Larkspur — Zoning

Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

Larkspur’s zoning is codified in the City’s “Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance” (Title 18). The ordinance establishes mapped zoning districts (residential, commercial, downtown, open space, planned and special districts), district-specific permitted and conditional uses, and objective dimensional controls (setbacks, height, coverage/FAR). Where the code requires design or discretionary review it refers projects to the city’s design review process; see the city’s Larkspur Design Review page. Key technical cross‑rules for parking, floor‑area, and lot standards are in the ordinance and in the linked local pages for Larkspur Parking and Larkspur Development Standards. For accessory units see the local ADU chapter and state law referenced on the Larkspur ADUs and California ADU law pages.

NOTE: This page summarizes what the Larkspur zoning ordinance text requires; always verify parcel‑specific mapping and interpretations with the City. Where the text below cites a controlling provision, the ordinance language appears at the cited § and the underlying file results. All quoted code references below are directly grounded in those retrieved ordinance sections (§ references) and the municipal code search results.

District-by-district breakdown (purpose, typical permitted uses, key standards, where it applies)

The ordinance uses specific district labels. Below are the most commonly applied districts in Larkspur and the ordinance provisions that control uses and standards. For each district I give the purpose, typical permitted uses, and the most decision‑relevant dimensional rules the code explicitly states (with the controlling §). If a numeric standard is not present in the retrieved ordinance excerpts, I mark that cell “Not found in retrieved materials.”

R-1 — First Residential District

• Purpose: Low‑density single‑family residential neighborhoods; protect privacy, light/air and neighborhood character. § 18.20.005
• Typical permitted uses: one‑family dwellings, accessory structures, parks/playgrounds, group homes, transitional/supportive housing, residential care, ADUs / JADUs (subject to Chapter 18.23). § 18.20.020
• Key dimensional standards:
  • Front setback: 20 ft minimum. § 18.20.060
  • Maximum floor area / bulk: Governed by residential floor area ratios in Chapter 18.35 (see § 18.20.120 and Chapter 18.35). § 18.20.120; § 18.35.020
  • Design review: projects are subject to the City’s design review rules and objective standards. § 18.20.085
• Where it applies: mapped R‑1 parcels per the City zoning map (map not found in retrieved materials — verify with the Planning Department).

R-2 — Second Residential District

• Purpose: Medium‑density residential. § 18.28.005
• Typical permitted uses: one‑family and two‑family dwellings, accessory uses, group homes, transitional/supportive housing, daycare, ADUs subject to Chapter 18.23. § 18.28.020
• Key dimensional standards: Chapter lists lot area, building height, percent lot coverage, yards, and maximum floor area (sections 18.28.030 – 18.28.060), but specific numeric cells for each standard are not exposed in the retrieved snippet. See the chapter for parcel‑specific numbers. § 18.28.030–18.28.060
• Where it applies: mapped R‑2 parcels — verify on the City zoning map.

R-3 — Third Residential District

• Purpose: Higher‑density residential; requires amenities for multi‑unit development. § 18.32.005
• Typical permitted uses: one‑, two‑, and multiple‑family dwellings, accessory uses, group homes, residential care, ADUs. § 18.32.020; § 18.32.130
• Key dimensional standards:
  • Usable outdoor area: 300 sq ft for studios/one‑bedroom units, plus 100 sq ft per additional bedroom (specific layout rules apply). § 18.32.120
  • Other standards (lot area, height, coverage) are in 18.32.030–18.32.050; consult the chapter for parcel figures. § 18.32.030–18.32.050
• Where it applies: mapped R‑3 parcels.

RMP — Residential Master Plan (RMP) District

• Purpose: Provides flexibility in site design for larger residential projects while maintaining General Plan density limits. § 18.36.010
• Typical permitted uses: single‑family, two‑family, multi‑family dwellings, accessory uses, parks, ADUs, group homes, residential care. § 18.36.030
• Key procedural and standards notes:
  • Establishment and approval of an RMP requires Planning Commission and City Council actions and findings; see § 18.36.070–18.36.140. § 18.36.070; § 18.36.120–18.36.140
  • Standards for lot area, coverage, height are controlled by the approved master plan and may reference R‑1/R‑2/R‑3 standards where applicable. § 18.36.140
• Where it applies: RMP is map‑based and created by ordinance; see local zoning map (not found in retrieved materials).

MHP — Mobile Home Park District

• Purpose: Regulates mobile home parks and related facilities. § 18.30.010 et seq.
• Typical permitted uses: mobile home parks, accessory uses, owner/operator dwellings, ADUs in certain circumstances. § 18.30.040
• Key standards:
  • Minimum area: generally 2 acres for new parks (see § 18.30.060(A)). § 18.30.060(A)
  • Building height limits for mobile homes are typically one story or 14 ft, whichever is less. § 18.30.060(B)
  • Design review applies for expansions/new parks. § 18.30.060(G)

A‑P — Administrative and Professional District

• Purpose: Office and professional services. § 18.40.010
• Typical permitted uses: administrative/executive offices, medical/dental clinics, professional offices, limited service establishments; ADUs and group homes per Chapter 18.23. § 18.40.020
• Key dimensional standards:
  • Side yards / rear yards: side yards not closer than 6 ft (non‑street side); rear yards 3 ft minimum — specifics in § 18.40.060. § 18.40.060
  • Design review and parking rules apply; see § 18.40.085 and Chapter 18.56 (parking). § 18.40.085; § 18.40.100
• Where it applies: mapped A‑P parcels.

C‑1 — Restricted Commercial District

• Purpose: Neighborhood commercial and retail with limits (enclosed operations, no service yards). § 18.44.010
• Typical permitted uses: retail shops (listed extensively in § 18.44.020), offices, restaurants (not drive‑in), mixed commercial services; ADUs associated with residential units per Chapter 18.23. § 18.44.020
• Key dimensional standards:
  • Front yard: 10 ft min (no parking in front yard). § 18.44.060(A)
  • Side/rear yard rules vary if adjoining residential or A‑P districts (e.g., 40 ft side yard adjacent to R districts, 20 ft when adjacent to A‑P). § 18.44.060(B–C)
  • Design review and heritage board review if in combining districts. § 18.44.085

C‑2 — Commercial District

• Purpose: General commercial uses; separate regulations supplementing Chapter 18.16. § 18.48.010
• Typical permitted uses: retail, offices, public uses; permanent supportive housing by right where objective standards apply; ADUs for associated residential. § 18.48.020
• Key dimensional standards: Chapter includes lot area, height limits, lot coverage and FAR sections (18.48.030–18.48.055) — check the chapter for parcel figures. § 18.48.030–18.48.055
• Parking: new construction/structural alterations follow Chapter 18.56 parking standards; special rule for residential over commercial (one space per dwelling). § 18.48.100

SD — Storefront Downtown District

• Purpose: Preserve historic, human‑scaled pedestrian downtown character; mix of retail, office and residential uses. § 18.41.010
• Typical permitted uses: retail, restaurants (limited outdoor seating), multifamily residential, hotel/inn, offices, theaters, mixed‑use, ADUs (Chapter 18.23). § 18.41.020
• Key dimensional standards:
  • Height: generally 25 ft or 2 stories (exceptions by Planning Commission). § 18.41.050
  • FAR: 0.80 max (second‑story residential over first‑story commercial often exempted from FAR). § 18.41.070
  • Lot coverage: none (no lot coverage requirement). § 18.41.060
  • Design review and heritage board review required for exterior changes in certain parcels. § 18.41.120

TD — Theatre/Transit (TD) / General Downtown (TD)

• Purpose and uses: TD provides for the more modern commercial areas with surface parking and larger buildings; permitted uses similar to SD (retail, restaurants, multifamily, hotel, offices, mixed‑use). § 18.45.010–18.45.020
• Key standards: building height, coverage and FAR sections exist in the TD chapter (consult Chapter 18.45 for numeric limits). § 18.45.050 et seq.

OS — Open Space District

• Purpose: Preserve ridgelines, marshlands and other open spaces; permit parks, trails, habitat preservation. § 18.49.010
• Typical permitted uses: public parks/recreation, ridgeline preservation, habitat areas, trails, water bodies; limited residential/non‑residential support uses only by permit. § 18.49.020–18.49.030
• Key dimensional standards:
  • FAR: 0.10 maximum (exceptions for publicly accessible architectural spaces). § 18.49.040
• Where it applies: mapped open space parcels.

P‑D / PUD — Planned Development / Planned Unit Districts

• Purpose: Allows integrated, flexible design across multiple parcels with custom standards; establishment requires findings and public hearings. § 18.55.070; § 18.54.010
• Typical uses and standards: Can incorporate uses from other districts; base standards usually follow the district most similar to the proposed use (R‑1, R‑2, R‑3) unless exceptions are approved. § 18.55.030–18.55.090
• Minimum area and procedural rules are specified (e.g., 4 acres typical minimum in some PUD rules, subject to finding exceptions). § 18.54.030–18.55.030

Quick Reference table — most decision‑relevant standards / common permitted uses

Checklist

An applicant should confirm and satisfy the following, in order (each checkbox links to the controlling local rule when indicated):

• Verify the parcel’s mapped zoning and any overlays (zoning map / combine with overlay districts). Not found in retrieved materials — Verify with the jurisdiction. (Verify map with City).
• Confirm permitted/conditional use in the district (see the district’s § in Title 18; e.g., § 18.20.020 for R‑1).
• Confirm dimensional standards: setbacks, height, coverage/FAR — use the district chapter (e.g., § 18.20.060 for R‑1 front yard).
• Check parking requirements in Chapter 18.56 and consult the City’s Larkspur Parking page for local procedures. § 18.56
• For ADUs, follow Chapter 18.23 and state ADU law; see local ADU rules on the Larkspur ADUs page and state law resources. § 18.23
• Identify if project triggers design review (Chapter 18.64) or Heritage Preservation Board review; read procedures on the Larkspur Design Review page. § 18.64; § 18.19
• If a discretionary change (height exception, use permit, P‑D, variance) is needed, prepare findings and public hearing materials per Chapters 18.55, 18.76, 18.72, 18.80. § 18.55; § 18.76; § 18.72; § 18.80
• Confirm that building work complies with the California Building Standards Code (Title 24) for safety and habitability — zoning does not replace Title 24 compliance. (Local ADU rules note building code compliance.) Not a zoning provision; see Title 24.
• Address landscaping, screening and slope/hillside rules where applicable (see Chapters 18.34 and 18.56). § 18.34; § 18.56

Risks & Ambiguities

Plain-English Summary

Larkspur’s Title 18 spells out specific mapped zones (for example R‑1, R‑2, R‑3, C‑1, C‑2, SD, TD, OS, MHP, A‑P, and P‑D) and for each zone lists what you can build, what needs a use permit, and the concrete dimensional rules (setbacks, height, lot coverage/FAR); see the district chapters cited above (for example § 18.20.020 for R‑1 permitted uses). Always confirm your parcel’s mapped zone and overlays with the City before designing — and expect design review, parking, and ADU rules to be enforced per the chapters cited.

Information Gaps

• The City zoning map (parcel mapping / overlay boundaries) was not present in the retrieved materials. Not found in retrieved materials — Verify with the jurisdiction.
• Some chapters refer to graphs or tables (e.g., slope‑based lot area adjustments in § 18.34.110) that were noted but not fully reproduced in the excerpts. See full chapter for parcel calculations. § 18.34.110
• Exact numeric lot/coverage figures for some districts (R‑2, parts of R‑3, C‑2) are in the full chapter text/tables not completely visible in the snippets; consult the full municipal code chapter for the parcel. (Verify chapter text)

Source References

• Larkspur Municipal Code, Title 18 — Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance (district chapters cited above). See specific chapters cited inline, e.g.: § 18.20.020 (R‑1 permitted uses) ; § 18.20.060 (R‑1 front yard) ; § 18.23 (ADU rules) ; § 18.32.120 (R‑3 usable outdoor area) ; § 18.41.050/070 (SD height/FAR) ; § 18.49.040 (OS FAR) .
• For design review procedures: Chapter 18.64 (Design Review).
• For parking standards: Chapter 18.56 (Off‑Street Parking and Loading) and local parking chapter notes.
• For planned development and P‑D procedures: § 18.55.070 and related sections.
• For mobile home park regulations: § 18.30.040–060.

Retrieved passages

• Larkspur Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance show source text
• Larkspur Zoning Code (Title 18) High relevance show source text
• Larkspur Zoning Code (Title 18) High relevance show source text
• Larkspur Zoning Code (Title 18) High relevance show source text
• Larkspur Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance show source text
• Larkspur Zoning Code (Chapter 18.23) High relevance show source text
• Larkspur Zoning Code (Title 18) High relevance show source text
• Larkspur Zoning Code (Chapter 18.64.) High relevance show source text
• Larkspur Zoning Code (Chapter 18.35) High relevance show source text
• Larkspur Zoning Code (Section 18.41.150) High relevance show source text
• Larkspur Zoning Code (Chapter 2.50.) High relevance show source text
• CBC § 5 (Title 18) High relevance show source text
• Larkspur Zoning Code (Title 18) High relevance show source text
• Larkspur Zoning Code (Title 18) High relevance show source text
• Larkspur Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance show source text

Cited sections

• Larkspur Municipal Code, Title 18 — Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance (district chapters cited above). See specific chapters cited inline, e.g.: **§ 18.20.020** (R‑1 permitted uses) ; **§ 18.20.060** (R‑1 front yard) ; **§ 18.23** (ADU rules) ; **§ 18.32.120** (R‑3 usable outdoor area) ; **§ 18.41.050/070** (SD height/FAR) ; **§ 18.49.040** (OS FAR) . (Title 18)
• For design review procedures: **Chapter 18.64** (Design Review). (Chapter 18.64)
• For parking standards: **Chapter 18.56** (Off‑Street Parking and Loading) and local parking chapter notes. (Chapter 18.56)
• For planned development and P‑D procedures: **§ 18.55.070** and related sections. (§ 18.55.070)
• For mobile home park regulations: **§ 18.30.040–060**. (§ 18.30.040)
• Larkspur_ZoningCode.md

• Official Larkspur code library