Local zoning · Dublin

Dublin — Land Use

Q: Are marijuana grows allowed in Dublin?

The Land Use Matrix shows entries for Marijuana - Nonmedical Cultivation (up to 6 plants) as P in certain zones (see § 8.12.050 and the matrix footnotes); however, the code also points to Chapter 5.58 for nonmedical marijuana cultivation regulations (see matrix footnotes) — read both § 8.12.050 and Chapter 5.58 before proceeding and verify whether local limitations apply on your parcel .

Land Use under the Dublin local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page explains what the Dublin Zoning Ordinance allows on different parcels in Dublin, California: which zoning districts exist, where to find the Land Use Matrix, how permitted vs. conditional uses are decided, and the specific district-level rules the code spells out. All programmatic direction below is taken from the City of Dublin Zoning Ordinance (Title 8) and the cited local code sections; see the Source References at the end for the controlling citations. For development standards (setbacks, lot coverage, height tables) consult the City's development-standards chapter referenced below.

How the code organizes land use

The official list that matches Use Types to districts is the Land Use Matrix: § 8.12.050 (the "Permitted and Conditionally Permitted Land Uses" table) .
The City establishes the zoning district names (A, R-1, R-2, R-M, PD, C-O, C-N, C-1, C-2, M-P, M-1, M-2) in § 8.12.020 and adopts the Zoning Map in § 8.12.030 .
Uses labeled "P" are permitted; uses labeled "C/ZA", "C/PC", or similar in the matrix require a Minor or Conditional Use approval per Chapters 8.102 and 8.100 respectively .
Parking rules that commonly affect land-use feasibility are in Chapter 8.76; see the off-street parking development standards in § 8.76.070 (also link the City’s parking guidance below).

Note: the City separates pure use rules from dimensional/development standards — the Land Use Matrix tells you whether a use is allowed or requires discretionary approval; Chapter 8.36 and related chapters set setbacks, coverage, and similar development standards (see citations below) .

How to read the Land Use Matrix

The Land Use Matrix in § 8.12.050 lists Use Types (e.g., Retail, Office, Industrial, Agricultural, Residential subtypes) across the left column and zoning districts across the top; cells contain the permit authority: P (permitted), C/ZA or C/PC (Conditional Use required), MUP/ZC (Minor Use Permit / Zoning Clearance), or "-" (not allowed) .
Example specific rule pulled from the matrix: Marijuana - Nonmedical Cultivation (up to 6 plants) is shown as P in certain residential and agricultural zones (see § 8.12.050) — note the code text and footnotes in the matrix for qualifications.

District-by-district breakdown

Below are the operative purpose statements, typical permitted uses (summarized), and the key local rules the ordinance itself states for each district. For many numeric development standards (setbacks, lot coverage, heights) the ordinance points to the Development Regulations chapter; where numeric standards are not in the sections shown below I note that and tell you where to verify.

Note: the first time the page mentions related administrative topics they are linked inline: "parking", "design review", "overlay districts", "ADUs", "development standards", "nonconforming uses", and "California Building Standards Code (Title 24)".

"parking" → /us/california/dublin/parking
"design review" → /us/california/dublin/design-review
"overlay districts" → /us/california/dublin/overlay-districts
"ADUs" → /us/california/dublin/adu
"development standards" → /us/california/dublin/development-standards
"nonconforming uses" → /us/california/dublin/nonconforming-uses
"California Building Standards Code" → /us/california/building-codes

A — Agricultural Zoning District

Purpose: Establishes agriculture-related uses and implements the General Plan agricultural designations (§ 8.12.020) .
Typical permitted uses: crop production, limited animal keeping (see Land Use Matrix under § 8.12.050) — many agricultural uses are subject to Conditional Use Permit by Zoning Administrator (matrix entries show C/ZA) .
Key dimensional standards: Not found in retrieved materials for numeric setbacks/coverage specific to A; the code points to the overall development regulations in Chapter 8.36 for numerical standards (verify with the jurisdiction) .
Where it applies: parcels shown with the A symbol on the City Zoning Map; check § 8.12.030 for the Zoning Map adoption .

R-1 — Single Family Residential Zoning District

Purpose: Provide for single-family residential neighborhoods (established in § 8.12.020) .
Typical permitted uses: single-family homes, small family day-care homes (defined elsewhere), certain accessory uses; consult the Land Use Matrix § 8.12.050 for specific use-type cells .
Key dimensional standards: Numeric setbacks/lot coverage/height rules are in the development regulations (Chapter 8.36) — specific R-1 numbers are Not found in retrieved materials; verify with the City’s Development Standards page and the Director’s application of exceptions. See also accessory unit rules in Chapter 8.80 for ADUs .
Where it applies: all parcels designated R-1 on the Zoning Map § 8.12.030 .

R-2 — Two Family Residential Zoning District

Purpose and permitted uses: Allows duplex/two-family residential types and accessory residential uses; consult the Land Use Matrix § 8.12.050 for precise allowances and any MUP/CUP triggers .
Dimensional standards: See Chapter 8.36; numeric standards not found in retrieved excerpts. Verify with the jurisdiction.

R-M — Multi-Family Residential Zoning District

Purpose: Accommodate multi-family housing with variable densities; the code allows specifying Lot Square Footage Per Dwelling Unit as a suffix on the map (§ 8.20.020 / § 8.20.030 references) .
Typical permitted uses: multifamily apartments/condos, supportive housing (permitted in several residential districts per Chapter 8.47) when meeting that chapter’s standards .
Dimensional standards: Lot square footage per dwelling unit is set where the R-M designation is mapped (see § 8.20.030 on lot square footage per unit) ; other numeric standards — Chapter 8.36.

PD — Planned Development Zoning District

Purpose: Flexible, project-specific regulations implemented through a PD plan and conditions (listed in § 8.12.020) .
Typical permitted uses: Uses are those specified in the PD approval; the Land Use Matrix applies to the underlying comparable district unless the PD expressly modifies uses (see notes in the Matrix / Chapter 8.12.050) .
Key rule: The PD may supersede standard district rules — always read the approved PD ordinance or map notes. Where the PD allows mixed-use it may permit uses like Massage Establishments even if not otherwise allowed; see matrix footnote language (matrix footnotes in § 8.12.050) .

C-O — Commercial Office Zoning District

Purpose and permitted uses: Professional/administrative offices and complementary commercial services; see the Land Use Matrix § 8.12.050 for cell-by-cell authority .
Dimensional standards: See Chapter 8.36 for numeric development rules.

C-N — Neighborhood Commercial Zoning District

Purpose: Smaller-scale retail and personal services geared to neighborhoods; consult § 8.12.050 for permitted uses and any conditional use entries .

C-1 — Retail Commercial Zoning District

Purpose: Neighborhood/retail uses; the code states an intent and lists permitted use types such as Eating and Drinking Establishments, Retail - General, Banks, Personal Services, etc. in § 8.24.020 .
Key rules from § 8.24.020: All use types permitted in C-1 must be conducted entirely within a building except Parking Lot/Garage - Commercial, and outdoor retail storage may be allowed by Conditional Use Permit § 8.24.020 .
Dimensional standards: See Chapter 8.36 for setbacks and lot coverage.

C-2 — General Commercial Zoning District

Purpose: General commercial, auto-oriented and larger retail services along major corridors; permitted uses and intent appear in § 8.24.020 .
Key rules: C-2 allows a wider set of uses (auto rental, repair, mini-storage, Single Room Occupancy units, etc.); most uses must be within a building except specific exceptions (Automobile/Vehicle Rentals, Parking Lot - Commercial, Retail - Service) per § 8.24.020 .

M-P — Industrial Park Zoning District

Purpose and permitted uses: The M-P district is intended for industrial park uses near major transportation corridors; intent and permitted use list are in § 8.28.020 .
Typical permitted uses in M-P: lab, contractor’s office, professional/administrative office, light industrial, printing/publishing, research & development laboratory, warehousing and distribution, storage of petroleum for on-site use — similar and related uses also listed in § 8.28.020 .
Key rule: All use types permitted in the M-P zoning district shall be conducted entirely within a building except Storage of Petroleum Products for On-Site Use (see § 8.28.020) .
Dimensional standards: The chapter requires buffering and site planning to ensure compatibility with nearby residential/commercial uses; specific numeric standards are in Chapter 8.36.

M-1 — Light Industrial Zoning District

Purpose & permitted uses: Intended for light industrial operations including Ambulance Service, Industrial - Light, Trucking Terminal (listed with other uses) in § 8.28.020; open storage parking must be fenced/enclosed and paved where allowed .
Key operational standards: Open storage areas must be enclosed by a solid wall or fence not less than 6 feet high, materials may not be stacked higher than 6 feet, and paving/drainage/grading standards are required (see § 8.28.020) .

M-2 — Heavy Industrial Zoning District

Purpose & typical uses: For heavier industrial uses not suitable for M-1/M-P; the Land Use Matrix (and Chapter 8.28) shows where M-2 allows uses such as heavy manufacturing (see § 8.28.020 / matrix) .
Dimensional/performance standards: The chapter aims to limit noise, odor, smoke and similar impacts; numeric limits are in performance standards chapters and 8.36.

Downtown Dublin Zoning District

Purpose: Implement the Downtown Dublin Specific Plan and require that development comply substantially with that Specific Plan § 8.30.010–020; the Specific Plan contains the Downtown rules on permitted/conditional uses and design guidelines instead of the general matrix .
Key rule: Uses, development standards and design in the Downtown area are governed by the Downtown Dublin Specific Plan (see § 8.30.020). For many Downtown projects the City allows special parking programs by Conditional Use Permit under § 8.30.030 and the Site Development Review process (see Downtown chapter and the Site Development Review chapter) .

Quick reference table — decision-relevant items

District	Typical permitted uses (short)	Key code rule / decision trigger	Code Reference
A	Crop production, animal keeping (limited)	Many ag uses require Conditional Use by Zoning Admin	§ 8.12.050
R-1	Single-family homes, small day care	ADUs governed by Chapter 8.80; numeric standards in Dev Regs	§ 8.12.050, § 8.80
R-2	Two-family dwellings	See Land Use Matrix; discretionary uses marked there	§ 8.12.050
R-M	Multi-family housing	Lot SF/unit may be mapped as suffix	§ 8.20.030
PD	Project-specific mix	PD ordinance may supersede matrix; always read PD	§ 8.12.050 (matrix notes)
C-1	Neighborhood retail, eating & drinking	Uses must be inside a building except specified	§ 8.24.020
C-2	General commercial, auto uses	Certain outdoor/auto uses allowed as exceptions	§ 8.24.020
M-P	Labs, R&D, light industrial	All permitted uses must be within a building (except petroleum storage)	§ 8.28.020
M-1	Light industrial, trucking, warehousing	Open storage fenced 6 ft min; stacking max 6 ft	§ 8.28.020
M-2	Heavy industrial uses	Performance standards to limit impacts; see Chapter 8.28	§ 8.28.020
Downtown	Uses per Downtown Specific Plan	Downtown governed by Downtown Specific Plan (not matrix)	§ 8.30.020

Practical guidance & interpretation

Start at the Zoning Map: confirm the parcel’s mapped zone (§ 8.12.030) before reading permit triggers; the Land Use Matrix in § 8.12.050 then tells you if your intended Use Type is P, requires a Minor Use Permit (see Chapter 8.102) or Conditional Use Permit (see Chapter 8.100) .
If the matrix cell shows C/ZA or C/PC, you must satisfy the findings listed in § 8.100.060 for a Conditional Use Permit (compatibility, public health/safety, adequate utilities, consistency with General Plan) .
Parking: required parking counts and dimensional standards are crucial for commercial/multi-family projects; consult Chapter 8.76 and the off-street parking standards in § 8.76.070 (including stall dimensions, aisle widths, and bicycle parking rules) — parking often drives whether a project is feasible or needs reduced/shared parking through discretionary action .
Downtown projects: the Downtown Specific Plan controls permitted uses and design — always pull the Specific Plan and the Downtown chapter § 8.30.020 before using the general matrix .
ADUs and accessory units: have their own chapter (8.80) and may alter what is "permitted" on a residential lot; review § 8.80 and the ADU chapter text before assuming any accessory unit is allowed by the matrix alone .
Nonconforming uses/structures: a use lawfully established before ordinance changes may continue under nonconforming rules; see Chapter 8.140 referenced in the ordinance and the continuity rules in § 8.12.050 notes .

Checklist

Confirm parcel zoning on the City Zoning Map (§ 8.12.030) .
Look up your Use Type in the Land Use Matrix (§ 8.12.050) to see P vs. conditional requirements .
If conditional/minor permit required, read findings in § 8.100.060 and § 8.102.060 and prepare to respond .
Check off-street parking requirements and dimensional rules in § 8.76.070 and related tables; consider whether shared or reduced parking will be needed .
Review Chapter 8.36 (development standards) for setbacks, height, lot coverage (numeric standards not included in the Land Use Matrix) .
If in Downtown, pull the Downtown Dublin Specific Plan as required by § 8.30.020 .
For ADUs consult Chapter 8.80 before assuming accessory dwelling rights (ADU rules may supersede other standards) .
Check for applicable overlay district rules (scarlett-court or others) and PD conditions that may modify the base zone (see overlay and PD notes in the matrix footnotes) .
Verify whether a proposed change impacts an existing legal nonconforming use (Ch. 8.140) .

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Numeric setbacks, heights, lot coverage	These determine buildable envelope and whether a use is practically feasible	Chapter 8.36 development standards; the ordinance references it but numeric tables were Not found in retrieved materials — Verify with the jurisdiction and the Development Standards page
Downtown uses governed by Specific Plan	Downtown matrix exceptions mean the general Land Use Matrix may not apply	Review the Downtown Dublin Specific Plan referenced in § 8.30.020
PD or overlay rules that change use/standards	A PD or overlay can supersede base-zone rules (matrix footnotes show PD exceptions)	Read the PD ordinance or overlay chapter and the map notes; overlay references appeared in the matrix footnotes — Verify with the Director or City Clerk
Footnotes to the Land Use Matrix	Footnotes modify permissibility (e.g., Massage Establishments, Marijuana)	Read the footnotes in § 8.12.050 and applicable referenced chapters (e.g., Chapter 5.58 for nonmedical marijuana where noted)
Parking reductions / tandem parking in Downtown	Parking design affects density and approvals	See § 8.30.030 for Downtown parking program and § 8.76.070 for parking standards

Information Gaps

Exact numeric setback, height, lot coverage, and floor-area-ratio (FAR) tables for each zone were Not found in the retrieved materials; the ordinance points to Chapter 8.36 for those numeric development standards (verify with the City) .
The full Downtown Specific Plan text (which controls downtown uses) was Not included in the retrieved ordinance files; consult the Downtown Specific Plan per § 8.30.020 .
Complete text of the Land Use Matrix footnotes and all use-type definitions are in § 8.12.050 and Chapter 8.08 (Definitions); the uploaded excerpts include samples but not every row/footnote in full — consult the City's official code for parcel-specific determinations .

Plain-English Summary

Dublin’s Zoning Ordinance lists what uses are allowed where in a Land Use Matrix (see § 8.12.050); many uses are permitted outright, while others need a Minor Use Permit or a Conditional Use Permit whose findings are in § 8.102.060 and § 8.100.060. For buildable dimensions (setbacks, heights, lot coverage) the code refers you to the development standards chapter; Downtown has its own Specific Plan that controls uses and design. Always confirm the parcel’s zoning on the Zoning Map first and then check the matrix and the district chapter that applies to that zone .

Source References

Land Use Matrix and district-by-district table: § 8.12.050 — Dublin Municipal Code (Land Use Matrix)
Zoning districts established and Zoning Map adoption: § 8.12.020 and § 8.12.030
Conditional Use Permit procedures and required findings: § 8.100.010–090, findings in § 8.100.060 (Conditional Use Permit chapter)
Minor Use Permit procedures and findings: § 8.102.010–060 (Minor Use Permit chapter)
Industrial districts (M‑P, M‑1, M‑2) and industrial use rules: § 8.28.010–020 (Industrial Zoning Districts chapter)
Retail/commercial districts (C‑1, C‑2) use lists and in‑building rules: § 8.24.020 and related § 8.24.030
Downtown Dublin Zoning District and specific plan control: § 8.30.010–030
Off-street parking development standards: § 8.76.070 (Chapter 8.76)
Supportive housing allowances across districts: § 8.47.020 (Supportive Housing chapter)
ADUs: Chapter 8.80 referenced in accessory structures chapter and development sections (see accessory units references)
Nonconforming uses reference and continuation rules: Chapter 8.140 referenced in § 8.12.050 notes
Development standards cross-references: Chapter 8.36 referenced for numeric standards in multiple district chapters (numeric tables Not found in the retrieved excerpts)

For additional City-level guidance pages (parking, overlays, ADUs, design review, development standards, nonconforming uses, building code reference) use the Dublin city menu pages:

Parking: /us/california/dublin/parking
Overlay Districts: /us/california/dublin/overlay-districts
ADUs: /us/california/dublin/adu
Design Review: /us/california/dublin/design-review
Development Standards: /us/california/dublin/development-standards
Nonconforming Uses: /us/california/dublin/nonconforming-uses
California Building Standards Code / Title 24 reference: /us/california/building-codes

Sources

Retrieved passages

Dublin Zoning Code (Chapter and) High relevance
Dublin Zoning Code (Chapter 8.100) High relevance
Dublin Zoning Code (Chapter is) High relevance
Dublin Zoning Code (Chapter 8.76) High relevance
Dublin Zoning Code (Section 8.12.050.) High relevance
Dublin Zoning Code (Chapter 8.72.) High relevance
CBC § 2020 (Chapter 8.92) High relevance
Dublin Zoning Code (Chapter and) High relevance

Cited sections

Official Dublin code library

Frequently asked questions

What can I build on an R-1 lot in Dublin?

Check the Land Use Matrix: the R‑1 district is listed under § 8.12.050 and generally allows single‑family residences and related accessory uses; some uses may be permitted only with a Minor Use Permit or Conditional Use Permit depending on the Use Type cell in the matrix. Numeric setbacks and specific ADU rules are governed by Chapters 8.36 and 8.80 respectively — verify both chapters for parcel‑specific standards .

What are Dublin’s setback requirements?

The ordinance routes you to the development regulations chapter for numeric setback, height and lot-coverage standards; those numeric tables are in Chapter 8.36 (referenced throughout the district chapters) — the numeric values for each zone were Not found in the retrieved excerpts, so Verify with the jurisdiction and the City’s Development Standards page .

Do I need design review in Dublin?

Many projects are subject to Site Development Review or design review procedures; the Downtown Dublin Specific Plan requires substantial compliance with its design guidelines for projects in that area (§ 8.30.020), and Site Development Review is required for new construction and conversions in other districts as referenced in the Code. See the Site Development Review chapter and the Design Review menu for the application process — discretionary projects also may require Conditional Use or Minor Use Permits under Chapters 8.100/8.102 .

Are marijuana grows allowed in Dublin?

The Land Use Matrix shows entries for Marijuana - Nonmedical Cultivation (up to 6 plants) as P in certain zones (see § 8.12.050 and the matrix footnotes); however, the code also points to Chapter 5.58 for nonmedical marijuana cultivation regulations (see matrix footnotes) — read both § 8.12.050 and Chapter 5.58 before proceeding and verify whether local limitations apply on your parcel .

When is a Conditional Use Permit required?

If the Land Use Matrix cell for your Use Type and zoning district shows a conditional symbol (for example C/ZA or C/PC) then a Conditional Use Permit is required. The Conditional Use Permit chapter sets the procedure and required findings in § 8.100.020 and § 8.100.060 (compatibility, health/safety, utilities, physical suitability, consistency with district intent and General Plan) .

How does Downtown Dublin differ from the rest of the city for uses?

Downtown is governed by the Downtown Dublin Specific Plan rather than the general Land Use Matrix; § 8.30.020 requires review against the Specific Plan, which contains the permitted/conditional uses, development standards and design guidelines for the downtown area. Always consult the Specific Plan for Downtown parcels rather than relying solely on the matrix .

Can an existing use continue if the code now prohibits it?

Yes — the ordinance recognizes lawful pre-existing nonconforming uses/structures may continue subject to the nonconforming rules; see Chapter 8.140 referenced in the code notes and the continuation rules in § 8.12.050 (continuation and restrictions on expansion) — verify specifics with the City planning staff for any change or expansion proposal .

Where are parking rules I must meet for a commercial or multifamily project?

Off-street parking numbers and stall/aisle dimensions are in Chapter 8.76, with development standards including stall sizes, aisle widths and bicycle parking rules given in § 8.76.070. Downtown has additional parking programs available under § 8.30.030 (for example, limited tandem parking allowances by Conditional Use Permit) .

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