Delano — Zoning

Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

Delano's zoning rules are codified in the city's Zoning Ordinance (Title 20) and divide the city into named districts (residential, commercial, industrial, special districts and overlays) to control allowed uses and site development standards. The Official Zoning Map maintained by the Community Development Department is part of the ordinance and determines which standards apply to a parcel (§ 20.1.110) . This page summarizes each zone in Delano's ordinance, highlights the most decision‑relevant numeric standards and permits, and points to where to verify parcel‑specific rules.

How to read this page

• Bolded terms are the ordinance district names and key numeric standards.
• The first natural mention of related topics is linked to the GoCodebook Delano menu: development standards, parking, design review, overlay districts, ADUs, land use, and California Building Standards Code (Title 24). Use those links for topic pages that live elsewhere on GoCodebook.
  • development standards: /us/california/delano/development-standards
  • parking: /us/california/delano/parking
  • design review: /us/california/delano/design-review
  • overlay districts: /us/california/delano/overlay-districts
  • ADUs: /us/california/delano/adu
  • Delano Land Use: /us/california/delano/land-use
  • California Building Standards Code: /us/california/building-codes

District-by-district breakdown

NOTE: Each district entry below gives the ordinance purpose and the most applicable numeric or procedural citation. For permitted-use lists, see Table 4.A (residential) or the tables for commercial/employment; for dimensional standards see the Table 4.B / 5.B / 6.B tables referenced below.

Planned Development (PD)

• Purpose: Flexible, project‑level district intended to allow customized site design and mix of uses under a single plan; it permits tailored modifications to base standards through PD approval (§ 20.1.110) .
• Typical uses: Project-specific mix; the ordinance allows deviation when approved through the PD process (see PD chapter — full PD standards not present in retrieved excerpts; Verify with the jurisdiction).
• Key standards: PD developments may use project-specific development standards and may use one‑hour firewalls to reduce building separation in PDs per related residential notes (see Table 4.B notes) (§ 20.4.40; Table 4.B) .
• Where it applies: Applied by map designation and approved PD plan; see Official Zoning Map (§ 20.1.110) .

Community Facilities (CF)

• Purpose: Public/institutional uses (schools, libraries, municipal facilities) serving community needs (§ 20.1.110) .
• Typical uses: Public parks/buildings, schools, utilities (exact Table listing not in retrieved excerpts; Verify with the jurisdiction).
• Key standards: Site development standards defer to the applicable chapter and to the Official Zoning Map; check Table 3.D or the CF chapter (not fully retrieved). See parks chapter for park‑style uses (§ 20.3.22) .

Airport Approach Height Overlay (H)

• Purpose: Preserve airport safety/height compatibility and require FAA compliance; where combined with base zone the H overlay preserves base uses but imposes height, setback, and review rules (§ 20.1.110; Airport Safety Regulations) .
• Typical uses: Base-district uses allowed, subject to H overlay restrictions (uses that are CUP in base district remain so) (§ 20.1.110; Airport safety chapter) .
• Key standards: Height must comply with FAA Part 77; base district yard and setback rules still apply unless FAA prevails (§ 20.?? Airport Safety Regulations — see airport chapter) — citation in ordinance: Airport safety rules and Table 3.B/C (see § 20.??) .
• Where it applies: Areas mapped as Airport Influence Area on the Official Zoning Map; see Airport chapter and Table 3.C for compatibility zones (verify exact map location) .

Drilling Island (DI) and Petroleum Extraction Combining (PE)

• Purpose: Control oil/gas drilling and production activities and combine those rules with an underlying base district (§ 20.1.110; PE chapter) .
• Typical uses: Drilling/production infrastructure; other base‑district uses apply subject to PE restrictions (§ 20.9 series and PE chapter) .
• Key standards: Pumping units limited to specific heights (e.g., 35 ft for pumping units), special separation and setback rules; parking rules for PE and exemptions for production activities (§ 20.9/PE subsections) .
• Where it applies: Areas mapped as DI or PE on the Official Zoning Map; operations subject to Chapter 20.9 standards and special review (§ 20.9.40) .

Specific Plan (SP)

• Purpose: Implement a precise plan and zoning tailored to a specific area (Standard SP approach; specific SP provisions are map‑ and plan‑specific). Specific Plan text not fully present in retrieved excerpts. Not found in retrieved materials — Verify with the jurisdiction.

Airport (AP)

• Purpose: District for airport facilities and related uses (see Airport Safety chapter and AP district references). Details in the airport chapter and Table 3.* (not all text retrieved) .

Park (PA)

• Purpose: Provide land for parks and recreation and support facilities; see PA district use table and purpose statements (§ 20.3.22) .
• Typical uses: Public parks, recreational facilities, museums, cultural facilities; accessory uses allowed subject to CUP for certain uses (§ 20.3.22; Table 3.D) .
• Key standards: Table 3.D identifies permitted/conditional uses; site standards referenced to chapter-specific provisions (§ 20.3.22) .

Residential Agricultural (R-A)

• Purpose: Preserve rural atmosphere; maximum density is one dwelling unit per 2.5 net acres (§ 20.4.20) .
• Typical uses: Low-density single‑family residential; accessory and agricultural activities as allowed in Table 4.A (§ 20.4.30/Table 4.A) .
• Key dimensional standards (see Table 4.B): large minimum lot area (108,900 sq ft net) and large lot widths; front setbacks by Table 4.B; see Table 4.B and Table notes (§ 20.4.20; Table 4.B) .

Single-Family Residential (R-1)

• Purpose: Provide/protect detached single‑family neighborhoods; max density 5 du/acre (§ 20.4.20) .
• Typical permitted uses: Single‑family dwellings and accessory dwelling units (ADUs) permitted per Section 20.11.200; multifamily is generally not permitted (Table 4.A) (§ 20.4.30; § 20.11.200) .
• Key dimensional standards (Table 4.B): minimum lot area ~6,000 sq ft (interior), minimum lot width 60' (interior), front yard setback typically 15', maximum height 35' for typical detached houses, garage siting and driveway/garage clearance rules (garage min 20' from front property line; garage setbacks and driveway clearances noted in Table 4.B notes) (§ 20.4.20; Table 4.B; Table notes) .
• Where it applies: Areas mapped R-1 on the Official Zoning Map; ADU rules referenced in § 20.11.200 and state ADU law (see ADU page) .

Light Multiple‑Family Residential (R-2)

• Purpose: Urban setting housing choices; max density 14 du/net acre (§ 20.4.20) .
• Typical uses: Small-lot single family and multiple family (see Table 4.A) (§ 20.4.30) .
• Key dimensional standards: See Table 4.B (minimum lot area, widths, setbacks and maximum height 35') (§ 20.4.20; Table 4.B) .

Multiple‑Family Residential (R-3)

• Purpose: Higher-density multifamily, enhanced amenities; max density 24 du/net acre (§ 20.4.20) .
• Typical uses: Multifamily apartment developments (subject to site development and condominium conversion rules, e.g., § 20.4.40) .
• Key standards: Table 4.B sets lot area, setbacks, lot coverage and maximum height 35' for these districts; condominium conversions must meet additional Chapter 20.4 criteria (§ 20.4.40; Table 4.B) .

General Commercial (GC), Neighborhood Commercial (NC), Downtown Commercial (DC)

• Purpose: Commercial activity of different intensities; DC often has the most intensive floor area allowances (e.g., FAR up to 2.0) while GC/NC have lower FARs (§ 20.5.40; Table 5.B) .
• Typical uses: Retail, service, offices, restaurants; permitted/conditional uses specified in commercial chapter and Table 5.B (§ 20.5.40; Table 5.B) .
• Key dimensional standards (Table 5.B): minimum site area (GC/NC 6,500 sq ft; DC 5,000 sq ft), front setback 0 ft, max FAR GC/NC 0.50; DC up to 2.0, and maximum heights (GC 45 ft; NC 35 ft; DC 45 ft) (§ 20.5.40; Table 5.B) .
• Parking and screening: Off‑street parking per Chapter 20.13 and screening requirements apply (§ 20.5.40.2) .

Community Retail Commercial (CRC) and Industrial (I) — Employment Districts

• Purpose: Employment/industrial and larger retail uses; standards in Table 6.B (§ 20.6.40; Table 6.B) .
• Typical uses: Manufacturing, processing, warehousing (see Table 6.A / 6.B for permitted uses and footprint) (§ 20.6.40; Table 6.A/6.B) .
• Key dimensional standards (Table 6.B): minimum site width 80 ft, max building height CRC 45 ft / I 50 ft, maximum lot coverage 60%, specific setback rules and additional buffers when adjacent to residential (§ 20.6.40) .

Agricultural (A)

• Purpose: Preserve agricultural uses and resource lands; detailed rules in Chapter 20.7 (not all text retrieved) — Verify with the jurisdiction (§ 20.7.*) .

Affordable Housing (AH) Overlay

• Purpose: Encourage higher‑density affordable housing; overlay supersedes some underlying standards in mapped areas (§ 20.3.25) .
• Key standards: Requires a minimum 20 units per net acre development and provides by‑right ministerial review for qualifying multifamily projects meeting affordability thresholds (§ 20.3.25) .

Key numeric standards at a glance

(These table numbers and development standards are drawn from Table 4.B (residential), Table 5.B (commercial) and Table 6.B (employment) as referenced in the ordinance; always consult the Official Zoning Map and the full tables for parcel‑specific application) (§ 20.4.30; § 20.5.40; § 20.6.40) .

Uses, permits, and review processes — practical guidance

• Allowed vs conditional: Table 4.A (residential) and Tables in Chapters 20.5/20.6 identify permitted uses, uses requiring a Conditional Use Permit (CUP), and prohibited uses (see § 20.4.30 for residential uses and Table 4.A) .
• Site Plan Review (ministerial/administrative) is referenced as Section 20.2.65 and many uses are "P subject to Section 20.2.65 — Site Plan Review" (see tables) — projects are often subject to Site Plan Review and additional conditions (§ 20.2.65 — referenced in Table legends) .
• Conditional Use Permits: Findings and conditions for CUPs are in § 20.2.50 (purpose, findings and conditions; see the required findings and conditions of approval) .
• Density Bonus and Affordable Housing: State density bonus provisions are implemented via local code sections (see § 20.2.85 and Affordable Housing overlay § 20.3.25 for ministerial by‑right pathways) .
• ADUs: Second dwelling units/ADUs are specifically allowed in R-A and R-1 per reference to Section 20.11.200; consult the ADU page and § 20.11.200 for ministerial ADU standards and state law interplay (§ 20.4.20; § 20.11.200) .

For design and façade matters, see the city's process for design review. For parking requirements, consult Chapter 20.13 and the parking page — commercial and employment districts reference Chapter 20.13 for parking counts and layout (§ 20.5.40; § 20.6.40) .

Checklist

• Confirm the Official Zoning Map designation for the parcel with the Community Development Department (§ 20.1.110) .
• Identify permitted vs CUP vs prohibited uses in the applicable Table (Table 4.A, 5.B, 6.A, etc.) (§ 20.4.30; § 20.5.40; § 20.6.40) .
• Pull the applicable Table (4.B / 5.B / 6.B) for minimum lot area, lot width, setbacks, lot coverage, height and minimum distances between buildings and read the notes (Table notes contain garage and street centerline requirements) (§ 20.4.20; Table 4.B) .
• Determine whether Site Plan Review or a Conditional Use Permit is required (see Section 20.2.65 and § 20.2.50) .
• Verify parking requirements under Chapter 20.13 and whether reduced/modified parking applies (density bonus or PD incentives) (§ 20.6.40; § 20.2.85) .
• If within an overlay (e.g., H or AH), read overlay-specific superseding rules (§ 20.1.110; § 20.3.25) .
• Confirm any parcel-specific setbacks tied to substandard street centerlines (Table notes reference 55' or 65' from centerline for substandard streets) and other Table notes (verify with City) (Table 4.B notes) .
• For building code compliance, separate from zoning, consult the California Building Standards Code (Title 24).

Risks & Ambiguities

Plain-English Summary

Delano’s zoning (Title 20) maps each parcel to a named district (R‑1, R‑2, R‑3, GC, DC, CRC, I, etc.) and uses district tables (e.g., Table 4.B for residential) to set minimum lot sizes, setbacks, heights, coverage and which uses are permitted or need a Conditional Use Permit; the Official Zoning Map and table notes determine the exact rules that apply to any parcel (§ 20.1.110; Table 4.B; Table 5.B; Table 6.B) .

Information Gaps

• Full text for the Planned Development (PD) chapter and Specific Plan (SP) chapters was not present in the retrieved excerpts — specific PD procedures / standards were Not found in retrieved materials (Verify with the jurisdiction). .
• Full Airport (AP) district chapter numbering and the table cross‑references for Table 3.B/3.C exist in excerpts but the exact section numbers for some airport findings were not fully captured in the retrieved material — Verify with the jurisdiction for map application and precise section numbering .
• Detailed lists of permitted uses for Community Facilities (CF), some specific performance standards in Chapter 20.12, and complete Agricultural (A) chapter language were only partially present — see City staff or the full municipal code for the complete text (Not found in retrieved materials) .

Source References

• Delano Zoning Ordinance (Title 20) — Chapter and table excerpts used: § 20.1.110 (Zone districts and Official Zoning Map) .
• § 20.4.10 — Purpose and intent for Residential Districts; § 20.4.20 — Residential development districts (R‑A, R‑1, R‑2, R‑3) and reference to Table 4.B (Residential Site Development Standards) .
• Table 4.A (Uses permitted within residential districts) and Table 4.B (Residential Site Development Standards); accompanying notes including cul‑de‑sac widths, substandard street centerline setbacks, garage setbacks and minimum dwelling unit sizes (Table 4.B and notes) (§ 20.4.30; Table 4.B) .
• § 20.4.40 — Condominium, townhouse and apartment development standards (additional conversion review requirements) .
• § 20.5.40 — Commercial site development minimum standards (Table 5.B: GC / NC / DC) .
• § 20.6.40 — Employment district development standards (Table 6.B: CRC / I) .
• § 20.2.40 — Amendments to zone districts (rezoning procedures and findings) .
• § 20.2.50 — Conditional Use Permits (findings & conditions) .
• § 20.3.22 — Parks (PA) district uses and Table 3.D (Uses permitted within Park district) .
• § 20.3.25 — Affordable Housing (AH) Overlay District (minimum densities and by‑right pathways) .
• PE / oil & gas standards: Petroleum Extraction combining district rules and references to Chapter 20.9; pumping unit height limits and special setbacks (§ 20.9 / PE) .
• Notes and table excerpts including ordinance amendments and ordinance numbers are cited in the table notes (various ord. nos.) .

Retrieved passages

• CFC § 1 (title report) High relevance show source text
• Delano Zoning Code (Chapter further) High relevance show source text
• CRC § 1 (§ 1) Medium relevance show source text
• Delano Zoning Code (Title are) Medium relevance show source text
• Delano Zoning Code (Chapter 20.10) Medium relevance show source text
• Delano Zoning Code (Title 17) Medium relevance show source text
• CFC § 20.2.85.5 (Section 20.2.85.5) Medium relevance show source text
• Delano Zoning Code (Chapter 20.13) Medium relevance show source text
• Delano Zoning Code (title report) High relevance show source text
• Delano Zoning Code Medium relevance show source text
• Delano Zoning Code Medium relevance show source text
• Delano Zoning Code (Chapter 20.4) Medium relevance show source text
• CRC § 20.6.40.2 (Section 20.6.40.2) Medium relevance show source text

Cited sections

• Delano Zoning Ordinance (Title 20) — Chapter and table excerpts used: § 20.1.110 (Zone districts and Official Zoning Map) . (Title 20)
• § 20.4.10 — Purpose and intent for Residential Districts; § 20.4.20 — Residential development districts (R‑A, **R‑1**, **R‑2**, **R‑3**) and reference to Table 4.B (Residential Site Development Standards) . (§ 20.4.10)
• Table 4.A (Uses permitted within residential districts) and Table 4.B (Residential Site Development Standards); accompanying notes including cul‑de‑sac widths, substandard street centerline setbacks, garage setbacks and minimum dwelling unit sizes (Table 4.B and notes) (§ 20.4.30; Table 4.B) . (§ 20.4.30)
• § 20.4.40 — Condominium, townhouse and apartment development standards (additional conversion review requirements) . (§ 20.4.40)
• § 20.5.40 — Commercial site development minimum standards (Table 5.B: GC / NC / DC) . (§ 20.5.40)
• § 20.6.40 — Employment district development standards (Table 6.B: CRC / I) . (§ 20.6.40)
• § 20.2.40 — Amendments to zone districts (rezoning procedures and findings) . (§ 20.2.40)
• § 20.2.50 — Conditional Use Permits (findings & conditions) . (§ 20.2.50)
• § 20.3.22 — Parks (PA) district uses and Table 3.D (Uses permitted within Park district) . (§ 20.3.22)
• § 20.3.25 — Affordable Housing (AH) Overlay District (minimum densities and by‑right pathways) . (§ 20.3.25)
• PE / oil & gas standards: Petroleum Extraction combining district rules and references to Chapter 20.9; pumping unit height limits and special setbacks (§ 20.9 / PE) . (Chapter 20.9)
• Notes and table excerpts including ordinance amendments and ordinance numbers are cited in the table notes (various ord. nos.) .
• Delano_ZoningCode.md

• Official Delano code library