Local zoning · Kerman

Kerman — Design Review

Q: What special rules apply if my property is in a PD or SD combining zone?

Development in PD , SD , or IBA combining zones is processed under the Development Plan Review Permit in Chapter 17.96 ; those combining‑zone chapters also include numeric standards and design expectations (see § 17.18.020–030 and Table 17.18‑1 for SD). The development plan process can modify base‑zone standards per § 17.96.020(C) but cannot increase general‑plan density. file

Q: How long does a development plan review permit last?

A development plan review permit lapses 24 months from the effective date if use is not initiated unless a building permit was issued or a different time is set in the approving resolution; see § 17.96.100 .

Q: Are design standards for single‑family homes strict?

Kerman has specific architectural standards for R‑1‑7 and R‑1‑12 (materials, roof pitch, minimum width) in § 17.10.100 ; however typical detached single‑family projects are exempt from site plan review per § 17.80.020(B)(1) . If a project is part of a combined development or PD/SD, different rules may apply. file

Design Review under the Kerman local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.

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Last reviewed: July 3, 2026

Overview

Kerman handles design review primarily through two related permit tracks: the Site Plan Review Permit (discretionary review of new commercial, multi‑unit, and larger projects) and the Development Plan Review Permit (used for projects in combining/“overlay” zones such as Planned Development or Smart Residential). The city also provides an objective design‑standards chapter that allows ministerial (streamlined) approval for qualifying multi‑unit and mixed‑use housing. Key rules and submittal lists live in Chapter 17 of the Kerman Zoning Code: see the chapters on site plan review, development plan review, and the multi‑unit objective standards for the controlling text. See Kerman’s zoning and development standards for related rules on parking, landscaping, and overlays. Kerman Zoning

How Kerman’s design review system is structured (plain code pointers)

Site plan review (discretionary director/commission review) is established in Chapter 17.80; applicability, submittal contents, findings, and appeals are in § 17.80.020–§ 17.80.070. § 17.80.020 lists what projects require site plan review and what is exempt. § 17.80.040 lists the required contents of the site plan submittal. § 17.80.050 explains findings and decision authority.
Development plan review for combining (overlay) zones is governed by Chapter 17.96; it is expressly required for all development in combining districts and may adjust base-zone development standards (e.g., setbacks, coverage). See § 17.96.010–§ 17.96.020 (purpose & applicability) and § 17.96.080 (conditions the commission may impose).
Objective, ministerial design standards for qualifying multi‑unit and mixed‑use housing are codified in Chapter 17.46; projects that meet those objective standards are eligible for streamlined (ministerial) approval under Government Code § 65913.4 and are reviewed by the director per § 17.46.020–§ 17.46.030.

Because Kerman ties site content and development standards together, applicants should read the specific zone rules (base zones and combining zones) along with Chapters 17.80, 17.96 and 17.46.

Note: When the page refers to development standards such as setbacks or maximum coverage, consult Kerman’s published Kerman Development Standards and the specific combining‑zone tables (below). Also review parking rules via Kerman Parking and landscaping via Kerman Landscaping and Screening as these are integrated into design review packages. The State building rules remain the responsibility of the building department under the California Building Standards Code.

District-by-district breakdown (what triggers design/plan review; typical uses; key dimensional standards)

Each subsection below focuses on the Kerman district names used in the code. Boldface highlights the district identifiers and the most decision‑relevant numeric standards.

R-1-7 and R-1-12 (single‑unit residential)

Purpose / typical uses: Single‑family dwellings and accessory uses. See the single‑unit design requirements for architectural expectations.
Design review applicability: Detached, single‑unit dwellings (including routine improvements such as pools, patios, fences, small accessory structures) are specifically exempt from the site plan review chapter; the exemption for detached single‑unit development is in § 17.80.020(B)(1). For single‑unit design rules, see § 17.10.100 (Architectural standards applicable to R-1-7 and R-1-12).
Key dimensional / architectural items called out in the ordinance: minimum primary dwelling width 20 ft, permitted roof and siding materials, and minimum foundation attachment; refer to § 17.10.100 for specific materials and roof pitch rules.
Where it applies: throughout residential neighborhoods zoned R-1-7 and R-1-12; check parcel zoning via the city's zoning map. Verify with the planning division for parcel‑specific overlays. Verify with the jurisdiction.

R-2 and R-3 (multi‑unit residential)

Purpose / typical uses: Duplexes, triplexes, apartments, townhouses (multi‑unit residential).
Design review applicability: New multi‑unit construction and projects that increase dwelling units or building square footage in R-2 and R-3 must submit a site plan to the planning division under § 17.10.090 and are subject to site plan review rules in § 17.80.020; multi‑unit projects that qualify for the objective standards may be eligible for ministerial review under Chapter 17.46 (objective standards and director approval in § 17.46.020–§ 17.46.030).
Key standards: multi‑unit projects must meet on‑site open space and landscaping minimums (e.g., multifamily open space minimums in § 17.10.080(B)) and parking per Chapter 17.28; refer to Chapter 17.46 for objective architectural/site requirements when using the streamlined route.

PD — Planned Development combining zone (PD)

Purpose / typical uses: Enables integrated/planned residential, mixed, or larger projects with design flexibility (identified in § 17.18.010–§ 17.18.020). The city identifies PD zones as PD‑R‑1, PD‑R‑3, etc.
Design review applicability: All development in a PD combining zone is subject to a Development Plan Review Permit; the applicability and requirement that development in combining zones go through Chapter 17.96 is explicit in § 17.96.020(A) and reiterated in the PD combining‑zone rules. The development plan review may modify parcel coverage, setbacks, heights, etc., while preserving general plan density limits (see § 17.96.020(C)).
Key dimensional/headline standards (PD): minimum parcel area 2 acres, height consistent with base zone, density tied to base zone unless additional common open space justifies a bonus; PD rules list minimum parcel widths, depths, and special rules for duplex placement and percentage of lots allowed below base zone minimums — see § 17.18.020(C) and the PD development standards table.

SD — Smart Residential Development combining zone (SD, tabled as SD‑R‑5, SD‑R‑4.5, SD‑R‑3.5, SD‑R‑2.5)

Purpose / typical uses: Encourages "smart growth" residential design (higher walkability, mixed housing types) with specific density and yard schedules. See § 17.18.030 and Table 17.18‑1 for numeric standards.
Design review applicability: All SD projects are processed under the Development Plan Review Permit framework; processing requirements require Chapter 17.96 approval before building/grading permits are issued (see § 17.96.020). SD projects must meet the SD standards unless modified by an approved development plan.
Representative numeric table highlights (from Table 17.18‑1): maximum heights 35–45 ft depending on subtype; structure coverage 50–70% by subtype; front yards 10–20 ft depending on subtype; densities vary (e.g., SD‑R‑2.5 up to 24 du/acre). See Table 17.18‑1 for full matrix.

IBA — Industrial Boulevard Area combining zone (IBA)

Purpose / typical uses: Special standards for industrial properties along Madera Avenue; underlying M‑2 rules determine uses allowed by right / CUPs. See § 17.18.040.
Design review applicability: Development in the IBA combining zone is subject to the Development Plan Review Permit per Chapter 17.96 (processing requirement). The IBA standards specify a 50 ft front yard, other yard/setbacks determined by base zone, and special landscaping/parcel dimension rules for Madera Avenue-facing parcels.

Quick reference table — Decision‑relevant design/approval triggers

Project type / district	Design review required?	Decision authority (typical)	Key code refs
New multi‑unit in R-2/R-3	Yes — Site Plan Review	Director (may refer to Planning Commission)	§ 17.10.090, § 17.80.020 file
Detached single‑family in R-1‑7/R-1‑12 (normal additions)	Exempt from Site Plan Review (small work exempt)	N/A (building/zoning clearance)	§ 17.80.020(B)(1); § 17.10.100 file
Any development in PD, SD, IBA combining zones	Yes — Development Plan Review Permit required	Planning Commission (resolution) / Director for completeness	§ 17.96.020; § 17.18.020–§ 17.18.040 file
Mixed‑use / multi‑unit that meets objective standards	Eligible for ministerial streamlined approval (Director)	Director (ministerial); appeals per code	Chapter 17.46 (objectives) § 17.46.020–030
Projects increasing floor area by ≥30%	Site Plan Review required	Director / Commission	§ 17.80.020(A)(2)

Checklist — what to include in a site plan or development‑plan submission

Completed site plan review application and fees (per Planning Division). See § 17.80.040 for submittal list.
Scaled site plan showing parcel dimensions, building footprints, setbacks, parking layout and internal circulation (ingress/egress), and fully dimensioned setbacks — required by § 17.80.040(C–G, H).
Architectural elevations, colors and materials board, and roof pitch info where applicable — § 17.80.040(D–F) and objective standards in Chapter 17.46 when applicable. file
Preliminary landscaping (to meet MWELO and Chapter 17.26) and screening plans for parking/trash enclosures — see § 17.80.040(N) and § 17.26.040–050. Kerman Landscaping and Screening file
Off‑street parking calculations and loading info per Chapter 17.28 — include dimensions and any screening for residential parking; parking rules invoked in site plan review findings. Kerman Parking
Drainage/grading concept and stormwater info; utility letters and improvement security info as required for building permits (see § 17.80.030(B)).
For combining zone projects (PD/SD/IBA): plan showing how the project meets combining‑zone standards or the modifications requested (see § 17.18.020–030, § 17.18.040, and § 17.96.020(C)). file

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Director discretion to refer to Commission	§ 17.80.050 allows the director to refer large/controversial site plans to the commission; this affects timeline and public hearing risk.	Confirm with planning staff whether your project is likely to be referred; request a pre‑application meeting. § 17.80.050
Combining‑zone modifications	Chapter 17.96 allows modification of standards (setbacks, coverage) but forbids increasing general‑plan density; adjustments are discretionary § 17.96.020(C).	If you need non‑standard setbacks/coverage, build justification and comparables; verify allowed scope of tradeoffs in PD/SD/IBA rules. § 17.96.020(C)
Objective vs subjective design standards for ADUs	State law limits subjective standards for ADUs. Kerman has objective standards for multi‑unit projects (Chapter 17.46) but code does not restate ADU ministerial rules here.	For ADU projects, confirm with the planning division which standards apply and whether design review may be waived. Verify state ADU requirements. Not found in retrieved materials for ADU-specific design review rules — verify with the jurisdiction.
Parcel‑specific deviations in PD/SD	PD/SD tables permit some deviations (e.g., percentage of lots below base‑zone size). Interpretation of those percentages affects lotting and unit count.	For subdivisions, run net‑area/density calculations with staff and confirm how street area is subtracted (see § 17.96.020(C)(1–3)). § 17.96.020(C)
Landscaping / MWELO compliance	Site plan approval requires compliance with landscape and irrigation rules; failing to plan triggers building permit hold.	Include MWELO‑compliant plans at submittal. See Chapter 17.26 and the site plan submittal list § 17.80.040(N). file

Plain‑English Summary

If you’re building anything but a typical detached single‑family house in Kerman, expect a design review step: multi‑unit, commercial, and projects in overlay districts go through site plan review or the development plan review process; qualifying multi‑unit housing that meets Kerman’s objective standards can use a streamlined director review. Read § 17.80 for site plan rules and § 17.96 for projects in PD/SD/IBA combining zones; submit the full site plan package (plans, elevations, landscaping, parking, drainage) and be ready for conditions or a hearing. file

Source References

§ 17.80.010–§ 17.80.070 (Site Plan Review Permit: purpose, applicability, submittal contents, findings, appeals)
§ 17.80.020 (Who needs Site Plan Review; exemptions for detached single‑unit dwellings)
§ 17.80.040 (Application filing and contents for Site Plan Review)
Chapter 17.96 (especially § 17.96.010–§ 17.96.020; § 17.96.080) (Development Plan Review Permit — purpose, applicability, ability to modify standards)
Chapter 17.46 (§ 17.46.010–§ 17.46.030) (Multi‑Unit Dwelling Objective Design Standards; objective‑standard streamlined approvals)
§ 17.10.090 and § 17.10.100 (Site plan references for multi‑unit and architectural standards for R‑1‑7 / R‑1‑12) file
17.18.010–17.18.040 (Combining zones: PD, SD, IBA; Table 17.18‑1 for SD numeric standards) file
Chapter 17.26 (Landscaping; MWELO references for site landscaping)

Sources

Retrieved passages

Kerman Zoning Code (title or) High relevance
Kerman Zoning Code (Chapter 17.30) High relevance
Kerman Zoning Code (Chapter 17.28) High relevance
CBC § 2 (Section 17.20.030) High relevance
Kerman Zoning Code (Chapter 17.96) High relevance
Kerman Zoning Code (Chapter 17.96) High relevance
Kerman Zoning Code (Chapter 17.96) High relevance
Kerman Zoning Code (§2) High relevance
Kerman Zoning Code (Chapter 17.114) High relevance
CBC § 2 (§2) High relevance
Kerman Zoning Code (Chapter 17.46) High relevance
Kerman Zoning Code (§2) High relevance
Kerman Zoning Code (§2) High relevance
CBC § 2 (Chapter 17.28) Medium relevance
CBC § 17.20.030 (Chapter 17.96) Medium relevance
Kerman Zoning Code (§2) Medium relevance

Cited sections

**§ 17.80.010–§ 17.80.070** (Site Plan Review Permit: purpose, applicability, submittal contents, findings, appeals) (§ 17.80.010)
**§ 17.80.020** (Who needs Site Plan Review; exemptions for detached single‑unit dwellings) (§ 17.80.020)
**§ 17.80.040** (Application filing and contents for Site Plan Review) (§ 17.80.040)
**Chapter 17.96 (especially § 17.96.010–§ 17.96.020; § 17.96.080)** (Development Plan Review Permit — purpose, applicability, ability to modify standards) (Chapter 17.96)
**Chapter 17.46 (§ 17.46.010–§ 17.46.030)** (Multi‑Unit Dwelling Objective Design Standards; objective‑standard streamlined approvals) (Chapter 17.46)
**§ 17.10.090 and § 17.10.100** (Site plan references for multi‑unit and architectural standards for **R‑1‑7 / R‑1‑12**) file (§ 17.10.090)
**17.18.010–17.18.040** (Combining zones: **PD**, **SD**, **IBA**; Table 17.18‑1 for SD numeric standards) file
**Chapter 17.26** (Landscaping; MWELO references for site landscaping) (Chapter 17.26)
Kerman_ZoningCode.md

Frequently asked questions

Do I need design review in Kerman?

If your project is a new multi‑unit building, commercial/office/industrial building, a mobile home park, or increases structure area by 30% or more, you require a Site Plan Review Permit under § 17.80.020; projects in combining zones (PD, SD, IBA) must obtain a Development Plan Review Permit per § 17.96.020. Detached single‑family work is generally exempt from site plan review. file

What is required in a Kerman site plan submission?

Kerman requires a scaled site plan, parcel dimensions, architectural elevations, colors/materials board, parking and circulation, landscaping, drainage, and utility letters — see the detailed submittal list in § 17.80.040. Missing items can halt completeness review.

Can a multi‑unit project be approved ministerially (no public hearing)?

Yes — mixed‑use and multi‑unit projects that meet the objective design standards in Chapter 17.46 may qualify for streamlined (ministerial) approval by the director; otherwise the project uses the discretionary site plan/development plan tracks. § 17.46.020–030 explains applicability and authority.

What special rules apply if my property is in a PD or SD combining zone?

Development in PD, SD, or IBA combining zones is processed under the Development Plan Review Permit in Chapter 17.96; those combining‑zone chapters also include numeric standards and design expectations (see § 17.18.020–030 and Table 17.18‑1 for SD). The development plan process can modify base‑zone standards per § 17.96.020(C) but cannot increase general‑plan density. file

How does parking factor into design review?

Off‑street parking and loading must comply with Chapter 17.28 and parking dimensions/amounts must be shown in the site plan submittal. Some combining zones require parking screening and limit hardscaping in utility easements — see § 17.80.040 and the combining‑zone rules for details. Kerman Parking

Will the planning director always decide my site plan?

No — the director reviews and may approve many site plans, but if the project requires an environmental determination beyond a categorical exemption or is processed with another discretionary entitlement, the commission considers it; the director may also refer projects of significant consequence or controversy to the commission per § 17.80.050.

How long does a development plan review permit last?

A development plan review permit lapses 24 months from the effective date if use is not initiated unless a building permit was issued or a different time is set in the approving resolution; see § 17.96.100.

Are design standards for single‑family homes strict?

Kerman has specific architectural standards for R‑1‑7 and R‑1‑12 (materials, roof pitch, minimum width) in § 17.10.100; however typical detached single‑family projects are exempt from site plan review per § 17.80.020(B)(1). If a project is part of a combined development or PD/SD, different rules may apply. file

What conditions can the commission impose in a development plan?

The commission can impose conditions to protect public health, safety, and welfare including on architectural appearance, setbacks/height, parking, landscaping, access/circulation, drainage, signage, and lighting — see § 17.96.080 for the non‑exhaustive list.

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