Local zoning · La Verne

La Verne — Land Use

Q: What can I build on an A‑1 lot in La Verne?

In A‑1 you can build one single‑family residence per lot , accessory buildings (with some limits such as no kitchen in accessory servant/guest quarters), and operate agricultural uses like orchards; many other uses are allowed only by conditional use permit. See § 18.32.020 for permitted uses and § 18.32.030 for conditional uses. §§ 18.32.020–.030

Q: What are La Verne setback requirements for A‑1?

The code prescribes front, side and rear yards of not less than 25 feet in the A‑1 zone. See § 18.32.060 . § 18.32.060

Q: How do I check whether my project is permitted in a P‑R subzone?

Consult Table 18.36.020 (Permitted Uses in P‑R Zones) for the specific P‑R subzone (e.g., P‑R‑6‑A vs P‑R‑15‑A ) — the table shows an X for allowed uses by subzone; conditional uses are in Table 18.36.030 . Table 18.36.020; Table 18.36.030

Q: Do I need a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for drive‑throughs or gas stations in La Verne?

Yes — in C‑P‑D many of those uses (gasoline stations, drive‑through businesses) are CUP‑only and each is subject to the conditional use criteria and special conditions (for example orientation, access limits for gas stations). See § 18.44.030 . § 18.44.030

Q: Where are parking requirements specified for a zone?

Individual zone chapters typically refer to Chapter 18.76 for parking requirements (for example § 18.32.080 for A‑1). Always pull Chapter 18.76 to compute parking ratios and stall sizes. § 18.32.080; Ch. 18.76

Q: If my use is not explicitly listed, how is it classified?

La Verne’s code provides a classification of use procedure to determine whether a proposed use is similar to allowed uses; see § 18.44.035 for the classification protocol and the planning commission/staff role. § 18.44.035

Q: Do late‑night businesses face special rules?

Yes — late‑night businesses within 300 ft of a residential zone, residence, church or school are subject to CUP review and added conditions; see § 18.100.030–.040 for location and review criteria. § 18.100.030–.040

Land Use under the La Verne local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the La Verne municipal zoning ordinance says about permitted and conditional land uses, district purposes, and the key numeric development controls that determine what you can do on a parcel. It is grounded in the La Verne code (chiefly Title 18 provisions) and points to the city's zoning overview, the city’s development standards, how to meet parking rules, when design review or a conditional use permit is needed, where overlay districts change the base rules, and how ADU rules interact with local standards and the California Building Standards Code.

The summaries below stick strictly to what the La Verne zoning/planning ordinance provides; for things the code does not state explicitly I note the gap and advise to Verify with the jurisdiction.

How to read this page

Bolded terms are the official district labels or key numeric standards (for quick scanning).
Each requirement or standard is tied to the exact ordinance paragraph (the § symbol + number) and the municipal-code excerpt that was searched.

District-by-district breakdown

A-1 — Limited Agricultural Zone

Purpose: Intended for limited agricultural uses with compatible single-family residences and related open-space uses. § 18.32.010 .
Typical permitted uses: single‑family dwelling (one unit per lot), farms/orchards, accessory buildings (no kitchen in accessory quarters), home occupations, supportive and transitional housing (where allowed). See § 18.32.020 for the full list. § 18.32.020 .
Conditional uses (examples): country clubs/golf courses, wholesale plant nurseries, commercial horse stables (detailed spacing and stall rules), and mixed uses when approved through a conditional use permit. See § 18.32.030. § 18.32.030 .
Key dimensional standards: minimum lot area: 2 acres, minimum lot width: 200 ft, minimum lot depth: 200 ft, front/side/rear setbacks: 25 ft, max height: 2 stories / 30 ft, max lot coverage: 30%. See § 18.32.050, § 18.32.060, § 18.32.070. §§ 18.32.050–18.32.070 .
Parking: See the general parking chapter reference for A‑1: § 18.32.080 refers to Chapter 18.76 for parking requirements. § 18.32.080 .

P‑R (Planned Residential) family of zones — P‑R‑1/5, P‑R‑1/1, P‑R‑2‑D, P‑R‑3‑D, P‑R‑4.5‑D, P‑R‑5‑D, P‑R‑6‑A, P‑R‑7‑A, P‑R‑7.5‑A, P‑R‑8‑A, P‑R‑10‑A, P‑R‑15‑A

Purpose: Implements planned residential densities from 1 per 5 acres up to 15 attached units/acre; the zone is designed to control density, open space, and design through precise plan review. § 18.36.010 (purpose) and the density list in § 18.28.020. §§ 18.36.010; 18.28.020 .
Permitted uses: Table 18.36.020 lists detailed allowed uses by each P‑R subzone (single‑family detached, multi‑family where appropriate, accessory uses, small daycare, licensed family care homes, and one‑story second units per § 18.36.190 where indicated). See Table 18.36.020 and § 18.36.020. § 18.36.020; Table 18.36.020 .
Conditional uses: Table 18.36.030 enumerates conditional uses (churches, larger care facilities, country clubs, hotels/motels in some PR zones, etc.) — such uses require a Conditional Use Permit per Chapter 18.108. § 18.36.030; Table 18.36.030 .
Key development standards for multi‑family/clustered projects: max height: 3 stories / 30 ft, max lot coverage: 50% (unless specific plan provides otherwise), common open space ≥ 45% of site (with at least 50% of that area ≤10% slope), and setbacks per the specific P‑R standard in § 18.36.050; see §§ 18.36.130–18.36.140. §§ 18.36.130–18.36.140 .
Special rules: the P‑R tables and notes are detailed — always consult the Table sheet for the specific P‑R subzone. See the Table and the cross‑references in § 18.36.020. § 18.36.020 .

C‑P‑D — Commercial‑Professional Mixed Development Zone

Purpose: To accommodate commercial, retail, office centers and compatible multi‑family uses, and to encourage mixed‑use development through precise plan review. § 18.44.010–.020 (purpose/intent). § 18.44.020 .
Permitted uses (representative): a long list of enclosed retail and office uses (apparel, hardware, banks, pharmacies, professional offices, enclosed restaurants with incidental outdoor seating), supportive housing and low‑barrier navigation centers where they meet code requirements, and other similar retail/office uses. See § 18.44.020 and the enumerated list. § 18.44.020 .
Conditional uses (examples): gasoline service stations as part of shopping centers, drive‑through businesses, certain late‑night businesses within 300 ft of residences, private commercial recreation, hotels, supervised community facilities and multi‑family at specified densities; listed in § 18.44.030. § 18.44.030 .
Review and controls: Many C‑P‑D permitted uses require a precise plan per Chapter 18.16 and some conditional uses require a CUP under Chapter 18.108; location‑based limitations apply for late‑night businesses (§ 18.100.030–.040). §§ 18.44.020; 18.44.030; 18.100.030–.040 .

SP — Specific Plan Zones and Adopted Specific Plans

Purpose: Specific plans become the official zoning for their area and can supersede conventional zone rules for that mapped area; where mixed uses are allowed the code explicitly allows supportive housing and low‑barrier navigation centers in SP areas consistent with state law. See §§ 18.64.020–.050. §§ 18.64.020–18.64.050 .
Practical note: If land is placed in SP before a specific plan is adopted, the immediately preceding zoning standards continue to apply until the specific plan ordinance is adopted. § 18.64.020(B) .

Other designations and overlays

Official and Institutional zones are listed in the nonresidential zone list; mobile home park M‑H‑P appears in the P‑R tables. See § 18.28.030 and the zone list. § 18.28.030 .
Overlay zones include H‑D‑O‑Z (Hillside Development Overlay Zone) and H‑E‑O (Housing Element Sites overlay). Overlays are mapped on the zoning map and may change allowable densities/standards; their presence is noted in the zone list and in specific plan/overlay chapters. See § 18.28.020 and the overlay entries. § 18.28.020 .

Quick reference table — most decision‑relevant items

District	Representative permitted uses	Key numeric standards / limits	Code Reference
A‑1	Single‑family (1 du/lot), farms, accessory buildings, home occupations	Min lot area 2 ac; min width 200 ft; setbacks 25 ft; max height 30 ft; lot coverage ≤ 30%	§ 18.32.020, § 18.32.050–.070
P‑R (various)	Single‑family, multi‑family (where density allows), accessory uses, limited care homes	Density set by subzone (e.g., P‑R‑6‑A = 6 du/ac; P‑R‑15‑A = 15 du/ac); multi‑family max height 3 stories / 30 ft; lot coverage ≤ 50% (multi)	Table 18.36.020, § 18.36.130
C‑P‑D	Enclosed retail/office, restaurants, banks, supportive housing, mixed‑use	Many uses allowed when a precise plan is approved; certain activities (gas stations, drive‑throughs, late‑night businesses) are CUP‑only	§ 18.44.020–.030
SP (Specific Plan)	As adopted in each specific plan (may include residential, commercial, industrial)	Specific plans become official zoning; SP can override usual standards within its boundary	§ 18.64.020–.060

Note: Tables in the code (especially Table 18.36.020 and Table 18.36.030) are the authoritative charts for the P‑R zones — consult the table for the specific P‑R subzone you are working with. Table 18.36.020 / Table 18.36.030 .

Checklist — what an applicant must satisfy (high level)

Confirm the parcel’s official zone designation on the La Verne zoning map and the applicable subzone (e.g., P‑R‑7‑A). § 18.28.020
Verify whether the proposed use is permitted, conditionally permitted, or prohibited in that zone via the relevant table or § (e.g., § 18.32.020 for A‑1, Table 18.36.020 for P‑R, § 18.44.020 for C‑P‑D). § 18.32.020; Table 18.36.020; § 18.44.020
If required, prepare a precise plan (Chapter 18.16) or Conditional Use Permit (Chapter 18.108) application and study the specific use‑class rules (classification procedure § 18.44.035). § 18.44.035; Ch. 18.16; Ch. 18.108
Design to the numeric standards: setbacks, height, lot coverage, open space and density per the applicable zone §§ 18.32.050–.070; 18.36.130–.140. §§ 18.32.050–.070; 18.36.130–.140
Prepare parking calculations to meet Chapter 18.76 and show on site plans. Ch. 18.76 (parking) — referenced throughout (e.g., § 18.32.080). § 18.32.080; Ch. 18.76
If your project triggers design review, follow the La Verne Design Review process and materials requirements. § 18.16 (precise plan) and related design review cross‑references in each zone.
Check overlays and specific plans that may modify standards (Hillside H‑D‑O‑Z, Housing Element overlay H‑E‑O, adopted SPs). § 18.28.020; §§ 18.64.020–.060
Confirm compliance with state rules for accessory units (see local ADU rules and California ADU law and the city's ADU page). Local ADU provisions referenced in the code; see § 18.36.190 et seq. and SB 9 objective standards § 18.122.030. § 18.36.190; § 18.122.030

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Use classification ambiguity (similar uses not listed explicitly)	The code allows a classification procedure; without it you may be refused or forced into CUP process.	Use classification protocol § 18.44.035 and consult Community Development for an interpretation. § 18.44.035
Specific plan overrides	An adopted Specific Plan can replace base‑zone rules (density, coverage, setbacks). Applying the wrong standard can produce an incomplete or invalid application.	Check whether the parcel lies inside an SP and read the adopted specific plan (see § 18.64.020). § 18.64.020
Parking ratios and unique uses	Parking requirements live in Chapter 18.76 and are referenced but not reproduced in every zone section. Under‑planning parking creates review delays.	Confirm parking ratios and required loading for the specific use with Chapter 18.76 and the planning counter. § 18.32.080
Overlay mapping vs. zone text	Overlay zones (e.g., H‑D‑O‑Z) can alter setbacks/height; the text alone may not show whether an overlay applies on a parcel.	Verify overlay mapping on the official city zoning map and overlay chapter text. § 18.28.020
SB 9 / objective standards interaction	SB 9 and local SB 9 implementing ordinance (§ 18.122.030) set specific, prioritized objective standards that can supersede some local discretionary rules for lot splits/duplexes.	If using SB 9, follow the objective standards in § 18.122.030 and confirm with staff. § 18.122.030

Plain‑English Summary

La Verne’s zoning code (Title 18) uses named zones like A‑1, a family of P‑R planned‑residential subzones, C‑P‑D for commercial/professional mixed development, and mapped Specific Plan and overlay zones; each zone lists what is allowed outright, what needs a Conditional Use Permit or precise plan, and numeric rules (setbacks, height, lot coverage, density) you must meet — see the cited §§ for the exact rules and the tables for P‑R zones. Verify with the Community Development Department for parcel‑specific overlay or specific‑plan rules. §§ 18.28.020; 18.32.020; 18.36.020; 18.44.020; 18.64.020

Source References

La Verne Municipal Code excerpts (zoning/land‑use): § 18.28.020 (zone lists)
A‑1: § 18.32.010–.080 (purpose, permitted/conditional uses, lot dims, setbacks, height, parking)
P‑R (planned residential): § 18.36.010–.140, Table 18.36.020 (permitted uses) and Table 18.36.030 (conditional uses)
C‑P‑D (commercial professional): § 18.44.020–.035 (permitted, conditional uses; classification)
Specific plans / SP: § 18.64.020–.060 (how SP becomes official zoning)
SB 9 / objective standards for urban lot splits: § 18.122.030 (local objective standards & SB 9 sequencing)
Parking cross‑reference (frequent): Chapter 18.76 (see zone references such as § 18.32.080)

For more process and city resource pages, see the city menus linked earlier: La Verne Zoning, La Verne Development Standards, La Verne Parking, La Verne Design Review, La Verne Overlay Districts, La Verne ADUs, California Building Standards Code, La Verne Signage, La Verne Nonconforming Uses.

Sources

Retrieved passages

La Verne Zoning Code (§ 18.32.010.) High relevance
La Verne Zoning Code (§ 3) High relevance
La Verne Zoning Code (chapter is) High relevance
La Verne Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
La Verne Zoning Code (§ 18.32.030.) High relevance
La Verne Zoning Code (Title 6) Medium relevance
La Verne Zoning Code (§ 3) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official La Verne code library

Frequently asked questions

What can I build on an A‑1 lot in La Verne?

In A‑1 you can build one single‑family residence per lot, accessory buildings (with some limits such as no kitchen in accessory servant/guest quarters), and operate agricultural uses like orchards; many other uses are allowed only by conditional use permit. See § 18.32.020 for permitted uses and § 18.32.030 for conditional uses. §§ 18.32.020–.030

What are La Verne setback requirements for A‑1?

The code prescribes front, side and rear yards of not less than 25 feet in the A‑1 zone. See § 18.32.060. § 18.32.060

How do I check whether my project is permitted in a P‑R subzone?

Consult Table 18.36.020 (Permitted Uses in P‑R Zones) for the specific P‑R subzone (e.g., P‑R‑6‑A vs P‑R‑15‑A) — the table shows an X for allowed uses by subzone; conditional uses are in Table 18.36.030. Table 18.36.020; Table 18.36.030

Do I need a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for drive‑throughs or gas stations in La Verne?

Yes — in C‑P‑D many of those uses (gasoline stations, drive‑through businesses) are CUP‑only and each is subject to the conditional use criteria and special conditions (for example orientation, access limits for gas stations). See § 18.44.030. § 18.44.030

Does a Specific Plan change the base zone rules on my parcel?

Yes — an adopted Specific Plan is the official zoning for its area and its standards control inside that SP; if the SP is not yet adopted, the previous zoning remains in force. See § 18.64.020(A)–(B). § 18.64.020

Where are parking requirements specified for a zone?

Individual zone chapters typically refer to Chapter 18.76 for parking requirements (for example § 18.32.080 for A‑1). Always pull Chapter 18.76 to compute parking ratios and stall sizes. § 18.32.080; Ch. 18.76

If my use is not explicitly listed, how is it classified?

La Verne’s code provides a classification of use procedure to determine whether a proposed use is similar to allowed uses; see § 18.44.035 for the classification protocol and the planning commission/staff role. § 18.44.035

Does La Verne allow second units / ADUs?

Local ADU provisions are referenced in the residential chapters (e.g., one‑story second units per § 18.36.190 in the P‑R tables) and SB 9 / ADU state law interactions are reflected in the city’s SB 9 implementing section § 18.122.030; consult the city's ADU page and the code sections mentioned. § 18.36.190; § 18.122.030

Do late‑night businesses face special rules?

Yes — late‑night businesses within 300 ft of a residential zone, residence, church or school are subject to CUP review and added conditions; see § 18.100.030–.040 for location and review criteria. § 18.100.030–.040

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