Local zoning · Lemoore

Lemoore — Historic Preservation

Q: Do corner (corner‑lot) buildings have special “landmark” rules?

Corner buildings in DMX‑1 are encouraged to be treated as landmark buildings and should incorporate prominent corner features (towers, special massing) per the downtown design guidance; this functions as design guidance in § 9-6-4D rather than a separate regulatory permit. § 9-6-4D .

Historic Preservation under the Lemoore local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes how the City of Lemoore's zoning code treats historic resources and preservation-focused design controls in the downtown and traditional neighborhoods. It explains the code provisions you will use most often (design review triggers, downtown form‑based standards, “landmark building” treatments, and conversion rules for historic residences) and points to the controlling code sections you must cite when preparing plans. See the city's rules for development standards and the downtown design chapter for the detailed rules referenced below.

What the Lemoore zoning code actually requires (high‑level)

The Zoning Code (Title 9) explicitly aims to "conserve and protect ... historic and environmental resources" as part of its purpose. § 9-1-1.B.6.
Downtown (the historic core) is regulated by the form-based DMX districts (DMX-1, DMX-2, DMX-3) and a downtown design chapter that contains the city's historic-preservation‑relevant rules: architectural design standards, a historic color palette, special treatment for landmark buildings, and conversion standards for historic residences. See § 9-6-1 through § 9-6-7.
Most design compliance in the downtown is checked through site plan and architectural review; demolition/exterior work on older buildings and conversions of residences to nonresidential uses are specifically subject to review. See § 9-2B-12 and § 9-6-7.

Note: building‑code and permitting technical requirements (Title 24 / California Building Standards Code) are separate and are not covered here; Lemoore references those as outside the zoning code scope—consult the California Building Standards Code when appropriate.

District-by-district breakdown (historic preservation focus)

DMX-1 — Downtown Mixed Use, Core

Purpose: the historical center of downtown; prioritized for retail, restaurants, personal services, professional offices, and second‑story housing. § 9-3-2 / downtown chapter.
Typical permitted uses: street‑oriented storefronts, restaurants, civic uses, offices, and upper‑floor residential. The downtown frontage types explicitly encourage storefronts and historic building forms. § 9-6-5.
Key dimensional/design standards most relevant to historic preservation:
- Build‑to line / Front setback = 0' (tight to sidewalk) to preserve historic street wall; see Table 9-6-2-A1. § 9-6-2.
- Height: min. 16' first‑floor, max. 40' overall in DMX‑1; see Table 9-6-2-B1. § 9-6-2.
- Historic building exceptions: the code allows exceptions for historic home/office conversion frontages through site plan and architectural review. § 9-6-2 and § 9-6-5.
Where it applies: the downtown core (map shown in Chapter 3 / downtown map). § 9-6-1.

Practical guidance: If your property is in DMX-1, expect strict storefront, material, and color guidance (see § 9-6-4 and palette rules in § 9-6-4C). Painting using the city’s historic palette is explicitly handled as an exemption in the site plan review list. § 9-6-4C, § 9-2B-12.B.2.e.

DMX-2 — Downtown Mixed Use, Auto‑Oriented

Purpose: transitional downtown corridor where storefronts are supported but some auto‑oriented uses are allowed. § 9-6-1 / § 9-6-2.
Typical uses: similar to DMX‑1 but with allowances for slightly larger setbacks and some auto‑oriented commercial uses. § 9-6-2.
Key standards: front build‑to line = 5' (maximum build‑to distance), and specific encroachment and parking rules apply (see Table 9‑6‑2‑A1 and 9‑6‑3). § 9-6-2, § 9-6-3.
Where it applies: downtown commercial strips outside the tightest core. § 9-6-1.

Practical guidance: DMX‑2 allows more setback flexibility through the design review process for conversions; review is still required for exterior alterations to older buildings. § 9-6-2; § 9-2B-12.

DMX-3 — Downtown Mixed Use, Transitional

Purpose: buffer/transitional zone with looser streetwall requirements and more residential character. § 9-6-1 / § 9-6-2.
Typical uses: mixed use but with more residential allowances and larger setbacks (e.g., front setback 15'). § 9-6-2.
Practical guidance: less strict “historic storefront” enforcement, but conversion standards and design guidance may still apply depending on location. § 9-6-7 may still be relevant for residence conversions.

RN — Traditional Neighborhood Residential

Purpose: explicitly designated “older, historic neighborhoods in central Lemoore” and new development that emulates those characteristics; density and lot sizes target small‑lot single‑family character. § 9-3-2 (RN).
Typical uses: single‑family homes and small‑scale infill; historically significant residences will be subject to general protection policies in the zoning code and to conversion guidance if being adapted for nonresidential use. § 9-6-7 (conversion rules when the property is in a DMX zone; verify with the city for RN‑zoned historic conversions).

Key code provisions to know (one-table quick reference)

Rule / Topic	What it means for a historic property	Code reference
Site plan & architectural review triggers	New nonresidential / mixed‑use, multi‑unit housing, and demolition or exterior alterations to nonresidential buildings > 75 years old require review.	§ 9-2B-12.
Downtown design standards (materials, roof forms, windows)	Detailed architectural controls and prohibited materials to preserve historic character.	§ 9-6-4.
Historic color palette	City‑adopted historic palettes required/encouraged for downtown painting; brick painting limited.	§ 9-6-4C.
Landmark buildings (corner treatment)	Corner lots in DMX‑1 are encouraged to use enhanced “landmark building” features (tower/corner emphasis) as design guidance.	§ 9-6-4D.
Historic residence → nonresidential conversions	Conversions must minimize exterior alterations and meet specific setbacks/height in Table 9-6-7-B.	§ 9-6-7 (Table 9‑6‑7‑B).
Downtown allowable facade types	“Historic home/office conversion” is a recognized frontage/building type allowed in DMX districts.	§ 9-6-5 (Table 9‑6‑5‑B1).
Public right‑of‑way encroachments	A formal encroachment agreement is required for awnings, planters, seating, etc., in DMX zones. See parking and encroachment standards.	§ 9-6-3.

How historic preservation review typically works in Lemoore (practical synthesis)

Determine your base zone and whether the property sits in DMX‑1, DMX‑2, DMX‑3, or RN — these are the zones that carry the most preservation‑oriented design rules. § 9-3-2; § 9-6-1.
If your proposal is a demolition or an exterior alteration to a nonresidential building more than 75 years old, expect mandatory site plan & architectural review. § 9-2B-12.B.1.f.
For downtown projects, prepare elevations showing materials, storefronts, awnings, window muntins, and roofing to demonstrate compliance with § 9-6-4 (materials, roof forms, windows) and the historic color palette in § 9-6-4C.
Conversion of a historic residence to nonresidential use must “minimize exterior modifications” and meet the dimensional standards in Table 9‑6‑7‑B (front setback 20 ft, height 35 ft max, etc.). § 9-6-7.
Where encroachments or sidewalk furniture are proposed, submit an encroachment agreement and show compliance with the encroachment dimensions in § 9-6-3. For parking impacts, consult the downtown parking design rules and the parking page. § 9-6-3.

Also see the city's design review procedures for application form and processing details; the Community Development Director is the designated approving authority for site plan and architectural review. § 9-2B-12.C.

Checklist (what an applicant must satisfy)

Confirm base zone (DMX‑1, DMX‑2, DMX‑3, or RN) and downtown applicability. § 9-3-2, § 9‑6‑1.
If demolition or exterior alteration to a nonresidential building > 75 years old, prepare for site plan & architectural review. § 9-2B-12.B.1.f.
Prepare elevations showing materials, rooflines, windows (muntins), awnings, and proposed paint colors from the city historic palette. § 9-6-4; § 9-6-4C.
If converting a residence to nonresidential use, meet the conversion setbacks/height in Table 9‑6‑7‑B and minimize exterior alterations. § 9-6-7.
If using the sidewalk/public right‑of‑way for displays, awnings, or seating, apply for an encroachment agreement and show compliance with § 9-6-3. § 9-6-3.
Confirm approval route: site plan & architectural review is ministerial and handled by the Community Development Director; discretionary actions (variances, conditional permits) will add hearings. § 9-2B-12.C–E; § 9-2B-16 (variance).
Verify sign proposals against downtown signage rules and submit signage drawings per the signage standards. Not everything in the downtown design chapter covers signs; confirm with Planning. Verify with the jurisdiction.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Is the building formally “historic” (local designation) or simply older than 75 years?	The code mandates review thresholds for buildings > 75 years old, but a formal local landmark designation would carry different procedural implications.	Confirm age and whether a local landmark listing or historic overlay exists with Planning. § 9-2B-12.B.1.f; formal designation process: Not found in retrieved materials — Verify with the jurisdiction.
Landmark building status vs. design guidance	§ 9-6-4D encourages "landmark building" corner treatments, but the code reads as design guidance, not as a regulatory landmark designation.	Confirm whether the city has a separate historic landmarks register or overlay with enforcement powers. § 9-6-4D; formal designation process: Not found in retrieved materials — Verify with the jurisdiction.
ADUs and historic resources	State law allows ADUs in historic districts with limited objective standards, but the local ADU ordinance text is not present in the retrieved zoning file.	Check the city's ADU rules and whether objective standards for ADUs near historic resources are adopted. Local ADU standards: Not found in retrieved materials; consult the Planning Department and Lemoore ADUs.
Painting brick / paint restrictions	The code discourages painting brick unless the brick has lost its protective face. Misapplied painting can harm the material and violate the code. § 9-6-4C.	If you propose painting brick, verify the Chief Building Official’s determination and document the need. § 9-6-4C.
Variances for historic properties	Variance findings are stringent; you cannot use variances to change permitted uses or increase density beyond allowed levels.	If seeking relief, prepare findings per § 9-2B-16 and involve early pre‑application meetings. § 9-2B-16.

Plain‑English summary

If your property is in downtown Lemoore or in the older “traditional” neighborhood, expect design controls aimed at preserving historic character: tight front build‑to lines, specified materials, a city historic paint palette, and required staff review for demolitions or significant exterior changes — all handled under the site plan and architectural review rules. Key rules live in § 9-6-4 (downtown architectural design), § 9-6-7 (residence conversions), and the review triggers in § 9-2B-12; always check with the Planning Department for parcel‑specific interpretation.

Source References

Title 9 Zoning – Purpose and Authority: § 9-1-1 (zoning purpose includes protecting historic resources).
Site Plan & Architectural Review (triggers and exemptions): § 9-2B-12 (including demolition/exterior alteration threshold > 75 years; exemptions for painting with historic palettes).
Downtown Development Standards (chapter headings and applicability): § 9-6-1 and § 9-6-2 (build‑to lines, setbacks, height tables 9‑6‑2‑A1 and 9‑6‑2‑B1).
Architectural Design Standards / Colors / Landmark Buildings: § 9-6-4 (materials, § 9‑6‑4C color palette, § 9‑6‑4D landmark building guidance).
Building types and allowed historic conversions: § 9-6-5 (allowed frontages including historic home/office conversion).
Conversion of Residences to Nonresidential Uses (standards): § 9-6-7 (Table 9‑6‑7‑B setbacks, heights, porch preservation).

If you need the specific ordinance PDF or the zoning map parcel overlay, contact the Planning Department to get the exact map and any local landmark lists; the code excerpt above is from the City of Lemoore Zoning Code (Title 9).

Sources

Retrieved passages

Lemoore Zoning Code (section and) High relevance
Lemoore Zoning Code Medium relevance
Lemoore Zoning Code (TITLE 9) Medium relevance
Lemoore Zoning Code (section establishes) Medium relevance
Lemoore Zoning Code (chapter 3) Medium relevance
Lemoore Zoning Code (section identifies) Medium relevance
Lemoore Zoning Code (§ 65915) Medium relevance
Lemoore Zoning Code (title and) Medium relevance
Lemoore Zoning Code (section and) Medium relevance
Lemoore Zoning Code (chapter 7) Medium relevance
Lemoore Zoning Code (title is) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official Lemoore code library

Frequently asked questions

What triggers design review for a historic downtown building in Lemoore?

Design review (site plan & architectural review) is required for new nonresidential or mixed‑use buildings, nonresidential additions > 1,000 sq ft, multi‑family projects > two units, and specifically for demolition or exterior alterations to nonresidential buildings more than 75 years old. See § 9-2B-12.

Does Lemoore have a formal “historic district” or landmark designation process in the zoning code?

The zoning code contains historic‑preservation design guidance (downtown DMX districts, landmark building corner treatments, and conversion standards) but a formal local landmark designation or historic overlay process was not found in the retrieved materials. Verify with the Planning Department for any separate historic‑designation ordinance or register. § 9-6-4D; formal designation: Not found in retrieved materials.

Can I repaint my downtown building any color I like?

No — downtown painting should use the city’s adopted historic color palettes (Benjamin Moore Historic Colors, America’s Colors, Ready Mixed Colors). Painting brick is restricted unless the Chief Building Official determines protective paint is necessary. See § 9-6-4C and the site plan exemptions in § 9-2B-12.

What standards apply if I want to convert a historic house to a storefront or office?

Conversions must minimize exterior modifications, retain defining features (porches, handrails), and meet the conversion dimensional standards in Table 9‑6‑7‑B (for example, 20 ft front setback, 5 ft interior side setback, 35 ft max height). See § 9-6-7.

Do corner (corner‑lot) buildings have special “landmark” rules?

Corner buildings in DMX‑1 are encouraged to be treated as landmark buildings and should incorporate prominent corner features (towers, special massing) per the downtown design guidance; this functions as design guidance in § 9-6-4D rather than a separate regulatory permit. § 9-6-4D.

Are there material prohibitions for downtown historic remodeling?

Yes — the downtown design standards list encouraged and prohibited materials. Prohibited items include bright glazed roofing tiles, wood shingles/shake, low‑quality synthetic siding, metal siding, unfinished concrete block, and certain stucco applications. See § 9-6-4 (Building Materials).

Is sidewalk seating/awnings allowed in the historic downtown?

Yes — encroachments (awnings, planters, seating, galleries) into the public right‑of‑way are allowed in DMX‑1 and DMX‑2 with an encroachment agreement and must meet the clearances and maximum encroachment distances set in § 9-6-3 (e.g., maximum encroachment 8', minimum clear walk path 4'). See § 9-6-3 and consult parking for related curbside issues.

Do ADUs run into special rules if my primary home is historic?

State law allows ADUs in historic areas subject to objective standards preventing adverse impacts on listed historic resources; the local ADU ordinance text was not found in the retrieved zoning materials. Verify the city's ADU rules and any objective standards that apply near historic resources. See state guidance and consult the Planning Department and Lemoore ADUs. Not found in retrieved materials locally.

Where do I start for a downtown remodel that affects storefronts and signs?

Start with a site plan & architectural review application (Community Development Director is lead) and include elevations showing storefront proportions, materials, awnings, and signs; check downtown design rules § 9-6-4 and coordinate sign proposals with the signage rules. § 9-2B-12.C–E; § 9-6-4.

Can I get a variance to change a historic‑area development standard?

Possibly, but variances are limited and require strict findings (special circumstances, no adverse public impact, consistency with the general plan). A variance cannot be used to allow a use not permitted in the zone or to increase maximum residential density. See § 9-2B-16.

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