Local zoning · Ferndale
Ferndale — Zoning
Zoning under the Ferndale local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
Overview
Ferndale regulates land use through its Zoning Ordinance, adopted as Ordinance No. 02-02 and cited locally as the “Zoning Ordinance.” It establishes principal zoning districts, combining (overlay) zones, a controlling zoning map, and citywide general provisions that apply across districts (§ 1.02; § 4.01–§ 4.05; § 5.01) . Start with the Ferndale zoning & planning overview, then use the district-by-district guidance below to confirm what’s allowed on your parcel.
The zoning map controls which district applies to your property; when boundaries are unclear, rules in § 4.05 govern interpretation (e.g., centerlines of streets, lot lines, or scaling on the map) (§ 4.04–§ 4.05) .
How Ferndale’s districts are organized
- Principal zones: R1, R2, R3, C1, C2, CH, ML, MH, FW, FP, PD, AE, PF (§ 4.01) .
- Combining (overlay) zones: -A, -B, -X, -D, -Q, -H, -SPA (§ 4.02) .
- District boundaries and the official map are adopted as part of the code (§ 4.03–§ 4.04) .
- Article 7 general provisions (e.g., yards, fences, uses by permit) apply citywide in addition to each district’s rules; if there’s conflict, the Planning Commission decides which controls (§ 5.01) . For dimensional rules beyond zoning (e.g., fences, site features), see Ferndale Development Standards.
Principal Zones (district-by-district)
R1 — Residential One-Family
Purpose: Single-family neighborhoods where services and conditions support low-density homes (§ 5.02) .
Typical permitted uses: Single-family dwellings; limited boarding; household pets; vacation rentals; small employee housing (§ 5.02.1) .
Key dimensional standards: 5,000 sf min lot area; 50 ft min width; max depth 3× width; yards: 20 ft front, 15 ft rear, sides 10% of lot width each (min 5 ft, max 12 ft); max coverage 40%; max height 35 ft (§ 5.02.3) .
Where it applies: As mapped on the city zoning map (§ 4.04) .
R2 — Residential Two-Family
Purpose: Areas suitable for a range of residential densities consistent with “Residential Medium Density” in the General Plan (§ 5.03) .
Typical permitted uses: Single-family, two-family, and (by right) multiple dwellings/dwelling groups; limited boarding; vacation rentals; small employee housing; single-room occupancy and supportive housing are listed as permitted by amendment (§ 5.03.1) .
Key dimensional standards: 5,000 sf min lot; 50 ft min width; max depth 3× width; max coverage 45%; yards: 20 ft front, 15 ft rear, sides 10% width (min 5 ft, max 12 ft); max height 35 ft; density 1–18 du/ac (fractional units round up; ADUs/JADUs do not exceed allowed density) (§ 5.03.3) .
Where it applies: As mapped (§ 4.04) .
R3 — Residential Multiple-Family
Purpose: Areas for low- to high-density multi-family consistent with “Residential High Density” (§ 5.04) .
Typical permitted uses: Single-family; multiple dwellings/dwelling groups; B&Bs; small employee housing; SROs/supportive housing per amendment (§ 5.04.1) .
Key dimensional standards: 5,000 sf min lot (and not less than 600 sf per unit); 50 ft width; depth ≤3× width; max coverage 60%; yards: 20 ft front, 10 ft rear, 5 ft sides; special separation rules for dwelling groups; max height 45 ft; density 1–27 du/ac (fractions round up; ADUs/JADUs do not exceed allowed density) (§ 5.04.3) .
Where it applies: As mapped (§ 4.04) .
C1 — Neighborhood Commercial
Purpose: Neighborhood-serving retail/service near residential areas (§ 5.05) .
Typical permitted uses: Enclosed retail and services (e.g., shops, restaurants); offices; secondhand sales adjunct to permitted uses; upper-floor residential (including small employee housing, multiple dwellings, SROs/supportive housing) by right; ground-floor residential requires a Use Permit (§ 5.05.1–5.05.2) .
Key dimensional standards: 2,000 sf min lot; 25 ft min width; yards: none in front/side except where abutting residential, then match R front yard; 15 ft rear (or 5 ft on alleys); max height 35 ft (§ 5.05.3) .
Where it applies: As mapped (§ 4.04) . See Ferndale Parking for stall counts citywide.
C2 — Community Commercial
Purpose: Community-scale commercial with broader mix (§ 5.06) .
Typical permitted uses: Offices; enclosed retail; small animal hospitals; minor auto services; used goods; housing types (including multiple dwellings, hotels/motels, vacation rentals, mobile home parks, SROs/supportive housing) listed as permitted by amendment (§ 5.06.1) .
Key dimensional standards: 2,000 sf min lot; 25 ft min width; yards similar to C1 (residential adjacency triggers R front-yard depth); max height 45 ft (§ 5.06.3) .
Where it applies: As mapped (§ 4.04) .
CH — Highway Service Commercial
Purpose: Travel- and highway-oriented services at safe and suitable locations (§ 5.07) .
Typical permitted uses: Restaurants; hotels/motels/mobile home parks; auto service stations; nurseries/stands; outdoor ads for on-site services; commercial recreation (§ 5.07.1) .
Key dimensional standards: 5,000 sf min lot; 50 ft width; yards: 15 ft front; side/rear none unless abutting R Zone (then side ≥15 ft, rear ≥20 ft; motel side yard ≥6 ft); max height 45 ft (§ 5.07.4) .
Where it applies: As mapped (§ 4.04) .
ML — Limited Industrial
Purpose: Light industrial and heavy commercial of a non-nuisance type (§ 5.08) .
Typical permitted uses: Light manufacturing and shops; admin/business/professional offices; R&D labs; some residential/hospitality with a Use Permit (§ 5.08.1–5.08.2) .
Key dimensional standards: 5,000 sf min lot; 50 ft width; yards: 15 ft front; side/rear none unless abutting R Zone (then side ≥15 ft, rear ≥20 ft; motel side yard ≥6 ft); max height 50 ft; screening of storage next to R zones required to 6 ft minimum (§ 5.08.3) .
Where it applies: As mapped (§ 4.04) .
MH — Heavy Industrial
Purpose: General industrial operations with controls to protect surroundings (§ 5.09) .
Typical permitted uses: Broad range of manufacturing and industrial uses; offices; some residential/hospitality; many high-impact activities require a Use Permit (e.g., petroleum storage, smelting) (§ 5.09.1–5.09.2) .
Key dimensional standards: 5,000 sf min lot; 50 ft width; yards: 15 ft front; side/rear none unless abutting R Zone (then side ≥15 ft, rear ≥20 ft; motel side yard ≥6 ft); max height 50 ft; storage screening near R zones to 6 ft (§ 5.09.3) .
Where it applies: As mapped (§ 4.04) .
FW — Floodway
Purpose: Channels and adjacent areas for the “Design Flood,” keeping flow largely unrestricted (§ 5.10) .
Typical permitted uses: Agriculture (no buildings); open-space recreation; limited utilities/structures by Use Permit if flood-proof and not impeding flow (§ 5.10.1–5.10.2) .
Key dimensional standards: No specific dimensional standards; permit conditions control (§ 5.10.3) .
Where it applies: As designated on the zone map by floodway delineation (§ 5.10; § 4.04) .
FP — Flood Plain
Purpose: Flood-prone areas outside the floodway; limits uses to protect life and property (§ 5.11) .
Typical permitted uses: Agriculture, nurseries/greenhouses; roadside stands; trailer/mobile home parks; various recreation; some residential and employee housing with a Use Permit (§ 5.11.1–5.11.2) .
Key dimensional standards: 5 acres min lot; 300 ft min width; yards: 20 ft front/rear, 10 ft sides (§ 5.11.3) .
Where it applies: As mapped (§ 4.04) .
PD — Planned Development
Purpose: Large, master-planned projects mixing uses consistent with the General Plan (§ 5.12) .
How it works: Uses occur under a Use Permit with a detailed “precise development plan”; deviations from normal standards may be approved if they improve the overall development; PD zones are mapped with sequential numbers and their approved plans become supplemental regulations (§ 5.12.1–5.12.3) .
Where it applies: As individually designated “PD” areas on the map (§ 5.12.3.b; § 4.04) .
AE — Agriculture-Exclusive
Purpose: Protect fertile agricultural areas from incompatible encroachment (§ 5.13) .
Typical permitted uses: General agriculture; farm dwellings; nurseries/greenhouses; roadside stands; vacation rentals; small and large employee housing per code/Health & Safety Code cross-references (§ 5.13.1) .
Key dimensional standards: No subdivisions or residential developments allowed; 4 acres min lot; 100 ft width; 35% max coverage; yards: 30 ft front, 20 ft rear, sides 10% width (max 20 ft); farm outbuildings ≥20 ft from any dwelling on site (§ 5.13.3) .
Where it applies: As mapped (§ 4.04) .
PF — Public Facility
Purpose: Lands owned or operated by public agencies for civic uses (§ 5.14) .
Typical permitted uses: Schools, parks, fairgrounds; public buildings (City Hall, fire, library, hospitals, museums); emergency shelters are allowed if they meet enumerated operating and spacing standards, with off-street parking per § 7.16 (§ 5.14.1) .
Key dimensional standards: Set primarily by Use Permit; otherwise none (§ 5.14.3) .
Where it applies: As mapped (§ 4.04) .
Combining (Overlay) Zones
-A — Agricultural Combining
Adds agricultural and limited livestock to residential areas where lot sizes support it (§ 6.02) . Key limits include animal densities and siting: e.g., barns/corrals ≥50 ft from any residence and ≥20 ft from any lot line (§ 6.02.3) . See Ferndale Overlay Districts.
-B — Special Building Site Combining
Modifies minimum lot area and yards where applied; subzones B-1 through B-6 set specific minimums (e.g., B‑4 requires one acre and 30 ft front yard). See the -B table in § 6.03 for all thresholds (§ 6.03) .
-X — Recreation Combining
Adds recreation and related uses; typically requires large sites and buffers: 5 acres min lot, 300 ft width, 50 ft yards, 30 ft max height (§ 6.04) .
-D — Design Control Combining
Requires design review before erecting, altering, or remodeling exterior appearance within the zone. The purpose is to protect Ferndale’s historic character and ensure compatibility; procedures (including conceptual and final review) are detailed in § 6.05, with appeals per Article 11 (§ 6.05.1–6.05.6) .
-Q — Qualified Combining
Applies where residential uses predominate in a commercial zone and narrows the list of allowed commercial activities to those compatible with residential character; uses are enumerated in § 6.06.1–6.06.2. Lot and height limits mirror the underlying zone; parking must meet § 7.16 (§ 6.06.3) .
-H — Housing Combining
Covers existing duplex units on a portion of the Ferndale Housing Project (Fairview Dr. and Trident Ln.); principally permits those duplexes (§ 6.07) .
-SPA — Streamside Protection Area (Francis Creek)
Extends 50 ft from the top of bank or riparian dripline (whichever is greater) on both sides of Francis Creek; development must align with specified General Plan policies (§ 6.08) .
Quick-reference tables
Key residential standards
| District | Typical permitted uses (examples) | Core lot/yard/height standards | Density notes | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R1 | Single-family; small employee housing; vacation rental | Lot: 5,000 sf; Width: 50 ft; Yards: 20 ft front / 15 ft rear / sides 10% lot width (5–12 ft); Height: 35 ft; Coverage: 40% | Not specified | § 5.02.1–5.02.3 |
| R2 | Single-/two-family; multiple dwellings; SRO/supportive | Same lot/width/depth pattern as R1; Yards: 20/15/sides 10% (5–12 ft); Height: 35 ft; Coverage: 45% | 1–18 du/ac; round up; ADUs/JADUs don’t exceed density | § 5.03.1–5.03.3 |
| R3 | Single-family; multifamily; SRO/supportive | Lot: 5,000 sf + ≥600 sf/unit; Width: 50 ft; Yards: 20/10/5 ft; Height: 45 ft; Coverage: 60% | 1–27 du/ac; round up; ADUs/JADUs don’t exceed density | § 5.04.1–5.04.3 |
Special-purpose and constraint zones
| Zone | What to know | Practical constraint | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| FW | Floodway—keep flow paths open | Buildings generally not permitted; permits condition site features | § 5.10.1–5.10.3 |
| FP | Flood plain—flood-prone areas | Big lots: 5 acres; 300 ft width; 20/10-yard pattern | § 5.11.3 |
| AE | Farmland protection | No subdivisions/residential developments; min 4 acres | § 5.13.3.a–b |
| PD | Master-planned projects | Must follow an approved precise development plan | § 5.12.2–5.12.3 |
Note: Off-street parking applies across zones per § 7.16; verify counts early with the Parking guide (§ 7.16) . Signs and exterior changes inside the -D zone trigger Design Review (§ 6.05) . Historic buildings may have tailored nonconforming rules—see Ferndale Historic Preservation and § 12.01.8 (Historic District exemption) .
Checklist
- Identify your mapped zoning district and any combining overlays on the official zoning map (§ 4.04) .
- Confirm your proposed use is listed as permitted or requires a Use Permit in your zone (§ 5.02–§ 5.14) .
- Check base dimensional standards (lot size, yards, height, coverage) and any overlay modifications (e.g., -B, -Q) (§ 5.0x; § 6.03; § 6.06.3) .
- Verify Article 7 general provisions and citywide Development Standards also apply (§ 5.01) .
- Calculate and show required off-street parking and loading per § 7.16 and the Parking guide (§ 7.16) .
- If in -D (Design Control), secure a Design Review Permit before exterior changes; coordinate with Design Review (§ 6.05) .
- If near Francis Creek, verify if -SPA applies and address riparian policies (§ 6.08) .
- For existing legal nonconforming situations, review Nonconforming Uses (§ 12.01) .
- If proposing an ADU/JADU, start with the Ferndale ADUs page; note density statements in R2/R3 (§ 5.03.3.g; § 5.04.3.i) .
Risks & Ambiguities
| Issue | Why it matters | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Unclear zone boundaries | Your allowed uses/setbacks hinge on the exact boundary | Apply § 4.05 rules; confirm with city if scaling/centerlines or minor adjustments apply (§ 4.05) |
| Residential adjacency in C/Industrial zones | Triggers deeper front/side/rear yards than commercial norm | Check adjacency yard clauses in C1/C2/CH/ML/MH regs (§ 5.05.3; § 5.06.3; § 5.07.4; § 5.08.3; § 5.09.3) |
| Floodway vs. Flood Plain | Different allowances; floodway is far more restrictive | Verify if your parcel is FW or FP on the map; apply § 5.10 vs. § 5.11 accordingly |
| AE “no subdivision/development” rule | Limits lot splits and new residential plats in farmland | Confirm parcel’s AE status and exceptions; § 5.13.3.a controls |
| Design Review triggers in -D | Exterior work without approval can delay permits | Determine if you’re in -D; follow § 6.05 procedures and timelines; appeals per Article 11 |
| -Q overlay narrowing uses | Even if C1/C2 permit a use, -Q may not | Compare your proposal to § 6.06 lists; parking per § 7.16 still applies |
| Historic District constraints | Special nonconforming and design considerations | § 12.01.8 and -D policies; coordinate early with city historic review staff |
| PD projects’ custom standards | PD approvals can supersede typical metrics | Read the precise development plan and use permit conditions (§ 5.12.2–5.12.3) |
Plain-English Summary
Ferndale assigns each parcel a zone on the official zoning map. That zone dictates what you can build and how big it can be. Neighborhood homes fall under R1/R2/R3 with clear lot sizes, setbacks, heights, and—at higher densities—rules for multifamily. Shops and services belong in C1/C2/CH with special setbacks next to homes. ML/MH handle industrial, and FW/FP protect flood areas. Overlays like -D (Design Control) add steps like design review. Always check your mapped district, any overlays, and citywide parking/design standards before you draw plans.
Source References
- Ordinance No. 02-02 “Zoning Ordinance” — Adoption, purpose (§ 1.01–§ 1.03)
- Establishment and designation of zones; zoning map; boundaries (§ 4.01–§ 4.05)
- Article 5 principal zones, including R1 (§ 5.02) ; R2 (§ 5.03) ; R3 (§ 5.04) ; C1 (§ 5.05) ; C2 (§ 5.06) ; CH (§ 5.07) ; ML (§ 5.08) ; MH (§ 5.09) ; FW (§ 5.10) ; FP (§ 5.11) ; PD (§ 5.12) ; AE (§ 5.13) ; PF (§ 5.14)
- Article 6 combining zones: -A (§ 6.02) ; -B (§ 6.03) ; -X (§ 6.04) ; -D (§ 6.05) ; -Q (§ 6.06) ; -H (§ 6.07) ; -SPA (§ 6.08)
- Article 7 general provisions; parking (§ 7.16) ; Article 12 nonconforming (§ 12.01)
Sources
Retrieved passages
- Ferndale Zoning Code (section amendments) High relevance
- Ferndale Zoning Code (section amendments) High relevance
- Ferndale Zoning Code (TITLE and) High relevance
- Ferndale Zoning Code (Section 7.27) High relevance
- Ferndale Zoning Code (§5.13) High relevance
- Ferndale Zoning Code (ARTICLE 5) High relevance
- Ferndale Zoning Code (§5.12) High relevance
- Ferndale Zoning Code (§4.04) High relevance
- Ferndale Zoning Code (§5.06) High relevance
- Ferndale Zoning Code (§5.10) High relevance
- Ferndale Zoning Code (Section amended) High relevance
- Ferndale Zoning Code (section amendments) High relevance
- Ferndale Zoning Code (§5.07) High relevance
- Ferndale Zoning Code (§5.08) High relevance
- Ferndale Zoning Code (Section amended) High relevance
- Ferndale Zoning Code (§7.16) High relevance
- Ferndale Zoning Code (§6.04) High relevance
- Ferndale Zoning Code (section amended) High relevance
- Ferndale Zoning Code (Section amended) High relevance
- Ferndale Zoning Code (section amended) High relevance
- Ferndale Zoning Code (§7.23) High relevance
Cited sections
- Ordinance No. 02-02 “Zoning Ordinance” — Adoption, purpose (§ 1.01–§ 1.03) (§ 1.01)
- Establishment and designation of zones; zoning map; boundaries (§ 4.01–§ 4.05) (§ 4.01)
- Article 5 principal zones, including R1 (§ 5.02) ; R2 (§ 5.03) ; R3 (§ 5.04) ; C1 (§ 5.05) ; C2 (§ 5.06) ; CH (§ 5.07) ; ML (§ 5.08) ; MH (§ 5.09) ; FW (§ 5.10) ; FP (§ 5.11) ; PD (§ 5.12) ; AE (§ 5.13) ; PF (§ 5.14) (Article 5)
- Article 6 combining zones: -A (§ 6.02) ; -B (§ 6.03) ; -X (§ 6.04) ; -D (§ 6.05) ; -Q (§ 6.06) ; -H (§ 6.07) ; -SPA (§ 6.08) (Article 6)
- Article 7 general provisions; parking (§ 7.16) ; Article 12 nonconforming (§ 12.01) (Article 7)
- Ferndale_ZoningCode.md
Frequently asked questions
What can I build on an R-1 lot in Ferndale?
R1 is for single-family homes. You’ll need at least a 5,000 sf lot, 50 ft width, and meet setbacks of 20 ft front, 15 ft rear, and side yards equal to 10% of lot width (min 5 ft, max 12 ft). Max height is 35 ft and lot coverage is capped at 40% (§ 5.02.1, § 5.02.3) .
What are the basic setbacks and height for multifamily in R-3?
R3 allows multi-family with 20 ft front, 10 ft rear, and 5 ft side yards; max height is 45 ft. Minimum lot is 5,000 sf, and at least 600 sf of lot area per unit is required; special spacing rules apply to dwelling groups (§ 5.04.3) .
Can I put housing above a shop downtown?
Yes—C1 permits upper-floor residential (including small employee housing and multiple dwellings). Ground-floor dwellings in C1 require a Use Permit. Dimensional rules include no front yard (unless matching an adjacent R zone), a 15 ft rear yard (or 5 ft on alleys), and 35 ft max height (§ 5.05.1–5.05.3) .
Do I need design review for exterior changes?
If your property is in the Design Control (-D) zone, a Design Review Permit is required before exterior work that changes outward appearance. The code outlines conceptual vs. final review, findings, and timelines; appeals go to the City Council (§ 6.05) .
What happens if my property is in the Floodway or Flood Plain?
In FW (floodway), only open uses like agriculture (no buildings) and open-space recreation are typically allowed, with limited structures via Use Permit. FP allows more, but comes with minimum 5-acre lots and larger yards (§ 5.10; § 5.11) .
Are new subdivisions allowed in the AE (Agriculture-Exclusive) zone?
No—AE explicitly prohibits subdivisions and residential developments; the minimum lot area is 4 acres and larger setbacks apply (§ 5.13.3.a–b) .
How does the -Q (Qualified) overlay affect a commercial parcel?
-Q narrows the allowed uses in underlying commercial zones to those compatible with nearby residences. It lists permitted and Use Permit uses and keeps underlying dimensional limits; parking must comply with § 7.16 (§ 6.06.1–6.06.3) .
Do existing nonconforming buildings have any special rules in the Historic District?
Yes. Buildings within the Historic District are exempt from certain nonconforming reconstruction/value limits if work stays within the existing square footage per § 12.01.8. Always verify applicability to your building (§ 12.01.8) .
What density applies to R-2 and R-3, and how are fractions handled?
R2 allows 1–18 du/ac and R3 allows 1–27 du/ac; fractional results round up to the next whole unit. The code also notes that ADUs/JADUs do not exceed the allowable density for the lot (§ 5.03.3.g; § 5.04.3.i) .
Where do I find parking requirements for my use?
Parking is citywide in § 7.16 (e.g., one space per dwelling; 1/500 sf for offices/retail; special counts for restaurants and shelters). Confirm early; shared parking may be approved under specific provisions (§ 7.16) .
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