Loma Linda — Land Use

Overview

Loma Linda regulates land use through Title 17 (Zoning) and growth-management provisions in Title 19. What you can build is controlled by your parcel’s mapped zoning district, plus any hillside or specific plan rules, and whether a use is permitted outright, allowed with a conditional use permit, or prohibited. Dimensional limits (setbacks, lot size, coverage, FAR, and height) and special hillside protections are strictly enforced.

Core rule: If a use is not specifically listed as permitted or conditionally permitted, it is prohibited (§ 17.04.110; § 17.40.020).

How land use is decided in Loma Linda

• Uses are authorized by district-specific tables; anything not listed is not allowed (§ 17.04.110; § 17.40.020).
• The planning director may issue written clarifications on how a listed use applies to a site (appealable to the Planning Commission) (§ 17.16.020).
• Many proposals also trigger design review (precise plan of design) for new or modified construction (§ 17.40.020.E).
• Commercial/manufacturing activities must keep operations indoors or screened and screen any outside storage (§ 17.16.010).
• Residential and hillside development must meet density, lot size, height, and open-space limits from the city’s voter-approved growth management policies (§ 19.16.020).

District-by-District Standards and Typical Uses

R-1 Single-Family Residential

• Purpose and pattern: Detached homes at very low density consistent with the General Plan’s “0–4 du/ac” range (§ 17.32.030, Table 2-2).
• Density and lotting:
  • Density: 0–4 du/ac (§ 17.32.030, Table 2-2).
  • Minimum lot: 7,200 sq ft; parcel width 65 ft standard, 70 ft corner; depth 100 ft (§ 17.32.030, Table 2-2).
• Key dimensional standards:
  • Front setback 25 ft; side: 15 ft one side and 5 ft the other (add +5 ft per additional story above the first); rear 15 ft (§ 17.32.030, Table 2-2).
  • Coverage: up to 40% (standard parcel) (§ 17.32.030, Table 2-2).
  • Height: 35 ft (§ 17.32.030, Table 2-2).
• Special notes:
  • Subdivision fronts must still average 25 ft front setbacks (§ 17.32.030, Table 2-2 n.2).
  • Density suffixes (e.g., “R-2-3600”) may appear on the zoning map to allocate minimum parcel area per unit and cannot exceed the General Plan density (§ 17.32.030, Table 2-2 n.6).

R-2 Medium Density Residential

• Pattern: Small-lot and attached housing consistent with “0–9 du/ac” (§ 17.32.030, Table 2-2).
• Density and lotting:
  • Density: 0–9 du/ac; minimum parcel area per dwelling: 3,600 sq ft (§ 17.32.030, Table 2-2).
  • Parcel width: 65 ft minimum; minimum frontage 45 ft (§ 17.32.030, Table 2-2).
• Key dimensional standards:
  • Front setback 25 ft; coverage up to 50% (standard parcel) (§ 17.32.030, Table 2-2).
  • Height: 35 ft, with step-down when abutting R-1 (one story within 50 ft of boundary; two stories within 100 ft) (§ 17.32.030, Table 2-2 n.7).
• Open space for multi-unit buildings:
  • Common open space minimum 1,200 sq ft; plus per-unit amounts (e.g., 600 sq ft per studio/1-bed; 700 sq ft per 2-bed; 800 sq ft per 3+ bed) (§ 17.32.030, Table 2-2).

R-3 High Density Residential

• Pattern: Apartments and higher-density attached housing within “0–13 du/ac” (§ 17.32.030, Table 2-2).
• Density and lotting:
  • Density: 0–13 du/ac; parcel area per dwelling 2,200 sq ft (§ 17.32.030, Table 2-2).
• Key dimensional standards:
  • Front setback 20 ft; coverage up to 60%; height 35 ft (§ 17.32.030, Table 2-2).
  • Rear setback adds +5 ft per story above first (R-3 row) (§ 17.32.030, Table 2-2).
• Minimum unit floor area:
  • 1-bed: 675 sq ft; 2-bed: 850 sq ft; 3-bed: 1,025 sq ft; +175 sq ft per additional bedroom (§ 17.32.030, Table 2-2).

R-4 Very High Density Residential

• Pattern: Highest-density residential consistent with “0–20 du/ac” (§ 17.32.030, Table 2-2).
• Density and lotting: 0–20 du/ac; parcel area per dwelling 2,200 sq ft (§ 17.32.030, Table 2-2).
• Key dimensional standards: Front setback 20 ft; coverage up to 70%; height 35 ft (§ 17.32.030, Table 2-2).
• Objective design and site standards for multifamily also apply (§ 17.115.020; § 17.115.060).

ADUs and JADUs (all residential zones)

• Approval: Ministerial if standards are met (§ 17.110.030).
• Baseline entitlement that cannot be precluded: ADU up to 800 sq ft, 16 ft height, and 4 ft side/rear setbacks (§ 17.110.030).
• Development specifics (setbacks, height exceptions up to 18–25 ft in limited cases; parking; design matching primary dwelling) are in § 17.110.060. See ADUs.

Hillside Residential: HR-C, HR-LD, HR-MD, HR-RE, HR-VL

• Purpose: Conserve hillsides; adapt building to topography; preserve vistas; and apply ridgeline setbacks (§ 17.36.030, Table 2-4 & notes 4–6; § 19.08.040).
• Density/lotting by district (§ 17.36.030, Table 2-4):
  • HR-C (Hillside—Conservation): up to 1 du/10 acres; min parcel 435,600 sq ft.
  • HR-LD (Hillside—Low Density): up to 1 du/10 acres; min parcel 435,600 sq ft.
  • HR-MD (Hillside—Medium Density): up to 1 du/5 acres; min parcel 217,800 sq ft.
  • HR-RE (Hillside—Rural Estate): up to 1 du/acre; min parcel 43,560 sq ft.
  • HR-VL (Hillside—Very Low Density): up to 2 du/acre; min parcel 21,780 sq ft.
• Setbacks and height:
  • Front 25 ft all HR districts; Rear 50 ft in HR-C/LD/MD; 15 ft in HR-RE/VL; Height 35 ft (§ 17.36.030, Table 2-4).
• Ridgeline protection: Set back development 100 ft horizontally and 100 ft vertically from primary ridgelines (§ 17.36.030 n.6).
• Additional hillside design controls: preserve scenic vistas; minimize visual intrusion; compatible architecture and massing (§ 17.36.030 n.5).

Commercial and Industrial: B-P, CO, C-1, C-2, CM

• General rule: Conduct uses indoors or in screened areas; screen outside storage (§ 17.16.010).
• Dimensional standards highlights (Table below; § 17.40.040, Table 2-6):
  • Minimum parcel sizes: B-P 10,000 sq ft, CO 10,000, C-1 7,200, C-2 10,000, CM 7,200.
  • Max coverage: B-P 60%, CO 70%, C-1 50%, C-2 60%, CM 80%.
  • Max FAR: 0.5 (B-P/CO/C-1/C-2); 0.6 (CM).
  • Setbacks: Front 25 ft (B-P/CO) and 20 ft (C-1/C-2/CM); special side/rear buffers next to residential (e.g., 20–25 ft) (§ 17.40.040).
  • Height: 35 ft, may increase with a CUP (§ 17.40.040, Table 2-6 n.3; § 17.30.070).
• Allowed uses: See selected, high-impact items in the table below; full list in § 17.40.020 (Table 2-5).

Special Purpose Zones: I-HC, OS, PF, PC

• I-HC Institutional–Health Care: Hospitals, medical/dental offices and clinics, labs, convalescent homes, pharmacies, universities/colleges, religious/assembly uses; most medical uses are permitted (P) and public assembly often P; theaters CUP (§ 17.44.010.A; § 17.44.020, Table 2-7).
• OS Open Space: Passive recreation, parks/playgrounds, trails, wildlife preserves; agriculture and apiaries allowed with standards; many activities are P or CUP depending on intensity (§ 17.44.010.B; § 17.44.020, Table 2-7).
• PF Public Facilities: Government offices/facilities (P), fire/police stations (P), parks (MUP), emergency shelters (P; see § 17.40.030) (§ 17.44.010.D; § 17.44.020, Table 2-7).
• PC Planned Community: Flexible, project-specific use and development standards adopted by ordinance; multiple residences allowed if they meet analogous residential standards; refer to the adopted specific plan (e.g., The Groves at Loma Linda) on file (§ 17.44.010.C, E; § 17.44.020, Table 2-7).

Commercial/Industrial — Selected Allowed Uses and Restrictions

P = permitted; CUP = conditional use permit; — = prohibited. Additional alcohol and office limitations apply per table notes (§ 17.40.020).

Commercial/Industrial — Core Dimensional Standards

Also provide required screening at residential interfaces (e.g., 6 ft decorative walls) and solid waste areas per table notes (§ 17.40.040, notes).

Citywide Growth-Management Constraints (affecting residential land use)

• Maximum allowable densities by land-use designation (examples): Low Density 0–4 du/ac; Medium 0–9; High 0–13; Very High 0–20; Senior Housing up to 25 du/ac; hillside categories as low as 1 du/10 acres (§ 19.16.020).
• Minimum single-family lot size: 7,200 sq ft citywide, regardless of density bonus (§ 19.16.020).
• Maximum residential building height: 35 ft (§ 19.16.020).
• San Timoteo Creek Area: limited to single-family use; re-designation requires a 4/5 Council vote and cannot exceed 2 du/ac (§ 19.16.020).
• Planned Residential Developments/Planned Communities: must dedicate common open space—20% of gross land (avg slope <15%) or 25% (avg slope ≥15%); citrus grove preservation may count if protected in perpetuity (§ 19.16.020).

Other decision rules you’ll touch

• Conditional Use Permits (CUPs): Required where tables list “CUP”; approval hinges on consistency, site suitability, compatibility, and no detriment (§ 17.30.070.D). CUPs can add conditions and may allow increased heights in some districts (§ 17.40.040 n.3; § 17.30.070.E).
• Precise plan/design review: Required for new/modified construction; see design review (§ 17.40.020.E).
• Parking: Apply Chapter 17.24 plus multifamily site rules (e.g., surface lots behind buildings, pedestrian paths) (§ 17.115.060); see parking.
• Signs: Certain freeway-adjacent freestanding signs may be allowed via CUP under strict criteria (§ 17.30.070.B.2.v); see signage.
• Nonconforming situations: See nonconforming uses.
• Variations: Relief is through variances and exceptions, not to authorize prohibited uses (§ 17.04.110).

For broader overlays and specific plan areas, confirm whether an overlay district or adopted specific plan adds standards (§ 17.44.010–.020).

Checklist

• Confirm your parcel’s mapped zoning district in zoning and whether you are in a hillside district (HR-*) or a specific plan/overlay area (§ 17.36.030; § 17.44.010–.020).
• Identify whether your proposed use is P, CUP, or MUP in the applicable use table (§ 17.40.020; § 17.44.020). If not listed, it is prohibited (§ 17.04.110).
• Test density and lotting: unit-per-acre range, minimum lot size, parcel area per dwelling (if applicable) (§ 17.32.030; § 17.36.030; § 19.16.020).
• Check dimensional limits: setbacks, parcel coverage, FAR, and height for your zone; apply hillside ridgeline setbacks if applicable (§ 17.32.030; § 17.36.030; § 17.40.040).
• If near residential in a commercial/industrial zone, apply enhanced side/rear buffers and screening (§ 17.40.040; § 17.16.010); confirm landscaping and screening.
• Determine if a CUP is needed (e.g., alcohol sales, drive-through, late-night hours); prepare findings/conditions strategy (§ 17.30.070; § 17.40.020).
• Apply parking ratios and multifamily site-design rules where applicable (§ 17.115.060).
• If adding an ADU/JADU, apply ministerial standards and safe-harbor unit at 800 sq ft, 16 ft height, 4-ft side/rear setbacks (§ 17.110.030; § 17.110.060); link any historic resource to historic preservation (§ 17.110.060.F).
• If signage is part of the project, conform to signage and any CUP-specific freeway sign criteria (§ 17.30.070.B.2.v).
• Confirm if San Timoteo Creek Area limits apply (≤2 du/ac; SF only) (§ 19.16.020). Verify with the jurisdiction.

Risks & Ambiguities

Plain-English Summary

Loma Linda ties what you can build to your zoning map label. In neighborhoods, lot size, setbacks, coverage, and heights are fixed, with bigger buffers and strict ridgeline setbacks in hillside zones. In business/manufacturing areas, uses like retail, restaurants, hotels, and vehicle sales are allowed in the right zones, while drive‑throughs, bars, and alcohol often need a CUP. Anything not listed is out, and ADUs have a by‑right path if they meet the city’s size, setback, and height rules.

Source References

• § 17.04.110 (Uses not permitted prohibited) — City of Loma Linda Zoning Code (Title 17).
• § 17.16.010 (Commercial/industrial area standards) — outside storage and screening.
• § 17.16.020 (Land use clarification) — director interpretations/appeals.
• § 17.30.070 (Conditional use permit) — purpose, findings, conditions.
• § 17.32.030 (Residential development standards, Table 2-2) — R-1 to R-4 standards.
• § 17.36.030 (Hillside residential, Table 2-4 and notes) — HR-C/LD/MD/RE/VL and ridgeline setbacks.
• § 17.40.020 (Allowed uses for commercial/industrial, Table 2-5) — B-P/CO/C-1/C-2/CM.
• § 17.40.040 (Commercial/industrial development standards, Table 2-6) — coverage, FAR, setbacks, height.
• § 17.44.010–§ 17.44.020 (Special Purpose zones; Table 2-7) — I‑HC, OS, PF, PC; specific plans.
• § 17.54.040; § 17.54.060 (Development standards applicability; building height/setbacks adjustments).
• § 17.72.110 (Miscellaneous development standards for office/commercial/industrial condos).
• § 17.110.020; § 17.110.030; § 17.110.060 (ADU/JADU definitions; ministerial approval; development standards).
• § 17.115.020; § 17.115.060 (Objective design standards; multifamily site design).
• § 19.08.040 (Hillside definitions).
• § 19.16.020; § 19.16.030 (Growth Management Element; densities; min lot 7,200 sq ft; 35-ft height; San Timoteo limits; PRD open space).

Source passages

• Loma Linda Zoning Code (§ 19.16.020) Medium relevance show source text
• Loma Linda Zoning Code (§ 17.04.110) Medium relevance show source text
• Loma Linda Zoning Code (§ 17.16.020) Medium relevance show source text
• Loma Linda Zoning Code (§ 17.40.040) Medium relevance show source text
• Loma Linda Zoning Code (§ 17.32.030) Medium relevance show source text
• Loma Linda Zoning Code (§ 17.54.060) Medium relevance show source text
• Loma Linda Zoning Code (§ 17.16.010) Medium relevance show source text
• Loma Linda Zoning Code (§ 17.44.010) Medium relevance show source text
• Loma Linda Zoning Code (§ 17.110.030) Medium relevance show source text
• Loma Linda Zoning Code (§ 17.40.020) Medium relevance show source text
• Loma Linda Zoning Code (§ 19.16.020) Medium relevance show source text
• CFC § 17.115.020 (§ 17.115.020) Medium relevance show source text
• CBC § 19.08.040 (§ 19.08.040) Medium relevance show source text
• Loma Linda Zoning Code (§ 17.110.060) Medium relevance show source text
• Loma Linda Zoning Code (§ 17.44.020) Medium relevance show source text
• Loma Linda Zoning Code (§ 19.16.030) Medium relevance show source text

Cited sections

• § 17.04.110 (Uses not permitted prohibited) — City of Loma Linda Zoning Code (Title 17). (§ 17.04.110)
• § 17.16.010 (Commercial/industrial area standards) — outside storage and screening. (§ 17.16.010)
• § 17.16.020 (Land use clarification) — director interpretations/appeals. (§ 17.16.020)
• § 17.30.070 (Conditional use permit) — purpose, findings, conditions. (§ 17.30.070)
• § 17.32.030 (Residential development standards, Table 2-2) — R-1 to R-4 standards. (§ 17.32.030)
• § 17.36.030 (Hillside residential, Table 2-4 and notes) — HR-C/LD/MD/RE/VL and ridgeline setbacks. (§ 17.36.030)
• § 17.40.020 (Allowed uses for commercial/industrial, Table 2-5) — B-P/CO/C-1/C-2/CM. (§ 17.40.020)
• § 17.40.040 (Commercial/industrial development standards, Table 2-6) — coverage, FAR, setbacks, height. (§ 17.40.040)
• § 17.44.010–§ 17.44.020 (Special Purpose zones; Table 2-7) — I‑HC, OS, PF, PC; specific plans. (§ 17.44.010)
• § 17.54.040; § 17.54.060 (Development standards applicability; building height/setbacks adjustments). (§ 17.54.040)
• § 17.72.110 (Miscellaneous development standards for office/commercial/industrial condos). (§ 17.72.110)
• § 17.110.020; § 17.110.030; § 17.110.060 (ADU/JADU definitions; ministerial approval; development standards). (§ 17.110.020)
• § 17.115.020; § 17.115.060 (Objective design standards; multifamily site design). (§ 17.115.020)
• § 19.08.040 (Hillside definitions). (§ 19.08.040)
• § 19.16.020; § 19.16.030 (Growth Management Element; densities; min lot 7,200 sq ft; 35-ft height; San Timoteo limits; PRD open space). (§ 19.16.020)

• Official Loma Linda code library