Downey · Land use · Private school
Where is a private school allowed in Downey?
In Downey, a private school is needs a conditional use permit in 12 (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-3-O, C-P and 7 more, all with a condition) (Downey use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Needs a permit: R-1, R-2, R-3, R-3-O, C-P, C-1, C-2, C-3 and 4 more
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Downey Municipal Code use tables (read October 2026). Base zones only. General information, not legal advice — check with the city before you apply.
Zones where a private school can go
Downey's code calls this use “Schools - private”. Each row links to the use table it comes from. A zone marked “see note” has a condition in the code, for example upper floors only or a larger lot.
| Zone | Status | Code |
|---|---|---|
| R-1 R-1 (all lot sizes) | Needs a conditional use permit — see note Note Notes and Exceptions: Public schools: P in all four zones | § 9312.06 |
| R-2 | Needs a conditional use permit — see note Note Notes and Exceptions: Public schools: P in all four zones | § 9312.06 |
| R-3 | Needs a conditional use permit — see note Note Notes and Exceptions: Public schools: P in all four zones | § 9312.06 |
| R-3-O | Needs a conditional use permit — see note Note Notes and Exceptions: Public schools: P in all four zones | § 9312.06 |
| C-P | Needs a conditional use permit — see note Note Notes and Exceptions: Includes elementary, middle or junior, and high schools only | § 9314.04 |
| C-1 | Needs a conditional use permit — see note Note Notes and Exceptions: Includes elementary, middle or junior, and high schools only | § 9314.04 |
| C-2 | Needs a conditional use permit — see note Note Notes and Exceptions: Includes elementary, middle or junior, and high schools only | § 9314.04 |
| C-3 | Needs a conditional use permit — see note Note Notes and Exceptions: Includes elementary, middle or junior, and high schools only | § 9314.04 |
| C-M | Needs a conditional use permit — see note Note Notes and Exceptions: Includes elementary, middle or junior, and high schools only | § 9314.04 |
| H-M | Needs a conditional use permit — see note Note Notes and Exceptions: Includes elementary, middle or junior, and high schools only | § 9314.04 |
| M-U Mixed-Use Zone | Needs a conditional use permit — see note Note Notes and Exceptions: Includes elementary, middle or junior, and high schools only | § 9316.04 |
| P Public Zone | Needs a conditional use permit — see note Note Notes and Exceptions: Includes elementary, middle or junior, and high schools only | § 9320.04 |
What else applies
- Schools - public: P in the same zones. Business/trade/technical/vocational schools, medical schools and tutoring centers are separate rows (not used). Not in M-1, M-2, O-S.
- Not covered here: Specific Plan areas (referred to in the body-art note); Section 9418, 9422, 9430.04, 9430.06, 9814 text not in packet. Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in Downey
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a private school in the R-1 zone in Downey?
Only with a conditional use permit. Downey's use table lists it that way in R-1 (R-1 (all lot sizes)) (§ 9312.06). The code adds a condition: “Public schools: P in all four zones”
General information, not legal advice.
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