Kerman — Land Use

Last reviewed: July 3, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what Kerman’s local zoning code (Title 17) actually says about allowed land uses, conditional uses, and the development-standards tables that control what you can put where in the city. It is drawn from the City of Kerman Zoning Code (Title 17) and cites the specific ordinance sections that establish the land‑use tables, combining/overlay rules, and conditional‑use process. For development rules (setbacks, FAR, height) see Kerman Development Standards. § 17.10.030, § 17.12.030, and § 17.14.030 define the standards and tables used below.

Note: zoning (what uses are allowed) is distinct from building code (construction details); building permits reference the California Building Standards Code. California Building Standards Code

How the code organizes land use rules (short)

• Uses are controlled by zone-specific land‑use tables (e.g., Table 17.10‑1 for residential, Table 17.12‑2 for commercial, Table 17.14‑1 for industrial); if a use is not listed in the applicable table it is not allowed except as provided in § 17.04.030. § 17.10.030, § 17.12.020, and § 17.14.020 set this up.
• The tables use the shorthand P (permitted by right), AUP (administrative use permit), CUP (conditional use permit), and (–) (not allowed). See the tables themselves for per‑zone designations.
• Development standards (setbacks, height, FAR, parcel size) are in the same chapters as the tables (residential § 17.10, commercial § 17.12, industrial § 17.14). For practical application of setbacks and dimensional controls, consult Kerman Development Standards. § 17.10.030, § 17.12.030, § 17.14.030.

District-by-district breakdown

Each subsection below covers the district purpose, representative permitted/conditional uses, and the key dimensional standards you must check on a parcel-by-parcel basis. Always confirm the specific parcel zoning and any combining/overlay zones that apply.

Important: when the detail below refers to minimum setbacks, FAR, or heights it cites the controlling Kerman section — verify with the city for parcel-specific exceptions (e.g., parcels fronting Whitesbridge Road). § 17.12.030, § 17.14.030.

Residential: RR, RR‑43, RR‑100, R‑1‑7, R‑1‑12, R‑2, R‑3

• Purpose: implement low‑ to higher‑density residential designations; protect single‑unit and multi‑unit neighborhoods. § 17.10.x.
• Typical permitted uses: single‑unit dwellings (P in R‑1), accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are allowed in many residential and some commercial/mixed zones as a permitted use — see § 17.40.010 and the ADU rules. Kerman ADUs
• Typical conditional uses: large community care facilities, certain veterinary clinics, public/quasi‑public uses — see Table 17.10‑1 for per‑zone designations. § 17.10.* (Table 17.10‑1).
• Key dimensional standards (summary): front, rear, side setbacks and maximum heights are established in Table 17.10‑2 (development standards) and text such as § 17.10.030 and § 17.10.100 (architectural standards for R‑1 zones). Example controls include minimum parcel widths and front‑yard landscaping rules; multi‑unit projects have required usable open‑space standards. § 17.10.030, § 17.10.100.
• Site review & parking: off‑street parking and site plan issues are governed by Chapter 17.28 and site‑plan/site‑review chapters; see Kerman Parking and Kerman Design Review. § 17.10.070.

Practical note: ADUs are treated as a permitted residential use where listed, but must meet the ADU section standards in § 17.40.010.

Commercial / Office / Mixed‑Use: CG, CN, CS, MU, PA

• Purpose: retail, neighborhood shopping, general commercial, mixed use. § 17.12.010 defines purposes.
• Typical permitted uses: retail, personal services, professional offices, limited residential uses in MU; some uses that might otherwise be P require AUP or CUP depending on zone (see Table 17.12‑2 and Table 17.12‑? land use regs). § 17.12.020 and Table 17.12‑2.
• Typical conditional uses or AUPs: vehicle fueling stations, drive‑throughs in certain locations, large entertainment uses, and other potentially impactful uses; 24‑hour uses abutting residential are restricted. § 17.12.*; special rules for 24‑hour drive‑throughs and fuel tanks are described elsewhere.
• Key dimensional standards: FAR ranges (example FAR 0.3–1.09 shown for some commercial zones) and parcel size/height/setback standards are in Table 17.12‑2 (see § 17.12.030). Front setbacks along Whitesbridge Road and Madera Avenue have special rules. § 17.12.030.
• Parking: off‑street parking and loading requirements are determined by Chapter 17.28; see Kerman Parking. § 17.12.070.

Industrial: M‑1 (Light/M‑I), M‑2 (Heavy)

• Purpose: allow industrial, processing, warehousing with appropriate standards to protect surroundings. § 17.14.010.
• Typical permitted uses: small agricultural processing, industrial‑minor, warehousing and distribution are often P in the M zones; some uses (large agricultural processing, certain recycling and salvage uses) require AUP or CUP — see Table 17.14‑1. § 17.14.020 and Table 17.14‑1.
• Conditional uses: major industrial operations, vehicle salvage/dismantling, above‑ground fuel/gas tanks, and 24‑hour operations within 300 ft of residential require CUP. § 17.14.020(E–F).
• Key dimensional standards: FAR 0.3, maximum height 55 ft, minimum parcel sizes (e.g., M‑1: 6,000 sq ft, M‑2: 0.5 acre), and large residential buffer setbacks (50 ft where adjacent to residential) are in Table 17.14‑2. § 17.14.030.
• Parking and storage: rear/side yards may be used for parking and storage, but material stacking adjacent to residential zones is limited (e.g., stacked materials ≤ 6 ft). § 17.14.030.

Combining / Overlay zones: PD, SD, IBA (Industrial Boulevard Area)

• Purpose and basics: Combining zones modify base‑zone rules — they are suffixed to base zones (e.g., PD‑R‑1, SD‑R‑3.5) and carry their own development standards while deferring uses to the underlying base zone (uses requiring P/CUP remain consistent with the base zone). § 17.18.010–030. Kerman Overlay Districts
• PD (Planned Development): flexible design standards; minimum PD parcel size 2 acres; development plan review required (Chapter 17.96). § 17.18.020.
• SD (Smart Residential Development): encourages mix of housing types, specific yard and density ranges (e.g., SD‑R‑2.5 maximum 24 du/ac, front yards as low as 10 ft in some SD zones) — see Table 17.18‑1 for exact numeric standards. SD projects require development plan review and must meet the SD standards. § 17.18.030 and Table 17.18‑1.
• IBA: special industrial corridor standards (minimum parcel widths and specific front‑yard landscaping rules for parcels fronting Madera Avenue). § 17.18.040.

At‑a‑glance table — most decision‑relevant items

Practical guidance & interpretation (plain English, actionable)

• Start at the table for your base zone: look up your parcel in the City zoning map, then consult the applicable land‑use table (Table 17.10‑1 for residential, Table 17.12‑2 for commercial, Table 17.14‑1 for industrial) to see if your proposed use is P / AUP / CUP / not allowed. If the use is not listed, it is not allowed except as provided by § 17.04.030.
• If the table shows CUP or AUP, allow extra time and materials—CUPs require public hearing, findings, and conditions; AUPs are administrative but still require application materials. See Chapter 17.84 for conditional‑use procedures. § 17.84.020–040.
• Check development standards shown in the same chapter (setbacks, FAR, height, parcel size). Overlay and combining zones (PD, SD, IBA) can change or add standards — always scan § 17.18.x for combining‑zone rules. Kerman Development Standards
• For parking and loading counts, consult Chapter 17.28 and the parking chapter summaries; parking minimums are used to determine required spaces. Kerman Parking § 17.28.
• Design review / site plan: many non‑residential, multifamily, PD and SD developments require site plan review or development‑plan permits. See Chapter 17.80 (site/plan review) and Kerman Design Review. § 17.80; § 17.96.
• When you prepare building plans, they must separately comply with the State building code (Title 24) and obtain building permits — zoning approval does not substitute for code compliance. California Building Standards Code

Checklist

• Confirm the parcel zone and any combining/overlay designations on the City zoning map. § 17.02.050.
• Look up your use in the applicable land‑use table (Table 17.10‑1 / 17.12‑2 / 17.14‑1) to see P / AUP / CUP / (–). § 17.10.x, § 17.12.x, § 17.14.x. filefile
• If CUP/AUP required, prepare CUP application materials per Chapter 17.84 and expect hearings and conditions. § 17.84.020–040.
• Check applicable development standards (setbacks, height, FAR, parcel size) in the same chapter tables. § 17.10.030, § 17.12.030, § 17.14.030. filefile
• Confirm required parking per Chapter 17.28; request zoning clearances for any excess parking. § 17.28; § 17.10.070. Kerman Parking
• Determine whether site plan review or design review is required and prepare elevation/landscape plans. Kerman Design Review § 17.80; § 17.96.
• If located near residential zones, check 24‑hour operation and stacking/height limits for outside storage (industrial/commercial special conditions). § 17.14.020(E); § 17.14.030.
• For ADUs, follow § 17.40.010 and state ADU law; ADU rules in Kerman may differ in process details. Kerman ADUs § 17.40.010.

Risks & Ambiguities

Plain‑English summary

Kerman’s zoning code lists allowed and conditional uses in zone‑specific land‑use tables (residential, commercial, industrial). If your use is shown as P it’s allowed subject to development standards; if AUP or CUP the city must issue a permit; if it’s not listed it’s not allowed. Dimensional controls (setbacks, FAR, heights, parking) live in the same chapters and combining/overlay zones (PD, SD, IBA) can change those rules — always check the specific table and the combining‑zone text for your parcel. § 17.10.030; § 17.12.030; § 17.14.030. filefile

Source References

• Title 17, City of Kerman Zoning Code (Land use tables and development standards): Table 17.10‑1 (Land Use Regulations — Residential Zones) and § 17.10.030.
• Table 17.12‑2 and commercial zone standards, § 17.12.030 (Commercial/Office/Mixed‑Use zones).
• Table 17.14‑1 and Table 17.14‑2, industrial use regulations and standards, § 17.14.020–030.
• Combining/Overlay zones: PD/SD/IBA rules and Table 17.18‑1 (SD standards). § 17.18.010–040. file
• Conditional use permit procedures and findings: Chapter 17.84 (CUP application, actions, and conditions).
• Parking and loading cross‑references: Chapter 17.28 (off‑street parking & loading); parking tables and rules cited throughout zones.
• ADUs: § 17.40.010 (Accessory dwelling unit) — see ADU chapter for details.
• Definitions and development terminology: Division 8 and 17.120 definitions (use classifications and terms). file

(Primary source throughout: City of Kerman Zoning Code, Title 17 as enacted by Ord. 24‑01 §2(Exh. A‑1).)

Retrieved passages

• Kerman Zoning Code High relevance show source text
• Kerman Zoning Code (§2) High relevance show source text
• Kerman Zoning Code (Chapter 17.22) Medium relevance show source text
• CFC § 2 (§2) Medium relevance show source text
• Kerman Zoning Code (Section 17.04.030) Medium relevance show source text
• Kerman Zoning Code Medium relevance show source text
• Kerman Zoning Code (Chapter 17.94) Medium relevance show source text
• Kerman Zoning Code (§2) Medium relevance show source text
• Kerman Zoning Code High relevance show source text
• Kerman Zoning Code (§2) High relevance show source text
• Kerman Zoning Code (§2) High relevance show source text
• Kerman Zoning Code (§2) High relevance show source text
• Kerman Zoning Code High relevance show source text
• Kerman Zoning Code High relevance show source text

Cited sections

• Title 17, City of Kerman Zoning Code (Land use tables and development standards): Table 17.10‑1 (Land Use Regulations — Residential Zones) and § 17.10.030. (Title 17)
• Table 17.12‑2 and commercial zone standards, § 17.12.030 (Commercial/Office/Mixed‑Use zones). (§ 17.12.030)
• Table 17.14‑1 and Table 17.14‑2, industrial use regulations and standards, § 17.14.020–030. (§ 17.14.020)
• Combining/Overlay zones: PD/SD/IBA rules and Table 17.18‑1 (SD standards). § 17.18.010–040. file (§ 17.18.010)
• Conditional use permit procedures and findings: Chapter 17.84 (CUP application, actions, and conditions). (Chapter 17.84)
• Parking and loading cross‑references: Chapter 17.28 (off‑street parking & loading); parking tables and rules cited throughout zones. (Chapter 17.28)
• ADUs: § 17.40.010 (Accessory dwelling unit) — see ADU chapter for details. (§ 17.40.010)
• Definitions and development terminology: Division 8 and 17.120 definitions (use classifications and terms). file
• Kerman_ZoningCode.md