use is a permitted use, accessory use, or conditional/prohibited use in that district (check the district chapter: e.g., § 17.08.020 for R‑1, § 17.12.020 for R‑2) .
  • If a use permit/CUP is required, prepare materials per § 17.04.070–080 and any chapter‑specific CUP procedures (design, fiscal study for some D/overlay projects) .
  • Meet district dimensional standards (height, setbacks, lot area, lot coverage, building spacing). Refer to the district chapter and the building footprint/FAR tables for R‑1 (§ 17.08.040(B)) .
  • Check whether design review is triggered (many multi‑unit, overlay, and exterior modifications require design review; see Chapter 17.56 and AH‑OZ references to design review) and follow the Del Rey Oaks Design Review procedures .
  • Prepare parking plans that comply with the off‑street parking chapter and any C‑zone surfacing/screening rules; consult Del Rey Oaks Parking and § 17.24.040–050 .
  • If proposing an ADU/auxiliary housing unit, check § 17.08.100 for local ADU rules and coordinate with state ADU law as necessary; see Del Rey Oaks ADUs and California ADU law .
  • If seeking overlay incentives (e.g., AH‑OZ), assemble required affordability agreements and design permit materials; see § 17.90.030 for required findings and incentives .
  • Obtain any required zoning permit before building permits (zoning permits required for all buildings/structures per § 17.04.060) .

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Exact parcel zoning / overlay boundaries The ordinance references exhibits and a Zoning Map; the map determines which district and which overlay applies. Discrepancies change permitted uses and standards. Verify the official city Zoning Map and any ordinance exhibits (Exhibit A) and request an official map certification from the City; see § 17.04.030–040.
Local ADU rules vs state ADU law Title 17 contains an auxiliary housing section (e.g., § 17.08.100) that imposes owner‑occupancy and other conditions that may conflict with state law. Confirm current local amendments and how the city applies state ADU preemption; verify through Planning staff and the ADU chapter. See § 17.08.100 (local auxiliary housing) and consult state ADU law.
Interpretation of overlay incentives (AH‑OZ) Incentive language (setback reductions, density averaging, fee waivers) requires findings and design review—interpretation can materially change project size. Verify scope of incentives, required affordability terms, and the Zoning Map amendment that applied AH‑OZ to parcels (§ 17.90.030).
Where the Zoning Map graphic is not included The ordinance text references map exhibits that were omitted in the retrieved file excerpts (the exhibit image was intentionally omitted). Request the official electronic/printed Zoning Map from City Hall or Planning and confirm overlay boundaries. (Exhibit omission noted in AH‑OZ adoption language.)
Parking counts and design details Off‑street parking minimums and surfacing/screening rules differ by district (particularly C vs R zones) and can trigger additional site work. Confirm parking counts in the parking chapter and apply C‑zone surfacing/screening rules (§ 17.24.040–050). See the city parking page for procedural guidance.

Plain‑English summary

Del Rey Oaks’ zoning (Title 17) divides the city into familiar districts — R‑1, R‑2, D, C (and C variants) and ST — plus mapped overlays such as the Affordable Housing Overlay and Visitor Commercial Overlay; each district spells out allowed uses, heights, setbacks and lot‑size rules and the city’s zoning map determines which rules apply to your parcel (see § 17.04.020–040) .

Information Gaps

  • The retrieved file excerpts reference map exhibits and illustrative images (Exhibit A) that were omitted from the upload; the exact parcel‑level overlay mapping could not be verified from the retrieved materials (Exhibit A picture intentionally omitted) — verify the official Zoning Map with the City. Not found in retrieved materials: the graphic zoning map image/exhibit files themselves.
  • The interplay of the local auxiliary housing (ADU) rules in § 17.08.100 with current state ADU law is not fully resolved in the excerpts. Verify with Planning staff and the city’s ADU chapter and state law.

Source References

  • Zoning plan adoption, district establishment, and map rules: § 17.04.010 – § 17.04.040
  • Zoning permits, use permit purpose and procedure: § 17.04.060 – § 17.04.080
  • R‑1 district (uses, height, setbacks, FAR/footprint tables, auxiliary housing): § 17.08.010 – § 17.08.100
  • R‑2 district rules and distances between buildings: § 17.12.010 – § 17.12.090
  • D district (purpose, CUP uses, lot/unit standards): Chapter 17.16 (multiple sections)
  • C / C‑1 district conditions and commercial development standards: Chapters 17.20 / 17.24 (see § 17.24.050)
  • Visitor Commercial Overlay (Chapter 17.32) and performance standards: § 17.32.010 – § 17.32.060
  • Affordable Housing Overlay (AH‑OZ / AF‑OZ) incentives and standards: § 17.90.030 and related subsections (development incentives, map amendment language)
  • Definitions, general provisions and applicability language: § 17.04.150 – § 17.04.170 and other general rules in Title 17
  • Cannabis locations and district allowances (example of district‑specific use rules): § 17.60.050 (allowed in C, C‑1, C‑1‑D, C‑1‑V)

(For procedural steps like design review, parking plan preparation, and ADU specific process see the GoCodebook pages linked inline: Del Rey Oaks Design Review, Del Rey Oaks Parking, Del Rey Oaks ADUs, and Del Rey Oaks Development Standards.)

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Del Rey Oaks Zoning Code (Section 17.90.030) High relevance
  • Del Rey Oaks Zoning Code (CHAPTER 17.04) High relevance
  • Del Rey Oaks Zoning Code (Section 17.04.080) High relevance
  • Del Rey Oaks Zoning Code (§ 11-204.1) High relevance
  • Del Rey Oaks Zoning Code (§ 11-202.2) 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 (Section 17.16.020) 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 matter of right; certain accessory uses are allowed and some institutional uses (schools, churches, clinics) may be allowed with a use permit. Dimensional limits include 30 ft height, 20 ft front yard, and minimum lot area 6,000 sq ft; see § 17.08.020–070 for the full rules and the lot‑size/FAR table in § 17.08.040(B) .

What are Del Rey Oaks setback requirements for single‑family houses?

Standard front yard for R‑1 is 20 ft, side yards are 10% of lot width but not less than 6 ft (with exceptions for narrow and corner lots), and rear yard is 20% of lot depth (max 20 ft); these are in § 17.08.050–070 .

Do I need design review in Del Rey Oaks?

Many residential and all multi‑unit or overlay projects require design review under Chapter 17.56; affordable housing overlay developments and multi‑unit projects specifically reference design review as a required step (see AH‑OZ references and § 17.56.030 language cited in the overlay chapter) — verify in the project chapter (e.g., § 17.90.030 for AH‑OZ) .

Are ADUs allowed in R‑1 districts in Del Rey Oaks?

Title 17 contains an auxiliary housing unit (local ADU) rule in § 17.08.100 with limits (e.g., up to 450 sq ft, owner‑occupancy and parking requirements listed). However, state ADU law may preempt some local conditions; confirm the city’s ADU rules and their current relationship to state law (see § 17.08.100) .

What does the Affordable Housing Overlay (AH‑OZ / AF‑OZ) allow?

The AH‑OZ/AF‑OZ lets qualifying affordable housing projects take development incentives — for example density averaging, limited setback reductions (up to 10%), building coverage set at 50% (not less than 45% under some incentives), and fee waivers — while requiring specific affordability agreements and findings; see § 17.90.030 for the standards and required findings .

How do I resolve a boundary ambiguity on the Zoning Map?

When a district boundary is unclear, Title 17 prescribes that boundaries shown as following streets or alleys follow that street/alley line; where following a lot line the lot line controls; otherwise use the map scale to resolve the line — see § 17.04.040. For certainty, obtain a map certification from the City (the official Zoning Map is adopted into Title 17) .

Are commercial cannabis businesses allowed and where?

Commercial cannabis businesses are permitted only in specific commercial districts: C, C‑1, C‑1‑D and C‑1‑V, and they require a conditional use permit plus all state licenses; see § 17.60.050–030 for the permit and locational rules and § 17.60.030 for CUP requirements .

Can the city reduce setbacks or lot coverage for affordable housing?

Yes — the AH‑OZ includes language allowing modest relaxations as incentives (e.g., setbacks reduced up to 10% as part of a council‑approved design permit process) and allows other incentives such as density averaging and possible fee waivers; these are in § 17.90.030 and its subsections .

What if my proposed use isn’t listed as permitted?

If the use isn’t listed, check whether it is an accessory use, a conditional use, or expressly prohibited. Use permits and variances are discussed in § 17.04.070–080 and the variance procedure chapters; conditional use procedure details and findings are in the respective district chapters and Chapter 17.44 (see referenced CUP language) .

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