Local zoning · Lemoore

Lemoore — Zoning

Q: What are Lemoore’s setback and build‑to rules for downtown (DMX)?

Downtown is form‑based: DMX‑1 generally has a 0' front build‑to, DMX‑2 has up to 5' , and DMX‑3 typically has 15' front setback — see Table 9-6-2‑A1 and § 9-6-2 (Chapter 6) for the full placement rules, recess/encroachment exceptions, and notes.

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

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

Lemoore’s zoning code is codified as Title 9 Zoning and establishes a set of base zoning districts, overlay districts, a city zoning map, allowed uses, and district-specific development standards to implement the General Plan. The code divides districts into residential, mixed‑use, office/commercial/industrial, special‑purpose, and specific‑plan categories and delegates many application‑level decisions to the Planning Director and planning commission. See the code for the official zoning map and administrative procedures (§ 9-1-1, § 9-3-2, § 9-3-3).

Note: this page focuses only on what Lemoore’s zoning/planning ordinance (Title 9) says about zoning; for building code, health, or tenant rules see the state codes and separate pages.

Key navigation links (first mentions are linked): the City overview is at Lemoore zoning & planning overview. District development rules live in Lemoore Development Standards. Parking rules are in Lemoore Parking. Downtown form‑based rules and reviews are in Lemoore Design Review. Overlay guidance is at Lemoore Overlay Districts. Accessory dwelling rules are at Lemoore ADUs. Nonconforming provisions are at Lemoore Nonconforming Uses. The state building rules referenced by the code are the California Building Standards Code.

How Lemoore organizes zoning (short)

Zoning districts and the map are established in § 9-3-2 and § 9-3-3; every parcel has a base zoning district and may also have one or more overlay zones (§ 9-3-2) .
Allowed uses for each base district are set in the land uses article, principally § 9-4A-3 and the allowed uses tables in Article B (Chapter 4) (§ 9-4A-3) .
Dimension, setback, height, and lot coverage rules are in Chapter 5 (Design Standards): notably § 9-5A-1, and the district development standards in Article B (9-5B-1 et seq.) (§ 9-5A-1, § 9-5B-1) .
Downtown and Mixed‑Use centers use form‑based, district‑specific rules (Chapter 6 and Chapter 7: e.g., § 9-6-1, § 9-6-2, § 9-7-1, § 9-7-6‑B1) .
Overlay districts (e.g., PUD and NASL) modify or supplement base rules; overlay provisions control where they conflict (§ 9-3-2; NASL is § 9-9C-1 – 9-9C-3) .

District-by-district breakdown

Below are the base districts the code establishes (Table 9-3-2) with the code’s stated purpose, typical permitted uses (where the code lists uses, see § 9-4B-2 for the full allowed‑use table), representative dimensional highlights, and where the district typically applies. All district descriptions come from § 9-3-2 and the development standards chapters cited below.

Note: For permitted-use detail see § 9-4B-2 (Allowed Uses and Required Entitlements) and for district development standards see Chapter 5, Article A and Article B (§ 9-4A-3; § 9-5A-1; § 9-5B-1).

Residential districts (base)

AR (Agriculture and rural residential) — Purpose: rural single‑family lots and agricultural uses; typical permitted uses: farm operations, single‑family on large parcels. Key standards: parcel sizes are greater than 40,000 sq ft and density is generally 0.05–0.2 du/acre (1 unit/20 acres up to 1 unit/5 acres) (§ 9-3-2). Apply: edge and rural parts of the city.
RVLD (Very low density residential) — Purpose: buffer between rural and suburban; permitted: single‑family detached. Key standards: lot sizes 10,000–40,000 sq ft, density 1–3 du/acre (§ 9-3-2).
RLD (Low density residential) — Purpose: suburban single‑family subdivisions. Key standards: lot sizes 5,000–15,000 sq ft, density 3–7 du/acre (§ 9-3-2).
RN (Traditional neighborhood residential) — Purpose: older central neighborhoods and infill that retains “traditional” character; permitted: single‑family with alley access for garages. Key standards: lot sizes 3,000–7,500 sq ft, density 7–12 du/acre (§ 9-3-2).
RLMD (Low‑medium density residential) — Purpose: small‑lot single‑family, attached unit types; density 7–12 du/acre, typical lot sizes 3,000–7,000 sq ft (§ 9-3-2).
RMD (Medium density residential) — Purpose: multi‑family apartments/townhomes; density 12–17 du/acre; building types 2–3 stories (§ 9-3-2).
RHD (High density residential) — Purpose: higher‑intensity multi‑family (apartment, condo); density 17–25 du/acre for sites near arterials or downtown (§ 9-3-2).

Where to find dimensional rules: Chapter 5 (Area/Setback/Height/Coverage) and Article B development standards, plus Planned Unit Development tables for individual PUDs when applicable (§ 9-5A-1; § 9-5B-1; Table 9-9B-4-1).

Mixed‑use and downtown

DMX‑1 (Downtown mixed use — core) — Purpose: historic downtown core: retail, restaurants, offices, institutional, and second‑story residential are emphasized. The downtown is regulated by Chapter 6: see § 9-6-1 and the base development standards in § 9-6-2; the DMX districts have form‑based build‑to and setback rules (e.g., front build‑to 0' in DMX‑1, see Table 9-6-2-A1 / § 9-6-2).
DMX‑2 (Downtown mixed use — auto oriented) — Purpose: downtown edges where short front setbacks (example: front build‑to 5' maximum) and certain automotive uses are permitted with differences noted in § 9-6-2, Table 9-6-2-A1.
DMX‑3 (Downtown mixed use — transitional) — Purpose: transitional edges of downtown; larger front setbacks apply (e.g., front setback 15' per Table 9-6-2-A1) and different parking/setback rules apply § 9-6-2.

Downtown specifics: Downtown standards regulate build‑to lines, encroachments, parking location and clearances, and pedestrian frontage (Chapter 6: § 9-6-1 through § 9-6-5) and require site plan and architectural review for downtown projects (§ 9-6-2; § 9-6-3). For design review and project consistency see Lemoore Design Review.

Mixed Use (MU) district (centers)

MU (Mixed use district) — Purpose: five mixed‑use centers identified by map; typical mix of retail, office, residential (densities 8–20 du/ac) and pedestrian orientation (§ 9-7-1). Mixed‑use development requires a conceptual plan and design review; dimensional controls (height up to 60 ft in some MU contexts) and parking rules are in § 9-7-6 and related tables (e.g., Table 9-7-6‑B1, Table 9-7-6‑C1). See Lemoore Development Standards and the parking rules referenced in § 9-7-6.

Office / Commercial / Industrial / Special purpose

The code groups these districts and gives specific purpose/descriptions in Table 9-3-2 (§ 9-3-2) and gives development tables (Chapter 5, Article B) with numeric standards:

NC (Neighborhood commercial) — Small‑scale retail/personal services oriented to pedestrians; front setbacks commonly 0' in commercial tables, proportional sign limits and lot coverage rules apply (§ 9-3-2; Chapter 5 tables).
RC (Regional commercial) — Large‑format retail, hotels, motels; more flexible parking and frontage; sign maximums and larger front setbacks apply in tables (§ 9-3-2; Chapter 5 tables).
PO (Professional office) — Medical, professional, compatible multi‑family; the code lists a minimum lot size for some uses and a 35' typical height limit in the commercial standards table (see Chapter 5 tables) (§ 9-3-2; Chapter 5 tables).
ML (Light industrial) and MH (Heavy industrial) — Manufacturing, warehousing, storage/distribution; freestanding retail is limited (ML) and retail is not allowed in MH; height allowances can be up to 60' in industrial districts with additional setback requirements for extra height (Chapter 5 tables) (§ 9-3-2; Chapter 5 tables).
W (Wetlands), AG (Agricultural), PR (Parks & Recreation), CF (Community Facilities) — Special purpose districts protecting natural resources, parks, public uses; special rules and minimum lot sizes or buffers appear in the Article B tables (§ 9-3-2; § 9-5B-1).

Numeric dimensional/rule source: the code’s development standard tables in Chapter 5 Article A/Article B and individual chapter tables (e.g., Table 9-5F-5-B2 for signage; Table 9-5B‑? for setbacks/FAR/height; Table 9-7-6‑B1 and 9-7-6‑C1 for MU standards) — see the cited sections below (§ 9-5A-1; § 9-5B-1; § 9-7-6-B1).

Specific plan and overlay districts

SP (Specific Plan) — Intended to implement special master plans where a specific plan has been adopted. The city currently retains the framework for future SPs (Table 9-3-2; § 9-3-2).
PUD (Planned Unit Development overlay) — PUDs are adopted by ordinance and may include unique development requirements (yards, lot area, intensity, parking, landscaping, and signs). The required PUD components and the adopted PUDs list are in § 9-9B-2 and § 9-9B-3 (and Table 9-9B-3-1 and Table 9-9B-4-1 contains project‑specific deviations) .
NASL (Naval Air Station Lemoore overlay) — Purpose: manage risk and noise near NASL; the overlay divides lands into Overlay Areas I/II/III and sets special rules: maximum structure/tree height 150 ft, indoor noise attenuation requirements where exterior noise > 65 dB CNEL, routing of development to NASL/FAA for tall structures, and required disclosure easements on new subdivision maps in the overlay (§ 9-9C-1, § 9-9C-2, § 9-9C-3) .

Quick reference table — most decision‑relevant items

What (district / topic)	Decision‑relevant standard or permitted use	Code reference
Base districts established (list)	Includes AR, RVLD, RLD, RN, RLMD, RMD, RHD, W, AG, PR, CF, DMX‑1, DMX‑2, DMX‑3, MU, NC, RC, PO, ML, MH, SP, PUD, NASL	§ 9-3-2
Zoning map / boundary rules	Official zoning map incorporated by reference; Planning Director resolves boundary ambiguity; map amendments follow planning permit process	§ 9-3-3
Allowed uses & entitlement types	Uses are P (permitted), A (administrative), C (conditional), or N (not permitted); full tables are in Article B of Chapter 4	§ 9-4A-3; § 9-4B-2
Downtown build‑to/setbacks (DMX)	DMX‑1 front build‑to 0'; DMX‑2 front build‑to 5' max; DMX‑3 front setback 15' (see Table 9-6-2‑A1)	§ 9-6-2 (Table 9-6-2‑A1)
Mixed‑use height & parking (MU)	General structure height 60 ft max; first/upper floor minimum ceiling heights 9 ft; shared parking encouraged (Table 9-7-6‑B1, 9-7-6‑C1)	§ 9-7-6‑B1; § 9-7-6‑C1
NASL overlay special rules	Max structure/tree height 150 ft; noise attenuation where >65 dB CNEL; routing to NASL/FAA for tall structures; disclosure easement on lots in overlay (§ 9-9C-3)	§ 9-9C-1 – § 9-9C-3
Design and site review triggers	Site plan & architectural review required for downtown, MU, PUDs, and many conditional uses; zoning clearance required for building permits (>120 sq ft), signs, business licenses (§ 9-6-2; § 9-2B-3)	§ 9-6-2; § 9-2B-3

Practical guidance & interpretation notes (plain-English synthesis)

Start with the map and base zone: determine your parcel’s base district on the official zoning map (the map is adopted by reference — see § 9-3-3) and then check the allowed‑uses table in § 9-4B-2 to see whether your proposed use is P, A, C or N (§ 9-3-3; § 9-4A-3).
For projects in or near downtown, expect form‑based build‑to/setback and frontage rules (DMX‑1/2/3 in Chapter 6) and required design review; the build‑to/setback numbers in Table 9-6-2‑A1 are controlling for downtown sites (§ 9-6-2). See Lemoore Design Review for the review process.
Mixed‑use centers have their own development standards (Chapter 7: conceptual plan requirement, height and parking expectations — see Tables 9-7-6) and require shared parking strategies; see Lemoore Parking and § 9-7-6 for specifics (§ 9-7-1; § 9-7-6‑B1; § 9-7-6‑C1).
Overlay zones trump base zone rules where they conflict. For example, the NASL overlay imposes a 150‑ft height limit and noise attenuation obligations independent of the underlying zone (§ 9-9C-3). Always check overlays on your parcel — see Overlay Districts (§ 9-3-2).
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are regulated elsewhere in the code but counted in site area rules in Chapter 5 (they’re excluded when calculating site area per dwelling unit per table notes); see the ADU page and § 9-5 notes and § 9-4D-12 where ADUs are referenced. For code compliance also review Lemoore ADUs and state ADU law.

Checklist — what an applicant must satisfy (high‑level)

Verify the parcel’s base zoning district on the official zoning map (§ 9-3-3).
Confirm the proposed use’s status (P/A/C/N) in § 9-4B-2 and identify required entitlements (§ 9-4A-3).
Check for overlay zones (e.g., NASL, PUD) that alter standards and follow overlay provisions if present (§ 9-3-2; § 9-9C-3).
Apply the district development standards (setbacks, height, lot coverage) in Chapter 5 (Article A & B — § 9-5A-1, § 9-5B-1).
Determine whether site plan & architectural review, conditional use permit, PUD, or variance is required (Chapter 2 procedures e.g., § 9-2B‑? and site plan/architectural requirements in Chapter 6/7 as applicable).
Prepare required notices, routing (e.g., NASL/FAA notifications for tall structures in the NASL overlay — § 9-9C-3.D) and record required easements for subdivisions in the NASL overlay where required (§ 9-9C-3.E).
Obtain zoning clearance prior to building permit issuance for structures >120 sq ft, signs, and business licenses (§ 9-2B-3).

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Parcel boundary vs. map depiction	The zoning map is incorporated by reference and boundary lines may not perfectly match parcel lines on the ground; Planning Director resolves uncertainty (§ 9-3-3.E)	Confirm exact zoning boundary determination with the Planning Director and request an official map interpretation before final design (§ 9-3-3).
Overlay vs. base zone conflict	Overlay rules prevail where they conflict with the base zone; overlays like NASL impose unique restrictions (height, noise, disclosures) (§ 9-3-2; § 9-9C-3)	Check all overlays applied to the parcel and apply overlay standards first; verify whether any NASL noise/height limitations or disclosure easements apply.
Downtown form‑based exceptions	Downtown DMX districts have build‑to lines and special encroachment rules that differ from typical suburban setbacks (§ 9-6-2)	If your project is in DMX‑1/2/3, use Table 9-6-2‑A1 for placement and review encroachment rules (§ 9-6-3).
Height and additional setback calculations	Article B tables indicate additional setbacks required for additional height; exact formula varies by district (e.g., “for every 1 ft additional height, 1 ft additional setback”)	Verify maximum allowed height, required additional setback formula from the Chapter 5 tables and confirm through design review (see § 9-5A-2 notes).
Use table interpretation (similar uses)	If a use is not specifically listed, the Planning Director can find a use “substantially similar” — that affects entitlement and review (see § 9-2B-7)	If proposing an unconventional use, request a Similar Use Determination from the Planning Director and document the comparable uses referenced (§ 9-2B-7).

Plain‑English summary

Lemoore’s zoning code (Title 9) assigns every parcel a base zone (residential, mixed‑use, commercial, industrial, special purpose) and may add overlays; allowed uses are listed in Chapter 4, and dimension, setback and height rules live in Chapter 5 with special downtown and mixed‑use form‑based rules in Chapters 6 and 7. Overlays such as the NASL overlay can supersede base rules, so always check overlays on your parcel and consult the Planning Director for map boundary and similar‑use questions (§ 9-3-2; § 9-4A-3; § 9-5A-1; § 9-9C-3).

Source References

Lemoore Zoning Code (Title 9) — Chapter 1: Title and purpose (§ 9-1-1)
Zoning Districts and Map — § 9-3-1, § 9-3-2, § 9-3-3 (Table 9-3-2 lists base and overlay districts)
Allowed uses and entitlements — § 9-4A-3 and Article B (Tables 9-4B-2 for allowed uses)
Downtown Development Standards — § 9-6-1, § 9-6-2 (Table 9-6-2‑A1 for building placement; Table 9-6-3‑A for parking)
Mixed Use Development Standards — § 9-7-1, § 9-7-6 (Tables 9-7-6‑B1, 9-7-6‑C1)
Design & Area/Setback/Height rules — Chapter 5 Article A: § 9-5A-1 (and Article B: § 9-5B-1 et seq.)
Development Standards for specific districts (setbacks, FAR, height, lot coverage) — Chapter 5 tables (see Article B) (§ 9-5B series)
NASL Overlay — § 9-9C-1, § 9-9C-2, § 9-9C-3 (height, noise attenuation, review routing, disclosure easement)
Zoning clearance and processing rules — § 9-2B-3; permit procedures and variances in Article B of Chapter 2 (§ 9-2B-1 et seq.)
Planned Unit Developments (PUDs) — § 9-9B-2, § 9-9B-3, Table 9-9B-4-1 (PUD deviations)

Sources

Retrieved passages

Lemoore Zoning Code (chapter 2) High relevance
CBC § 2013 (ARTICLE C.) High relevance
Lemoore Zoning Code High relevance
Lemoore Zoning Code High relevance
Lemoore Zoning Code (chapter 3) High relevance
Lemoore Zoning Code (CHAPTER 6) High relevance
Lemoore Zoning Code (Chapter 4) High relevance
Lemoore Zoning Code High relevance
Lemoore Zoning Code (article and) High relevance
Lemoore Zoning Code (section and) High relevance
Lemoore Zoning Code (chapter apply) High relevance
Lemoore Zoning Code High relevance

Cited sections

Official Lemoore code library

Frequently asked questions

What zoning districts exist in Lemoore and where are they listed?

Lemoore’s Title 9 lists base and overlay districts in Table 9-3-2; base districts include residential (e.g., AR, RLD, RMD, RHD), mixed‑use/downtown districts (e.g., DMX‑1/2/3, MU), commercial/office/industrial (e.g., NC, RC, PO, ML, MH), special purpose (e.g., W, AG, PR, CF), and SP/PUD overlays; see § 9-3-2 for the district list.

What can I build on an R‑1 (RLD) lot in Lemoore?

The code’s RLD (Low Density Residential) district allows single‑family residential development consistent with the allowed‑use table and density/lot‑size parameters in Table 9-3-2: typical lot sizes 5,000–15,000 sq ft and density 3–7 du/acre; check § 9-3-2 for the district description and § 9-4B-2 for whether your proposed use requires a permit.

What are Lemoore’s setback and build‑to rules for downtown (DMX)?

Downtown is form‑based: DMX‑1 generally has a 0' front build‑to, DMX‑2 has up to 5', and DMX‑3 typically has 15' front setback — see Table 9-6-2‑A1 and § 9-6-2 (Chapter 6) for the full placement rules, recess/encroachment exceptions, and notes.

Do overlays change the base zoning rules?

Yes. Where an overlay conflicts with a base zone, the overlay controls; for example the NASL overlay limits heights to 150 ft, requires noise attenuation for areas >65 dB CNEL, routes tall‑structure reviews to NASL/FAA, and mandates disclosure easements for subdivided lots — see § 9-9C-3 and the overlay applicability § 9-9C-2.

Do I need design review or site plan review for a commercial or downtown project?

Most downtown (DMX) and mixed‑use (MU) projects and many commercial projects require site plan and architectural review per the Chapter 6/7 rules; the code also lists specific review and entitlement procedures in Chapter 2 (Article B) — see § 9-6-2, § 9-7-1, and the permitting procedures in § 9-2B-1 et seq. for exact triggers.

Where are permitted uses shown and how do I know whether a use is allowed by‑right?

The allowed‑uses and required‑entitlement table (P/A/C/N) is in Article B of Chapter 4 (see § 9-4A-3 and § 9-4B-2). A “P” means permitted subject to other code compliance; an “A” or “C” means administrative or conditional approval is required, respectively.

If my use is not listed, can I still get approval?

Yes — the Planning Director can make a “Similar Use Determination” if a proposed use is substantially similar to a listed use; the process and required findings are in the code (see the similar‑use provisions and § 9-2B-7). Verify process details with the Planning Director.

How are PUDs handled and where can I find project‑specific standards?

PUD overlay zones are adopted by ordinance and must include performance/development requirements (yards, lot area, intensity, parking, landscaping, signs); existing PUDs and deviations are listed in the code (see § 9-9B-2, § 9-9B-3, and Table 9-9B-4-1 for project standards).

Does Lemoore require disclosure of military noise for lots near NASL?

Yes. For subdivisions within the NASL overlay, the city requires recording an easement/disclosure that the property is near a military installation subject to aircraft noise/training; see § 9-9C-3.E.

How do I get zoning clearance and when is it required?

Zoning clearance is required for building permits for structures >120 sq ft (except interior work only), signs, business licenses, and certain other applications; the Planning Director is the approving authority (see § 9-2B-3).

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