Local zoning · Livermore

Livermore — Land Use

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

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the Livermore Planning and Zoning Code (LPZC) says about land use: which uses are permitted or conditional in each district, the core dimensional/site rules that control land use decisions, and the approvals applicants must obtain. It is strictly focused on the local zoning / planning ordinance (land‑use rules) — not building code, habitability or tenant law. For process topics referenced below see the city's pages on zoning, development standards, and design review.

District-by-district land‑use summary

Below are Livermore’s common zoning districts as codified in the LPZC. Each subsection gives the district purpose, typical permitted uses, key dimensional/site standards that affect whether a use is physically feasible, and where the district applies (when the code names that). All requirements and uses below are grounded in the Livermore Planning and Zoning Code and cited to the controlling section(s).

RL — Low Density Residential

  • Purpose: Provide low‑density single‑family residential areas and protect residential character. (See § 2-16-010 .)
  • Typical permitted uses: One single‑family dwelling per lot; limited boarding/rooming; home occupations; day care/nursery schools (as regulated elsewhere); secondary dwelling units per LPZC rules. (See § 2-16-020 .)
  • Key dimensional/site standards: The RL district is subdivided (e.g., RL‑5‑0, RL‑6, etc.) and requires design review where noted; consult the specific RL subdistrict standard in the code for lot sizes and setbacks. (See § 2-16-020 .)
  • Where it applies: City residential areas designated for low‑density housing; consult the zoning map in the planning division. Verify parcel‑specific subdistrict. (Verify with the jurisdiction.)

Relevant first mention links: the code requires off‑street parking per the parking chapter and design review as summarized on the design review page; secondary units link: ADUs.

R2 — Duplex District

  • Purpose: Areas for duplex (two‑family) dwellings and transitional zones between higher density and low‑density residential. (§ 2-28-010 .)
  • Typical permitted uses: Single‑family detached, two‑family (attached or detached) dwellings. (§ 2-28-020 .)
  • Key dimensional/site standards: See LPZC Chapter 2‑28 for site requirements and yard/setback rules; site plan and site development rules apply. (§ 2-28-050 — code excerpts) .
  • Where it applies: Medium‑density residential parcels designated in the general plan.

RG — Suburban Multiple Residential (RG‑10 → RG‑16)

  • Purpose: Provide areas for low‑density multiple‑family residential development and to stabilize neighborhoods while allowing a range of densities. (§ 2-25-010 .)
  • Typical permitted uses: Single‑family, duplex, and multiple‑family dwellings; limited boarding; daycare/nursery schools (as regulated). (§ 2-25-020 .)
  • Key dimensional/site standards: Minimum area per dwelling unit, lot/lot development regulations, site coverage limits and required open space for multifamily (see LPZC 2‑25 and related multi‑family standards in Part 3). (§ 2-25-030 and related sections) .
  • Where it applies: Suburban multifamily neighborhoods; consult zoning map for RG‑10/12/14/16 subcategories.

R‑R — Rural Residential (e.g., R‑R‑1, R‑R‑3, R‑R‑5)

  • Purpose: Very low density, rural residential uses and hobby‑farm type parcels. (§ 2-13-010/020 excerpts) .
  • Typical permitted uses: Single‑family dwellings, keeping of large animals per district rules; accessory uses; home occupations; limited public uses by CUP. (§ 2-13-040 .)
  • Key dimensional/site standards: Minimum lot areas vary by subdistrict (R‑R‑1: 40,000 sf, R‑R‑3: 125,000 sf, R‑R‑5: 210,000 sf), front yard 30 ft, rear yard 50 ft, side yard one side 20 ft with totals noted. Site coverage maximum 25%; height limit 35 ft. (§ 2-13-050 – § 2-13-090 .)
  • Where it applies: Rural fringe parcels and large residential lots; often outside urban services.

PD‑AG — Planned Development / Agriculture

  • Purpose: Preserve/promote agricultural and viticultural uses where urban conversion is not intended. (§ 2-79-010 .)
  • Typical permitted uses: One single‑family dwelling per lot, agricultural structures, grazing and crop production; accessory uses; some commercial agricultural processing by CUP. (§ 2-79-020 .)
  • Key dimensional/site standards: See LPZC Chapter 2‑79 for minimum lot specs and yard requirements; conditional uses required within 500 feet of residential/ commercial/education districts for some activities. (§ 2-79-020 – § 2-79-050 .)
  • Where it applies: Parcels zoned PD for agricultural preservation; density bonus and minimum lot rules apply if density bonus is used. (See the transferable development credits and density bonus provisions in LPZC where applicable.)

SLV‑AG — South Livermore Valley — Agricultural (SLV‑AG)

  • Purpose: Preserve viticulture and agricultural character in the South Livermore Valley. (§ 2-85-010 .)
  • Typical permitted uses: Agricultural production, boutique wineries/olive mills (limited sizes), one single‑family dwelling per lot and farm‑related buildings. (§ 2-85-020 .)
  • Conditional/ancillary uses: Larger wineries/olive mills, restaurants tied to agricultural products (indoor seating limits), bed & breakfasts, farm product retail (with size caps), caretaker residences and other agriculture‑support uses often allowed by conditional use permit. (§ 2-85-030 and § 2-85-020 .)
  • Key dimensional/site standards: Minimum lot 100 acres (existing lots of record treated specially), front yard 30 ft, side yard 20 ft, rear yard 50 ft, maximum site coverage 20%, principal building height 40 ft with CUP increases possible. (§ 2-85-040 – § 2-85-050 .)
  • Where it applies: Properties inside the South Livermore Valley Specific Plan area without an approved PUD; properties inside the PDSLVSP are governed by PD‑SLVSP rules. See the PD‑SLVSP chapter. (§ 2-82-020(C) .)

PD‑SLVSP — Planned Development — South Livermore Valley Specific Plan

  • Purpose & uses: Implements the South Livermore Valley Specific Plan; allows the PD ordinance to list permitted/conditional uses or to defer to PD‑AG rules for parcels without a PUD. (§ 2-82-010 – § 2-82-020 .)
  • Key rules: A PUD permit creates the specific zoning regulations for that property — permitted uses, setbacks, coverage, signage, buffers, etc. Site plans, design guidelines and PUD findings are required. (§ 2-82-040 – § 2-82-070 .)

I‑1 — Research & Development

  • Purpose: Campus‑like, non‑nuisance research, administrative, R&D facilities. (§ 2-58-010 .)
  • Typical permitted uses: Research & development, professional/administrative offices, experimental labs, light manufacturing from prepared materials. (§ 2-58-020 .)
  • Key dimensional/site standards: Area, width, yard and coverage provisions apply per chapter; site plan and parking rules per Part 3. (§ 2-58-050 – § 2-58-070 excerpts) .
  • Where it applies: Business/research parks and similar employment areas.

I‑3 — Heavy Industrial / Industrial Uses

  • Purpose & permitted uses: Includes all I‑2 uses plus contractor storage yards, recycle processors (with screening), and other heavier industrial activities; some uses (e.g., scrap yards, vehicle dismantling) are conditional and require special screening/controls. (§ 2-64-020 – § 2-64-040 .)
  • Key dimensional/site standards: Minimum lot 20,000 sf, front/street side yards vary (15–35 ft depending on street), height limit 45 ft with CUP up to 100 ft. (§ 2-64-050 – § 2-64-060 .)
  • Where it applies: Industrial parks and heavy industrial zones.

CO / CP / CN (Professional / Office / Neighborhood Commercial)

  • Purpose & uses: Professional offices, consumer services, limited retail oriented to neighborhood needs; some uses permitted only with CUP (e.g., restaurants in some commercial districts). (See CO/CP/CO chapters; § 2-70-020 series and CO site rules.)
  • Key dimensional/site standards: Minimum parcel/district sizes, front yard 5–15 ft in some CO districts, max building height 35 ft typical; parking per Chapter 3‑20. (§ 2-52-060, § 2-70-040 .)

Quick decision‑relevant table (selected districts)

District Most decision‑relevant permitted uses Key numeric standards (examples) Code Reference
RL Single‑family dwellings, home occupations, day care (limited), ADUs per local/state rules Design review where required; consult RL subdistricts for lot sizes § 2-16-020
R‑R‑1 / R‑R‑3 / R‑R‑5 Rural single‑family, animal keeping, stables (conditional) Lot area 40,000 / 125,000 / 210,000 sf; front 30 ft, rear 50 ft, max coverage 25%, max height 35 ft § 2-13-050 – § 2-13-090
SLV‑AG Agriculture, boutique wineries/olive mills (size limits), one dwelling per lot Minimum lot 100 acres (existing lots exception); front 30 ft, side 20 ft, rear 50 ft, coverage 20%, height 40 ft § 2-85-040 – § 2-85-050
PD‑AG Agricultural uses, grazing, accessory structures; CUPs for ag processing Special lot/yard rules; CUP required within 500 ft of R/E/C or designated residential/commercial areas § 2-79-020
I‑3 Heavy industrial: contractor yards, recycle processor, etc. Lot area 20,000 sf; front yards 15–35 ft; height 45 ft normal / up to 100 ft by CUP § 2-64-020 – § 2-64-050

How use permissions are implemented (process links)

  • Most new uses require either a zoning use permit or a conditional use permit; zoning use permits are governed by § 4-05-020 (no use may commence until a zoning use permit issues, except specified agricultural exemptions) and the zoning administrator’s findings in § 4-05-050. § 4-05-020 and § 4-05-050 .
  • Site plan approval, off‑street parking (see parking), and design review (design review) are frequently required for permitted and conditional uses; specific district chapters reference when design review is required. (Examples: RL design review references in § 2-16-020; SLV‑AG site plan & design review § 2-85-060.)
  • Planned Unit Development (PUD) / PD permits create site‑specific use lists and standards; see PD/PD‑SLVSP chapters (§ 2-76-040, § 2-82-020). § 2-76-040 § 2-82-020

Where the code points to other local rules (signage, landscaping, parking, hazardous materials), follow the corresponding chapters: signage rules in Chapter 3‑45, parking in Chapter 3‑20, landscaping in the landscaping and screening resources; hazardous materials are regulated in Chapter 3‑30. (Examples in the district text: § 2-64-030 and § 2-64-040)

Checklist — What an applicant must satisfy (zoning/use stage)

  • Confirm the parcel’s zoning district(es) and any combining districts/overlays (e.g., DR, H) and check the PD or PUD status. (Verify with the zoning map; PD rules: § 2-76-040 .)
  • Confirm the proposed use is listed as a permitted use or a conditional use in the district chapter (e.g., § 2-16-020, § 2-85-020, § 2-64-020).
  • Prepare a plot/site plan showing lot lines, setbacks, floor area, parking layout (parking per Chapter 3‑20) and any proposed grading; applications must include required data per § 4-05-030. § 4-05-030
  • Determine if design review is required and submit materials to satisfy the design review standards and landscape/screening rules. (§ 2-16-020 and district cross‑references)
  • If the use is not listed as permitted, prepare to apply for a conditional use permit (CUP) and address the CUP findings (zoning administrator or planning commission findings in § 4-05-050). § 4-05-050
  • Check for special overlay requirements (for example the H historic or DR design review combining districts) via the overlay districts page and LPZC Chapter 2‑73. § 2-73-010
  • Verify whether off‑site impacts (traffic, noise, hazardous materials) trigger additional Chapter 3 reviews (e.g., hazardous materials Chapter 3‑30) as many industrial/processing uses require additional findings. (Example language in § 2-64-040.)

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Overlapping/planned PD or PUD regulations A PUD/PD ordinance may replace district defaults; uses allowed under the base district may be superseded. Verify whether the parcel has a PUD or PD permit; if so, inspect the PUD permit conditions. § 2-82-020(C)
Agricultural district exceptions (SLV‑AG, PD‑AG) SLV‑AG and PD‑AG have special size and use caps (e.g., winery retail % limits, minimum lot size). Misreading these leads to noncompliance. Confirm winery/olive mill size limits, retail floor area caps, and minimum lot size. § 2-85-020, § 2-85-040
Combining districts / overlays (DR, H, H‑P) Combining districts can add or remove permitted uses or impose stricter development rules. Check Chapter 2-73 for combining district rules and the parcel’s map designation. § 2-73-010
Parcel‑specific dimensional rules Numeric standards (lot area, setbacks, coverage) vary by subdistrict and may control feasibility. Inspect the exact zoning chapter/subdistrict for the parcel (e.g., RL subcategory or R‑R level). See § 2-13-050 and § 2-16-020.
State law vs. local code (ADUs, housing mandates) ADU and some housing approvals are heavily influenced by state laws that preempt or constrain local rules. Follow local ADU rules and check state law consistency: see LPZC ADU provision and the state ADU guidance; consult California ADU law and the local ADU page. (If not explicit in the LPZC, verify with Planning.) Not found in retrieved materials for specific crosswalk text.

Plain‑English summary

Livermore’s zoning code lists permitted and conditional uses by district: small lots and standard residential districts allow single‑family or duplex housing and small accessory uses; agricultural and PD districts protect farm/viticultural uses and set large minimum lot sizes and special winery/retail caps; industrial districts allow heavier uses but require screening and sometimes CUPs. Always check the exact district chapter for the parcel because PUDs, combining districts, and CUP requirements change what you can do (§ references above) .

Source References

If you need a parcel‑specific read of allowed uses, or copies of the full district chapters, ask me the parcel APN or upload the LPZC excerpt you want cross‑checked — I will point to the exact subsections and the triggers for a CUP or site plan approval. Verify final interpretations and any map designations with the Livermore Planning Division.

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Livermore Zoning Code (section and) High relevance
  • Livermore Zoning Code (Chapter 2-79) High relevance
  • Livermore Zoning Code (Article IV) High relevance
  • Livermore Zoning Code (Chapter 3-45) High relevance
  • Livermore Zoning Code (§ 7A.80) High relevance
  • Livermore Zoning Code (§ 4) High relevance
  • Livermore Zoning Code (Chapter 3-20) High relevance
  • Livermore Zoning Code (§ 20) High relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

What can I build on an R‑1 (or RL) lot in Livermore?

On an RL lot you may place one single‑family dwelling per lot, accessory structures, home occupations and limited boarding, plus secondary dwelling units where the ADU rules apply; the specific RL subdistrict (e.g., RL‑5‑0, RL‑6) controls lot size and setback dimensions. See § 2-16-020 for permitted uses and design review triggers.

What are Livermore setback requirements for rural parcels (R‑R)?

Rural subdistrict setbacks are explicit: front yard 30 ft, side yard one side 20 ft / total both sides 45 ft, rear yard 50 ft; lot areas depend on subdistrict (R‑R‑1 40,000 sf, R‑R‑3 125,000 sf, R‑R‑5 210,000 sf). See § 2-13-050 – § 2-13-060.

Do I need design review for a new housing project in Livermore?

Design review is required where specified by the district chapter or a combining district; for example RL lists design review as required where applicable and many conditional uses require site plan and design review. Check the district chapter for a design review note and the design review page for process details. See § 2-16-020 and district cross‑references.

What uses are allowed in the South Livermore Valley Agricultural (SLV‑AG) district?

The SLV‑AG district permits agricultural production, boutique wineries/olive mills within specified production ranges, one single‑family dwelling per lot, accessory agricultural buildings; larger wineries, restaurants tied to local agricultural products, B&Bs and other ag‑supporting uses may be allowed by conditional use permit subject to the caps and site rules. See § 2-85-020 and § 2-85-030 for permitted and CUP uses.

If a use isn’t listed, can I still get it approved?

Possibly — uses not explicitly permitted typically require a conditional use permit (CUP) and the applicable findings must be met; the zoning administrator or planning commission evaluates consistency with the general plan and neighborhood impacts. See § 4-05-050 for the zoning administrator findings for a zoning use permit and CUP requirements described in district chapters.

Where are the industrial district limits and special conditions for recycling or contractor yards?

The I‑3 district allows contractor storage yards, recycle processors, and heavier industrial uses but requires screening, yard setbacks and may treat some uses as conditional (e.g., scrap yards). Minimum lot area and yard depths are specified (lot 20,000 sf, front yards 15–35 ft depending on street). See § 2-64-020 – § 2-64-060.

Are wineries and their on‑site retail regulated in Livermore’s code?

Yes. The SLV‑AG and PD‑AG chapters limit winery/olive mill sizes and limit on‑site retail to defined percentages of building area for certain winery classes; larger tasting rooms/food service often require CUPs and seat/area caps. See § 2-85-020 and § 2-85-030 for the SLV‑AG specifics.

What does a PUD/PUD permit change about allowed land uses?

A PUD permit establishes site‑specific zoning regulations (permitted uses, setbacks, coverage, signage, etc.) for the property and can supersede base district defaults where adopted; parcels with an approved PUD must follow their PUD permit regulations. See § 2-82-060 and § 2-82-090.

How do I know what parking standard applies to my proposed use?

Parking requirements are in Chapter 3‑20 LPZC; each district requires off‑street parking per that chapter and some districts specify additional parking ratios for particular uses (e.g., professional buildings). See the parking page and district cross‑references (e.g., § 2-70-040 for CO district parking notes).

Where can I confirm whether my parcel is in an overlay (historic or design review) that will change allowed uses?

Check Chapter 2-73 (Combining districts) and the city’s overlay map. Combining districts like DR (design review) or H (historic) modify the base zoning rules and may add required approvals. See § 2-73-010.

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