Local zoning · Ferndale
Ferndale — Development Standards
Development Standards under the Ferndale local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
Overview
Ferndale’s Zoning Ordinance (Ordinance 02‑02) sets the dimensional rules for what you can build on a given lot: minimum lot size and width, setbacks, building height, lot coverage, and—where specified—residential density by district. Article 5 lays out district‑specific standards and Article 7 adds citywide rules that apply in every zone. When district rules and general rules conflict, the Planning Commission decides which applies, so always read the base district together with the general provisions and any applicable combining (overlay) zones.
On a typical Ferndale R‑1 lot, plan for a 20 ft front yard, 15 ft rear yard, side yards equal to 10% of the lot width (minimum 5 ft, maximum 12 ft), a 35 ft height cap, and 40% maximum lot coverage; exceeding the height cap in a residential zone requires a Special Permit and usually larger setbacks.
Before you apply, confirm your base zoning and whether a combining zone applies on the City’s zoning map and read how those layers work together under the Ferndale Zoning and Ferndale Overlay Districts pages. Zoning also interacts with Ferndale Design Review, Ferndale Parking, Ferndale Signage, and historic‑district standards covered under Ferndale Historic Preservation.
Citywide rules that affect every project
- Yard definitions and how they’re measured are set in Article 3 (e.g., front, side, rear yard). Yards provided to meet code for one building generally can’t be counted for another.
- Article 7 applies in every zone. Key items:
- Exception to residential height: a Special Permit may allow height above the district cap, typically conditioned on proportional yard increases.
- Fences: 6 ft max citywide; 4 ft max in any front yard; visibility triangles apply at streets/driveways.
- When in a combining/overlay zone, the overlay can add or modify standards (see overlays below). Base‑zone rules still apply unless the overlay says otherwise.
Primary zoning districts — dimensional standards and intent
R‑1 Residential One‑Family (§ 5.02)
- Purpose and where it applies: Single‑family neighborhoods where conditions support detached home sites (mapped as R‑1 on the zoning map).
- Typical permitted uses: Single‑family homes; vacation rentals; small employee housing.
- Key development standards:
- Minimum lot area 5,000 sq ft; minimum width 50 ft; max lot depth 3× lot width.
- Setbacks: front 20 ft; rear 15 ft; sides = 10% of lot width (not less than 5 ft, not more than 12 ft).
- Maximum ground coverage 40%; maximum height 35 ft.
- Home design criteria include a minimum 20‑ft building width and 12‑inch eaves.
R‑2 Residential Two‑Family (§ 5.03)
- Purpose and where it applies: Medium‑density areas suited to two‑unit and small multi‑unit forms consistent with the General Plan’s R‑2 designation.
- Typical permitted uses: One‑family and two‑family dwellings; multiple dwellings and dwelling groups; small employee housing.
- Key development standards:
- Minimum lot area 5,000 sq ft; minimum width 50 ft; max lot depth 3× width.
- Setbacks: front 20 ft; rear 15 ft; sides = 10% of lot width (min 5 ft, max 12 ft).
- Maximum ground coverage 45%; maximum height 35 ft.
- Density: 1–18 units per acre; fractional results round up to the next whole unit. The district notes that accessory and junior accessory dwelling units relate to allowable density—verify count treatment with the City.
- Two‑family dwellings follow similar minimum 20‑ft width and 12‑inch eave criteria.
R‑3 Residential Multiple‑Family (§ 5.04)
- Purpose and where it applies: Higher‑density areas per the General Plan’s R‑3 designation.
- Typical permitted uses: Single‑family, multiple dwellings, dwelling groups; small employee housing; SRO and supportive housing.
- Key development standards:
- Minimum lot area 5,000 sq ft and at least 600 sq ft per dwelling unit; minimum width 50 ft; max lot depth 3× width.
- Setbacks: front 20 ft; side 5 ft; rear 10 ft; plus building‑group spacing and transition rules near R‑1.
- Maximum ground coverage 60%; maximum height 45 ft.
- Density: 1–27 units per acre; fractional results round up. The district notes how ADUs/JADUs relate to allowable density—verify with the City.
- Multifamily design criteria include 20‑ft minimum width and 12‑inch eaves.
C‑1 Neighborhood Commercial (§ 5.05)
- Purpose: Neighborhood‑serving shops and services near residential areas.
- Typical permitted uses: Light retail and services; upstairs residential forms (with limits); vacation rentals with a dwelling use permit.
- Key development standards:
- Minimum lot area 2,000 sq ft; width 25 ft.
- Setbacks: front none, unless block is partly in an R zone (then match the R‑front yard); side none, except interior sides abutting R must meet that R‑front yard; rear 15 ft (5 ft if abutting an alley).
- Maximum height 35 ft.
C‑2 Community Commercial (§ 5.06)
- Purpose: Community‑scale commercial corridors and centers.
- Typical permitted uses: Broader commercial mix; dwellings and other residential forms are allowed (see list).
- Key development standards: Same lots and setbacks as C‑1; maximum height 45 ft.
C‑H Highway Service Commercial (§ 5.07)
- Purpose: Auto‑oriented services along highway frontages.
- Key development standards:
- Minimum lot area 5,000 sq ft; width 50 ft.
- Setbacks: front 15 ft; sides none except 15 ft where abutting R; rear none except 20 ft where abutting R; special 6‑ft side yard minimum for motels.
- Maximum height 45 ft.
M‑L Limited Industrial (§ 5.08)
- Purpose: Light industrial and heavy commercial of a non‑nuisance type.
- Key development standards:
- Minimum lot area 5,000 sq ft; width 50 ft.
- Setbacks: front 15 ft; sides none except 15 ft where abutting R; rear none except 20 ft where abutting R.
- Maximum height 50 ft; screen storage areas next to R zones to at least 6 ft.
M‑H Heavy Industrial (§ 5.09)
- Purpose: Heavier industrial operations with buffering and screening.
- Key development standards: Same lots and setbacks as M‑L; maximum height 50 ft; screening required adjacent to R zones.
AE Agriculture‑Exclusive (§ 5.13)
- Purpose: Keep fertile areas in agricultural use; protect against incompatible encroachment.
- Key development standards:
- No subdivisions or residential developments in AE.
- Minimum lot area 4 acres; width 100 ft; max coverage 35%.
- Setbacks: front 30 ft; rear 20 ft; sides = 10% of lot width (cap 20 ft).
PF Public Facility (§ 5.14)
- Purpose: Publicly owned lands or sites used for public facilities (schools, parks, City Hall, etc.).
- Dimensional standards: Not found in retrieved materials.
FW Floodway (§ 5.10) and FP Flood Plain (§ 5.11)
- FW purpose: Keep the design floodway clear; structures are heavily limited. Other regulations are set through permit conditions.
- FP purpose: Manage flood‑prone areas outside the floodway. Minimum lot area 5 acres, width 300 ft; yards front/rear 20 ft, side 10 ft.
PD Planned Development (§ 5.12)
- Purpose: Large, comprehensively planned sites. The City may approve deviations from normal height, area, coverage, and yard rules if the overall plan is improved, and the approved precise plan becomes supplemental regulation.
At‑a‑glance residential dimensional standards
| District | Min Lot Area | Min Width | Max Lot Depth | Max Coverage | Front | Side | Rear | Max Height | Density (du/ac) | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R‑1 | 5,000 sq ft | 50 ft | 3× width | 40% | 20 ft | 10% lot width (5–12 ft) | 15 ft | 35 ft | Not found in retrieved materials | § 5.02.3 |
| R‑2 | 5,000 sq ft | 50 ft | 3× width | 45% | 20 ft | 10% lot width (5–12 ft) | 15 ft | 35 ft | 1–18 (round up fractions) | § 5.03.3 |
| R‑3 | 5,000 sq ft + 600 sq ft per unit | 50 ft | 3× width | 60% | 20 ft | 5 ft | 10 ft | 45 ft | 1–27 (round up fractions) | § 5.04.3 |
Note: R‑2 and R‑3 include notes about how ADUs/JADUs relate to allowable density; confirm with staff and see the state‑law background on the Ferndale ADUs page.
Commercial and industrial yard/height quick‑compare
| District | Min Lot Area / Width | Front | Side | Rear | Max Height | Special Notes | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C‑1 | 2,000 sq ft / 25 ft | None; match R if block partly R | None; interior abutting R must meet that R‑front yard | 15 ft (5 ft by alley) | 35 ft | Neighborhood‑scale | § 5.05.3 |
| C‑2 | 2,000 sq ft / 25 ft | None; match R if block partly R | None; interior abutting R must meet that R‑front yard | 15 ft (5 ft by alley) | 45 ft | Community‑scale | § 5.06.3 |
| C‑H | 5,000 sq ft / 50 ft | 15 ft | None; 15 ft where abutting R (6 ft for motel side yard) | None; 20 ft where abutting R | 45 ft | Highway‑oriented | § 5.07.4 |
| M‑L | 5,000 sq ft / 50 ft | 15 ft | None; 15 ft where abutting R | None; 20 ft where abutting R | 50 ft | Screen storage next to R (≥6 ft) | § 5.08.3 |
| M‑H | 5,000 sq ft / 50 ft | 15 ft | None; 15 ft where abutting R | None; 20 ft where abutting R | 50 ft | Screen storage next to R (≥6 ft) | § 5.09.3 |
| AE | 4 acres / 100 ft | 30 ft | 10% width (≤20 ft) | 20 ft | Not found | Max coverage 35%; no subdivisions | § 5.13.3 |
| FP | 5 acres / 300 ft | 20 ft | 10 ft | 20 ft | Not found | Flood‑plain limits | § 5.11.3 |
| FW | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified | Development via use‑permit conditions | § 5.10.3 |
Combining (overlay) zones that change development standards
- Special Building Site –B (§ 6.03). Replaces base lot size and yards with B‑table requirements. Common sub‑zones:
B‑1 (8,000 sq ft lot; 25 ft front; sides at 10% of width, min 8 ft; 10 ft rear) up to B‑4 (1 acre lot; 30 ft front; larger side/rear). B‑5/B‑6 are map‑ or subdivision‑specific. - Recreation –X (§ 6.04). Adds recreation uses with larger sites and buffers: minimum lot 5 acres, width 300 ft, 50‑ft yards on all sides; max height 30 ft.
- Design Control –D (§ 6.05). Requires a Design Review Permit before any exterior change in mapped areas, to maintain the historic character; decisions are guided by § 6.05 and the Sign Ordinance. Coordinate early with Ferndale Design Review and Ferndale Historic Preservation.
- Qualified –Q (§ 6.06). Used where commercial districts are predominantly residential; it narrows allowed uses but keeps the base zone’s minimum lot area/width/depth and height standards. Parking must meet § 7.16.
- Housing –H (§ 6.07). Applies to a defined portion of the Ferndale Housing Project; principally permits the existing duplexes.
- Streamside Protection Area –SPA (§ 6.08). A 50‑ft band on both sides of Francis Creek from top of bank (or riparian dripline, whichever is greater). Development is subject to General Plan stream‑corridor policies; expect heightened constraints and coordination.
Practical notes
- Setback math trips people up on narrow R‑1/R‑2 lots. Remember the side yard is 10% of the lot width but not less than 5 ft or more than 12 ft, and height exceptions in residential zones come with proportional yard increases under a Special Permit.
- In C‑1/C‑2, “none” for the front yard flips to the residential front‑yard depth if your block is partly residential; similarly, interior sides that abut an R zone take on the R‑front setback requirement.
- Industrial districts require screening of equipment/materials next to R zones; plan for fencing/landscaping early and coordinate with Ferndale Landscaping and Screening.
Checklist
- Identify your base zone on the zoning map and note any overlays like –B, –D, –Q, –X, –H, or –SPA.
- Confirm minimum lot area and width; check any –B overlay table if present.
- Lay out setbacks (front/side/rear) and maximum building height; note any adjacency rules to R zones in C/H/M districts.
- Check maximum lot coverage and, if applicable, residential density caps.
- If in –D, prepare for design review and confirm sign approach early.
- Confirm off‑street parking per § 7.16 references in your district/overlay.
- If near Francis Creek, check –SPA limits and General Plan policies.
- For ADUs/JADUs, see Ferndale ADUs and state law requirements.
- If you need to exceed a height cap in a residential zone, evaluate a Special Permit or variances/exceptions.
Risks & Ambiguities
| Issue | Why it matters | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| ADU density language in R‑2/R‑3 | Code notes how ADUs/JADUs relate to allowable density but the phrasing can be read multiple ways. | Confirm with staff how ADUs/JADUs are counted toward density; also see state law background on the Ferndale ADUs page. |
| Mixed residential/commercial blocks in C‑1/C‑2 | Your “no front yard” could become a required front yard if the block is partly residential. | Check the block context and apply the residential front yard where required. |
| Height exceptions | Taller buildings in R zones need a Special Permit and larger yards. | Scope your massing early and budget for yard increases if you pursue the exception. |
| Overlay stacking (e.g., R‑1 with –B and –D) | Overlays can replace lot/yard standards (–B) or add process (–D). | Apply –B numbers in place of base yards; get design review if in –D. |
| Storage/screening next to neighborhoods | Industrial/commercial outdoor storage must be screened next to R zones. | Incorporate fencing/landscape screening early. |
| PF dimensional standards | PF purpose is defined; specific setbacks/heights were not located. | Not found in retrieved materials; confirm parcel‑specific standards with the City. |
Plain-English Summary
Ferndale decides what can be built by zone. In R‑1 and R‑2, plan on a 20 ft front yard, formula‑based side yards, and 35 ft height; R‑3 allows a bit more height and tighter side/rear yards. Commercial and industrial districts have “none” side/rear setbacks unless you touch a residential lot—then buffers apply. Overlays like –B can replace your lot/yard numbers, and –D means you’ll need design review. When in doubt, check your zone, check your overlays, then lay out your site with the setbacks, height, coverage, and any density caps shown here.
Source References
- Article 4: Zoning map, boundary rules, and limitations; yard duplication rule (§§ 4.04–4.06.4).
- Article 5: Principal zones — R‑1 (§ 5.02), R‑2 (§ 5.03), R‑3 (§ 5.04), C‑1 (§ 5.05), C‑2 (§ 5.06), C‑H (§ 5.07), M‑L (§ 5.08), M‑H (§ 5.09), FW (§ 5.10), FP (§ 5.11), PD (§ 5.12), AE (§ 5.13), PF (§ 5.14).
- Article 6: Combining (overlay) zones — –B (§ 6.03), –X (§ 6.04), –D (§ 6.05), –Q (§ 6.06), –H (§ 6.07), –SPA (§ 6.08).
- Article 7: General provisions — height exception (§ 7.07), fences (§ 7.08).
- Related internal topics: Ferndale zoning & planning overview, Ferndale Zoning, Ferndale Parking, Ferndale Design Review, Ferndale Overlay Districts, Ferndale Signage, Ferndale Historic Preservation, Ferndale ADUs
Sources
Retrieved passages
- Ferndale Zoning Code (section amendments) High relevance
- Ferndale Zoning Code (section amendments) High relevance
- Ferndale Zoning Code (§5.13) High relevance
- Ferndale Zoning Code (section amendments) High relevance
- Ferndale Zoning Code (§5.09) High relevance
- Ferndale Zoning Code (Section 7.16) High relevance
- Ferndale Zoning Code (section amendments) High relevance
- Ferndale Zoning Code (section amendments) High relevance
- Ferndale Zoning Code (Section amended) High relevance
- Ferndale Zoning Code (§5.10) High relevance
- Ferndale Zoning Code (ARTICLE 5) High relevance
- Ferndale Zoning Code (§5.07) High relevance
- Ferndale Zoning Code (Section amended) High relevance
- Ferndale Zoning Code (§5.08) High relevance
- Ferndale Zoning Code (§5.04) Medium relevance
Cited sections
- Article 4: Zoning map, boundary rules, and limitations; yard duplication rule (§§ 4.04–4.06.4). (Article 4)
- Article 5: Principal zones — R‑1 (§ 5.02), R‑2 (§ 5.03), R‑3 (§ 5.04), C‑1 (§ 5.05), C‑2 (§ 5.06), C‑H (§ 5.07), M‑L (§ 5.08), M‑H (§ 5.09), FW (§ 5.10), FP (§ 5.11), PD (§ 5.12), AE (§ 5.13), PF (§ 5.14). (Article 5)
- Article 6: Combining (overlay) zones — –B (§ 6.03), –X (§ 6.04), –D (§ 6.05), –Q (§ 6.06), –H (§ 6.07), –SPA (§ 6.08). (Article 6)
- Article 7: General provisions — height exception (§ 7.07), fences (§ 7.08). (Article 7)
- Related internal topics: Ferndale zoning & planning overview, Ferndale Zoning, Ferndale Parking, Ferndale Design Review, Ferndale Overlay Districts, Ferndale Signage, Ferndale Historic Preservation, Ferndale ADUs
- Ferndale_ZoningCode.md
Frequently asked questions
What can I build on an R‑1 lot in Ferndale?
Single‑family homes are permitted; minimum lot area is 5,000 sq ft with a 50‑ft width. Setbacks are 20 ft front, 15 ft rear, and sides at 10% of lot width (5–12 ft), with 35 ft height and 40% lot coverage.
What are the setback and height limits in R‑2 and R‑3?
R‑2: same basic lot size/width as R‑1, with 20 ft front, 15 ft rear, and sides at 10% of lot width; 35 ft height, 45% coverage. R‑3: 20 ft front, 5 ft side, 10 ft rear; 45 ft height, 60% coverage, plus building‑group spacing rules.
How is residential density set in R‑2 and R‑3?
R‑2 allows 1–18 units/acre and R‑3 allows 1–27 units/acre, with fractional results rounded up to the next whole unit. Each district includes a note on ADUs/JADUs relative to allowable density—confirm counting with staff.
I’m on a commercial lot next to houses. Do different setbacks apply?
Yes. In C‑1/C‑2, interior sides abutting an R zone must meet that R‑front yard depth, and C‑1/C‑2 “no front yard” switches to the residential front yard if your block is partly residential. In C‑H/M‑L/M‑H, special side/rear yards kick in where your lot abuts an R zone.
Do I need design review in Ferndale?
If your property is in the Design Control –D overlay, you must obtain a Design Review Permit before any exterior change; the review ensures compatibility with Ferndale’s historic character. See the Ferndale Design Review page and § 6.05.2.
How do –B Special Building Site overlays change my setbacks?
–B overlays replace the base lot area and yard requirements with the –B table. For example, –B‑1 requires an 8,000 sq ft lot, 25‑ft front yard, sides at 10% of lot width (min 8 ft), and a 10‑ft rear yard.
Can I exceed the height limit in a residential zone?
Possibly. § 7.07 allows exceptions with a Special Permit; any added height usually requires proportional increases to the required yards.
What screening is required next to neighborhoods in industrial zones?
In M‑L and M‑H, storage areas adjacent to R zones must be screened by walls, fences, or landscaping to at least 6 ft in height.
What if I’m near Francis Creek?
Parcels in the –SPA overlay include a 50‑ft streamside buffer measured from top of bank or the riparian dripline (whichever is farther). Development is subject to General Plan stream‑corridor policies.
What are Ferndale’s fence height rules?
Citywide, fences are limited to 6 ft, but front‑yard fences are capped at 4 ft. Visibility triangles apply at corners, alleys, and driveways, which can further limit fence height/placement.
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