Kings County — Overlay Districts

Last reviewed: July 3, 2026

Overview

Overlay districts in unincorporated Kings County are mapped, special-purpose zones that modify or supplement the rules of the underlying base zoning district (for example agricultural or residential districts). The Development Code establishes the overlay program and a menu of specific overlays (e.g., DDOZ, NSOZ, AOZ, ACOZ, OSOZ, NRCOZ, FHOZ, RMOZ, SDOZ, and CROZ) and states that overlay requirements control where they conflict with base-district rules. See the County’s zoning map and the Development Code for where each overlay is applied. § 305 and § 1001 describe the overlay authority and conflict rule.

Note: this page covers only the overlay districts and rules within Kings County’s Development Code that apply to the county’s unincorporated areas. For base-district dimensional tables consult Kings County Zoning and the county Development Standards pages.

How to read this page

• Each district subsection names the overlay, its statutory citation (§ …), the purpose, typical permitted/ prohibited uses and the key development controls that the overlay adds or changes.
• Where the ordinance is silent about a specific numeric standard, the underlying base zone’s standard applies (verify on a parcel-by-parcel basis). Verify with the jurisdiction when specifics are parcel-dependent.

Overlay districts — district-by-district

DDOZ — Dairy Development Overlay Zone ( § 1002 )

Purpose: The DDOZ designates areas where dairy operations are concentrated and where new dairies may be sited consistent with the Dairy Element of the 2035 General Plan.

Typical permitted uses (in addition to underlying AG uses): new dairies and expansion of existing dairies when they meet the Dairy Element permitting standards and application guidelines. The overlay does not itself repeal agricultural base zoning; rather it layers dairy-specific permitting rules on top of the base zone. § 1002 describes nine DDOZ areas (e.g., DDOZ 1–9).

Key standards / triggers:

• Dairy siting, expansion and nutrient calculations must follow the Dairy Element / Application Guidelines referenced by the overlay (nutrient and manure management tables are in Dairy Element appendices). § 1002.B–C.
• New dairy development is limited to the mapped DDOZ areas. § 1002.D.

Where it applies: DDOZ areas shown on the Official Zoning Map and described in § 1002.

NSOZ — Nutrient Spreading Overlay Zone ( § 1003 )

Purpose: The NSOZ is intended to identify agricultural land where manure and dairy process water may be land-applied and to set agronomic limits tied to the Dairy Element’s nutrient calculations.

Typical uses and limits:

• Crop land in NSOZ can receive manure/ process water at calculated agronomic rates; new dairy development is expressly prohibited in NSOZ. § 1003.B–D.

Key standards:

• Manure application rates are determined by the Dairy Element’s Nitrogen & Salt Generation table and calculated as part of dairy permitting. § 1003.B.

Where it applies: The enumerated NSOZ subareas (NSOZ 1–NSOZ SW2 and NSOZ AX) mapped in § 1003.

AOZ — Agriculture Overlay Zone ( § 1004 )

Purpose: The AOZ adds limits to implement the General Plan and to protect agriculture — including compatibility with military flight operations (Naval Air Station Lemoore) and preserving lands for agriculture (applies to AX lands currently zoned AG-20 or AG-40).

Typical effects on uses:

• The AOZ “adds restrictions that are limited in scope and serve to modify the base zone district requirements.” The overlay is mapped by adding the "AO" designator to the base zone. § 1004.A & .5–6.

Key standards:

• Prohibits new residential development within 70 CNEL aircraft noise contours; requires minimum noise insulation 45 dB CNEL for residences in 60–70 CNEL areas, requires disclosure and recording of avigation easements for new or modified residential parcels/permits; maximum structure height 100 feet within the AOZ per the section. § 1004.B.1–3 & .C.

Where it applies: Parcels designated Exclusive Agriculture or as shown on Figure LU‑11 of the General Plan and on the Official Zoning Map with the "AO" suffix. § 1004.5–6.

ACOZ — Aviation Land Use Compatibility Overlay Zone ( § 1005 )

Purpose: The ACOZ applies around airports (Hanford Airport and others) to reduce conflicts from noise and safety hazards and to implement Airport Land Use Compatibility criteria. § 1005.A.

Typical permitted / prohibited uses:

• The overlay establishes areas (A, B1, B2, C, D) with graduated restrictions: the strictest (Zone A) prohibits most structures except those required for aeronautical operations; B1/B2 limit noise-sensitive uses and require avigation easements; C and D impose lesser restrictions and deed/overflight notices. See the overlay’s compatibility tables for permitted vs. prohibited uses by subzone. § 1005.B–.3–4 and the ALUC tables.

Key standards:

• New residential development is prohibited within 70 CNEL military/airport noise contours; where permitted the overlay requires avigation/overflight easements, noise insulation minimums (e.g., 25 dBA NLR in some zones) and deed notices. The table in the overlay lists maximum FAR, density guidance, prohibited uses, and other conditions by subzone (A, B1/B2, C, D). § 1005.B.1–4 and overlay tables.

Where it applies: Mapped airport compatibility areas around Hanford Airport shown on the Official Zoning Map; the ACOZ adds the designator "AC" on base zone labels. § 1005.A.2–3.

Practical note: the overlay cross-references the County Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan (ALUC) tables — applicants should consult those tables in the Code and the ALUC for precise allowed densities and use restrictions. § 1005.B.2–4.

OSOZ — Open Space Overlay Zone ( § 1006 )

Purpose: The OSOZ protects lands designated Open Space and imposes additional review on development within mapped open-space areas. § 1006 lists the overlay maps and basic approach.

Typical controls:

• Most new structures in OSOZ require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP), with an exception for a single-family residence and accessory structures related to a single-family residence. § 1006.C.

Where it applies: Mapped OSOZ areas on the Official Zoning Map. See Figure 10-2 through Figure 10-4 referenced in the Code. § 1006 and accompanying figures.

NRCOZ — Natural Resource Conservation Overlay Zone ( § 1007 )

Purpose: The NRCOZ protects important natural resources (steep slopes, Kings River and Cross Creek riparian areas, etc.) by requiring extra review to protect biological and water resources. § 1007.A–B.

Typical controls:

• All new structures proposed within the NRCOZ require a Conditional Use Permit; projects along Kings River and Cross Creek may trigger additional state/federal agency permits and submittal to agencies (Central Valley Flood Protection Board, CA Dept. of Fish and Wildlife, Kings River Conservation District). § 1007.C.1–3.

Where it applies: NRCOZ mapped locations (Figures 10‑5 and 10‑6) and lands along the Kings River and Cross Creek designated as resource conservation areas. § 1007.C.

FHOZ — Flood Hazard Overlay Zone ( § 1008 )

Purpose: The FHOZ manages areas subject to flooding (including FEMA-mapped 100‑year flood areas) to minimize risk to life and property and to maintain disaster-relief eligibility. § 1008.A–B.

Typical controls:

• The overlay applies to lands mapped on the Official Zoning Map as FHOZ and to lands determined to be subject to the 100‑year flood; it ties boundaries to FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs). § 1008.B.1–2.

Key standards:

• Projects in FHOZ will be subject to flood-safety and mitigation requirements and the Code’s development standards for flood hazard areas; specific permit and construction limits are described in § 1008 and related flood provisions. § 1008.

RMOZ — Multifamily Residential Overlay Zone ( § 1009 )

Purpose: The RMOZ (used in Kettleman City) is intended to increase allowable multifamily density through an automatic density bonus and to adjust maximum floor-area-ratio (FAR) rules to encourage multifamily housing. § 1009.A–B.

Typical effects:

• RMOZ changes the allowed densities and FARs for specific underlying RM districts (e.g., applying RM‑2.4 overlay results in a 2,400 sq ft per unit minimum or specific FAR listed in the RMOZ table). See Table 10‑3 in § 1009 for exact conversions between underlying RM zones and overlay FAR/density requirements. § 1009.B and Table 10‑3.

Where it applies: Mapped in the Kettleman City area where overcrowding reduction and multifamily incentives are desired; see § 1009 and the Official Zoning Map.

Practical note: The RMOZ explicitly intends to encourage developers to use the automatic density bonus to provide more low- and moderate-income units. § 1009.A.1–3.

SDOZ — Substantially Developed Fringe Area Overlay Zone ( § 1010 )

Purpose: SDOZ identifies unincorporated fringe areas where existing development patterns are established; the overlay preserves the existing tone/character and requires undeveloped parcels to meet underlying zoning if developed prior to annexation. § 1010.A–B.

Typical effects:

• Undeveloped parcels inside SDOZ must be developed consistent with the applicable zoning district requirements of the Development Code. § 1010.B.

Where it applies: Mapped fringe areas on the Official Zoning Map. § 1010.

CROZ — Cultural Resources Overlay Zone ( § 1011 )

Purpose: The CROZ (Cultural Resources Overlay Zone) is informational — it flags properties designated as historic sites or County landmarks and advises that such properties are subject to the General Plan’s cultural resource policies. § 1011.A–B.

Typical effects:

• The CROZ does not change the underlying use and development standards. However, any application that alters a designated historic property is referred to the County Museum Advisory Committee (or successor) for mitigation recommendations. § 1011.A–B.

Where it applies: Properties mapped as cultural/historic resources; CROZ is informational and shown on the Official Zoning Map. § 1011.

Quick comparison table — decision‑relevant rules

Practical guidance & interpretation notes

• Where an overlay is silent on a numeric standard, the underlying zone’s dimensional and use rules control (the Code explicitly states overlay requirements control only when they conflict; otherwise base rules apply). See § 1001 and § 305.
• Noise- and aviation-related overlays (AOZ, ACOZ) are liberal with mandatory easements, disclosure statements, and documented noise-insulation requirements; expect deed restrictions and recorded easements as permit conditions. § 1004 and § 1005.
• Resource overlays (NRCOZ, FHOZ, OSOZ) commonly require discretionary permits (Conditional Use Permits) and additional state/federal approvals — plan for environmental or agency coordination early. § 1006–1008.
• Multifamily incentives in RMOZ are area-specific (Kettleman City) and change density/FAR calculations; check Table 10‑3 in § 1009 before assuming standard RM district metrics.

Link checklist for related topics you’ll likely need:

• If your proposal changes the number of parking spaces, check the County Parking standards and the Code’s parking article.
• Dimensional questions (setbacks, lot coverage, FAR) typically require consulting the base zone tables in Zoning and the county Development Standards.
• Discretionary projects in overlays often require Design Review or a Conditional Use Permit; see the Code’s permit articles.
• For repairs or construction that implicate structural/building code compliance, consult the California Building Standards Code.
• If adding an accessory dwelling unit, the overlay’s noise/compatibility rules still apply but ADU rights are also influenced by state ADU law; see California ADU law.
• Historic properties flagged by CROZ should coordinate with the County’s Historic Preservation procedures.

(Each of the above links points to the County menus that explain the subject in plain terms and to the County’s Development Code where those procedural and quantitative standards live.)

Checklist (What an applicant must satisfy for overlay-area proposals)

• Identify overlays mapped on the parcel in the Official Zoning Map and confirm overlay suffixes (e.g., “AG‑40‑AO”) — see § 201–203 and the Official Map.
• Confirm which overlay(s) apply (DDOZ, NSOZ, AOZ, ACOZ, OSOZ, NRCOZ, FHOZ, RMOZ, SDOZ, CROZ) and read the specific § 1002–§ 1011 applicable text for requirements.
• For proposals in NRCOZ, OSOZ, or FHOZ, prepare for a Conditional Use Permit and agency clearances (e.g., Central Valley Flood Protection Board, CA Fish & Wildlife). § 1006–1008.
• For AOZ/ACOZ, obtain/record required avigation/overflight easements, provide buyer disclosures, and meet required noise-insulation standards (if in 60–70 CNEL band) or note prohibition in 70 CNEL areas. § 1004–1005.
• For dairy- or manure-related proposals, follow Dairy Element calculation tables and application guidelines referenced in § 1002–1003.
• Check compatibility with underlying base district standards (setbacks, FAR, coverage) and remember overlays supersede conflicting base rules per § 1001.

Risks & Ambiguities

Plain-English Summary

Kings County’s overlay zones are mapped add-ons to the base zoning that impose extra rules (for dairy siting, manure spreading, airport noise compatibility, flood hazard, natural resources protection, open space, multifamily incentives, etc.). Where overlays conflict with the underlying zone, the overlay controls; where they are silent, base-zone rules apply. Read the specific overlay § 1002–§ 1011 that applies to your parcel and check the Official Zoning Map.

Source References

• Kings County Development Code — Article 10 (Overlay Zones), Sec. 1001 (Purpose and conflict rule). § 1001.
• DDOZ — § 1002 (Dairy Development Overlay Zone).
• NSOZ — § 1003 (Nutrient Spreading Overlay Zone).
• AOZ — § 1004 (Agriculture Overlay Zone; CNEL rules, avigation easements, 100 ft height cap).
• ACOZ — § 1005 (Aviation Land Use Compatibility Overlay Zone and ALUC tables).
• OSOZ — § 1006 (Open Space Overlay Zone — CUPs).
• NRCOZ — § 1007 (Natural Resource Conservation Overlay Zone — CUPs and agency clearances).
• FHOZ — § 1008 (Flood Hazard Overlay Zone; FEMA-based).
• RMOZ — § 1009 (Multifamily Residential Overlay Zone; Table 10‑3).
• SDOZ — § 1010 (Substantially Developed Fringe Area Overlay Zone).
• CROZ — § 1011 (Cultural Resources Overlay Zone — informational).
• Establishment/authority for overlay zones: § 305 (Overlay Zones in Article 3).
• Kings County Development Code Table of Contents and Article references (Ord. 668.20).

Retrieved passages

• Kings County Zoning Code (chapter shall) High relevance show source text
• Kings County Zoning Code High relevance show source text
• Kings County Zoning Code High relevance show source text
• Kings County Zoning Code (Section 1500) High relevance show source text
• Kings County Zoning Code High relevance show source text
• Kings County Zoning Code (Article 11.) Medium relevance show source text
• Kings County Zoning Code (Article 10.) Medium relevance show source text
• Kings County Zoning Code (Section apply) Medium relevance show source text

Cited sections

• Kings County Development Code — Article 10 (Overlay Zones), **Sec. 1001** (Purpose and conflict rule). **§ 1001.** (Article 10)
• **DDOZ** — **§ 1002** (Dairy Development Overlay Zone). (§ 1002)
• **NSOZ** — **§ 1003** (Nutrient Spreading Overlay Zone). (§ 1003)
• **AOZ** — **§ 1004** (Agriculture Overlay Zone; CNEL rules, avigation easements, 100 ft height cap). (§ 1004)
• **ACOZ** — **§ 1005** (Aviation Land Use Compatibility Overlay Zone and ALUC tables). (§ 1005)
• **OSOZ** — **§ 1006** (Open Space Overlay Zone — CUPs). (§ 1006)
• **NRCOZ** — **§ 1007** (Natural Resource Conservation Overlay Zone — CUPs and agency clearances). (§ 1007)
• **FHOZ** — **§ 1008** (Flood Hazard Overlay Zone; FEMA-based). (§ 1008)
• **RMOZ** — **§ 1009** (Multifamily Residential Overlay Zone; Table 10‑3). (§ 1009)
• **SDOZ** — **§ 1010** (Substantially Developed Fringe Area Overlay Zone). (§ 1010)
• **CROZ** — **§ 1011** (Cultural Resources Overlay Zone — informational). (§ 1011)
• Establishment/authority for overlay zones: **§ 305** (Overlay Zones in Article 3). (§ 305)
• Kings County Development Code Table of Contents and Article references (Ord. 668.20). (Article references)
• KingsCounty_ZoningCode.md

• Official Kings County code library