Local zoning · Martinez
Martinez — Land Use
Land Use under the Martinez local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.
Last reviewed: July 2, 2026
Overview
This page summarizes what Martinez's local zoning ordinance (commonly organized as Title 22) actually says about permitted and conditional land uses, the land‑use tables, and district‑specific development limits. It is a synthesis of the ordinance language (key § citations given) and practical guidance for applicants; always verify parcel‑specific questions with the City. For related technical requirements consult the city pages on parking, design review, overlay districts, ADUs, Martinez Development Standards, and the California Building Standards Code for building-safety rules.
Note: all requirements below are grounded in Martinez's zoning code text; each stated rule shows the controlling code citation (§ number) and the file reference from the retrieved ordinance material.
District-by-district summary (purpose, permitted/conditional uses, key dimensional rules, where it applies)
The Martinez ordinance organizes allowed activity primarily by named zoning districts. Below are the most decision‑relevant districts found in the retrieved ordinance text.
Agricultural — A-1, A-2, A-5
Purpose: Preserve agricultural uses and support limited rural residential uses. See § 22.10.020 purpose language for the district framework.
Permitted uses (examples): agriculture (small & large scale), accessory agricultural structures, single‑family dwellings, accessory dwelling units, home occupations, farm worker housing, stables, tasting rooms and conservation areas. See § 22.10.030.
Conditional uses (examples): agricultural product processing/retail, campgrounds, outdoor recreation, animal boarding, bed & breakfast inns, and other compatible uses approved via a use permit. See § 22.10.040.
Key dimensional standards (examples):
- Minimum site area: A‑1 = 1/2 acre; A‑2 = 5 acres; A‑5 = 5 acres (see Table 22.10.060(A)). § 22.10.060.
- Minimum front yard: 20 ft; residential side yard 10 ft; rear yard 20 ft; structure height 30 ft (with special rules for accessory agricultural structures). § 22.10.060.
- Maximum gross site coverage and FAR: A‑1 coverage 15%, A‑2/A‑5 coverage 5%; FAR 0.2. § 22.10.060.
Where it applies: the three A districts are mapped around Alhambra/valley and other agricultural parcels; see the zoning map and Chapter 22.10. § 22.10.020–060.
Residential — R series (notably R‑1.5, R‑2.5, R‑3.5) and RR (Rural Residential)
Purpose: Provide for single‑family and, in specified R districts, multifamily housing and related residential uses. See § 22.12.010–080.
Permitted uses (examples): single‑family dwellings (all R districts); multifamily dwellings in R‑1.5, R‑2.5, R‑3.5 with unit limits per building (e.g., R‑1.5 up to 24 units per building; R‑2.5 up to 8; R‑3.5 up to 2) and Accessory Dwelling Units per Chapter 22.43. See § 22.12.080.
Conditional uses (examples): institutions (churches, schools), colleges, pumping stations, mobile home parks (R‑1.5), larger group homes — permitted by use permit per § 22.12.090.
Key dimensional standards (examples):
- Multifamily building size limits described in Table 22.12.080B (see § 22.12.080 for numbers above).
- Setbacks, spacing and other dimensional rules are governed by the R‑district rules in Chapter 22.12 (distance between structures, minimum site area, frontage, etc.). See § 22.12.040–110 and § 22.12.080.
Where it applies: city residential neighborhoods mapped as R‑series and RR; RR has additional rural‑street-exemption rules (e.g., relaxed subdivision street standards). § 22.12.070.
Downtown Shoreline District
Purpose: Transition area between downtown industrial land and Martinez Regional Shoreline; encourage a mix of residential types while protecting sensitive shoreline areas. § 22.23.010.
Permitted uses: single‑family (including duplex/townhouse), ADUs, multifamily residential, home occupations, parks/open space and accessory uses. § 22.23.020.
Conditional uses: childcare, live/work, lodging, parking structures, small service commercial, theaters, community centers, etc., allowed via a use permit. § 22.23.030.
Key standards: new multiple residential developments are processed concurrently with a subdivision map and must meet condominium requirements where applicable. § 22.23.050.
Alhambra Valley Districts — AV/R‑20, AV/R‑40, AV/A‑5, AV/PD
Purpose: Preserve agricultural and rural residential character of the Alhambra Valley with specific allowed uses and stricter lot size controls. § 22.29.030–040.
Uses & Table: The Alhambra Valley districts use a tabular "Table 1: Permitted and Conditional Uses" where each specific use is marked P (permitted), UP (use permit required) or blank (prohibited). See § 22.29.040 and the Table reproduced as Table 1 in the code. § 22.29.040.
Examples:
- Accessory dwelling units: P in all AV residential districts (see § 22.29.040 and § 22.43.020).
- Agricultural uses: small‑scale P; large‑scale P only in AV/A‑5 (Table 1). § 22.29.040.
Standards:
- Minimum lot area and specific additional rules (e.g., AV/R‑20 = 20,000 sq ft per dwelling unit for additional dwellings when processed as a use permit) are in § 22.29.050–060 and accompanying tables. § 22.29.050–060.
Design review: certain uses in AV districts may require design review as stated in § 22.29.040. See the city's design review rules via the design review page.
Research & Development — RD
Purpose: A campus style district for technology, life sciences, light advanced manufacturing, professional offices, research labs and related uses. § 22.15.010.
Permitted uses (examples): advanced manufacturing, life sciences/biotech, research laboratories, professional/administrative offices, accessory facilities, and where applicable housing that complies with Chapter 22.75. § 22.15.020.
Conditional/ancillary: limited commercial services (cafes, copy, business supplies) may be allowed with a use permit if found compatible. § 22.15.030.
Mixed‑Use/Housing Overlay (MUO)
Purpose: To encourage multifamily residential development on targeted sites by allowing increased residential density and by‑right processing when affordable housing commitments are made. § 22.11.010–020.
How it works: The MUO does not replace the base zone's permitted uses unless the MUO provisions for affordable housing are met; in that case density and processing differ from the underlying district. § 22.11.020.
Environmental Conservation Districts (ECD)
Purpose: Protect open‑space and environmentally sensitive areas; ECD is used as a companion district layered over residential/industrial/other zones. § 22.24.020–030.
Uses: parks, trails, agricultural uses, one single‑family dwelling on existing parcels (site size limits vary) are permitted; many conditional uses require an Environmental Impact Report before a CUP is considered. § 22.24.030–040.
Controls: Where applied, ECD supplements and in many cases restricts the underlying district's rules; see § 22.24.060.
Planned Unit / Planned Development / P‑1 / AV/PD
Purpose & effect: PUD/P‑1 and AV/PD districts allow development according to an approved plan; the approved plan can set allowable uses and development standards that may differ from the base Title 22 rules, but where the plan is silent the underlying Title 22 standards apply. See § 22.21.010–020 and § 22.42.060.
Implication: If your parcel is in a PUD/PD, you must consult the PUD Plan to learn allowable uses and standards. § 22.42.060.
Mobile Home (MH) Overlay
Purpose: Companion overlay to allow manufactured housing in specified residential districts; see § 22.25.010–020.
Quick decision table — representative permitted uses & standards
| District | Typical permitted uses (high‑value to know) | Key numeric limits (min lot / setbacks / height) | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| A‑1 / A‑2 / A‑5 (Agricultural) | Agriculture (small/large), SF dwelling, ADU, stables, tasting rooms | Min site area A‑1: 0.5 ac; A‑2/A‑5: 5 ac; front 20 ft, side 10 ft (res), height 30 ft, FAR 0.2 | § 22.10.030, § 22.10.060 |
| R‑1.5 / R‑2.5 / R‑3.5 (Residential) | Single‑family; multifamily permitted in R‑1.5/R‑2.5/R‑3.5 per unit limits; ADUs | Multifamily unit limits: R‑1.5 = 24; R‑2.5 = 8; R‑3.5 = 2 (per building). Other dimensional rules in Chapter 22.12 | § 22.12.080–090 |
| Downtown Shoreline | SF, townhouse, multifamily, ADUs, parks | New multiunit development processed with subdivision map; conditional uses listed in table | § 22.23.020–050 |
| AV/R‑20, AV/R‑40, AV/A‑5 | Uses set in a tabular format — Accessory dwelling: P; many ag uses; Table 1 marks P/UP | Additional dwelling density rules (e.g., AV/R‑20 = 20,000 sq ft per additional dwelling via CUP) | § 22.29.040–050 |
| RD (Research & Development) | Tech/lab/manufacturing, offices, accessory services | Campus design standards; height/coverage per district standards and design review | § 22.15.020–030 |
| ECD (Environmental Conservation) | Parks, limited housing, agriculture, trails | Many CUPs require an EIR; other development standards default to companion zone | § 22.24.030–060 |
(See the ordinance tables in Chapters 22.10, 22.12, 22.23, 22.29, 22.15, and 22.24 for the full lists and the City's zoning map for exact district boundaries.)
Checklist — what an applicant must confirm before filing
- Identify the parcel’s exact zoning (e.g., A‑1, R‑1.5, AV/R‑20, etc.) and any overlays or PUD plan that apply; verify via the zoning map and § citations above. § 22.29.040, § 22.42.060.
- Confirm whether the proposed activity is a permitted use (P) or requires a use permit (UP) in the district’s use table (many districts explicitly state "uses not listed are prohibited"). § 22.29.040, § 22.23.040.
- If a CUP/use permit is required, prepare the materials needed by Chapter 22.40 and expect discretionary findings; review § 22.40 (Conditional Uses—Use Permits). Not all supporting materials are listed in the snippets; verify application requirements with Planning. Not found in retrieved materials for full CUP checklist.
- Check dimensional standards (min lot area, setbacks, height, FAR, and lot coverage) in the district chapter (e.g., § 22.10.060 for A districts; § 22.12.080 for R districts).
- Confirm required off‑street parking and loading per Chapter 22.36 and the city's parking rules. § 22.20.080 and Chapter 22.36.
- Determine whether design review is required (e.g., AV districts, PUDs, certain commercial/residential projects) and start that process early; see § 22.29.040 and the design review page.
- For ADUs, comply with Chapter 22.43 (see § 22.12.080, § 22.29.040 references) and the ADUs guidance; state ADU law may override some local controls — check California ADU law.
Risks & Ambiguities
| Issue | Why it matters | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Use not listed in a district table | Martinez code often states that any use not specifically authorized is prohibited; assuming similarity with other cities risks denial. § 22.23.040 | Verify the district’s use table (e.g., Table 1 in § 22.29.040) and ask Planning if a use‑equivalency interpretation is available. § 22.29.040 |
| Overlay / PUD plan superseding base rules | PUDs and overlays can alter allowable uses or standards; relying on base zone only can be wrong. § 22.42.060 | Confirm whether a PUD plan, MUO, MH, or ECD overlay applies and read the overlay/PUD text. § 22.11.010, § 22.25.010, § 22.24.060. |
| Environmental review requirement in ECD | In ECD areas CUPs may need an EIR before approval; preparing designs before confirming CEQA implications is wasteful. § 22.24.040 | Early CEQA check: ask Planning whether an EIR or negative declaration will be required for the proposed CUP/project. § 22.24.040 |
| Conflicting numeric standards across chapters | Different chapters reference companion district standards or "most restrictive abutting district" rules; this can change required yards or height. § 22.20.060 and § 22.24.060. | Confirm which chapter or companion district controls for your parcel; ask Planning for written confirmation. Verify with the jurisdiction. |
| Design review triggers ambiguous | Some district chapters say design review "may" be required without enumerating clear thresholds. § 22.29.040 | Confirm design review triggers early (type of change, number of units, façade changes) with the Design Review officer. See the design review page. |
Plain‑English summary
Martinez’s Title 22 tells you what you can and cannot put on a parcel by zoning district: each district lists permitted uses (P) and conditional uses (UP), numeric rules (lot size, setbacks, height, FAR) and overlay or PUD plans can change those rules; if a use is not listed, it’s typically prohibited. Check the district chapter for your parcel, confirm any overlay/PUD and determine early whether a use permit, CEQA review, parking compliance, or design review will be required. Key code places to look: § 22.10.030–060 (Ag), § 22.12.080–090 (Residential), § 22.29.040–050 (Alhambra Valley), and § 22.24.030–040 (ECD).
Information Gaps
- A consolidated, city‑maintained "Land Use Table" for all non‑AV districts in single view is not present in the retrieved materials (many chapters use their own tables). Not found in retrieved materials.
- The full checklist and submittal requirements for a conditional use permit (documents, fees, fees schedule, timing) are not present in the snippets — confirm with the Planning Division. Not found in retrieved materials.
- Precise R‑district setback numbers (beyond the ECD/Ag examples) are scattered; verify the parcel’s exact numeric standards from the zoning map and the applicable R‑district chapter. Verify with the jurisdiction.
Source References
- Martinez Zoning — Agricultural Districts: § 22.10.030, § 22.10.040, § 22.10.060. Source capture: eCode360 Martinez Zoning. (https://ecode360.com/MA6944)
- Martinez Zoning — Residential districts: § 22.12.080, § 22.12.090. (https://ecode360.com/MA6944)
- Downtown Shoreline District: § 22.23.020–050. (https://ecode360.com/MA6944)
- Alhambra Valley Districts (Table 1 use table, standards): § 22.29.040–050. (https://ecode360.com/MA6944)
- Research & Development District: § 22.15.010–030. (https://ecode360.com/MA6944)
- Environmental Conservation Districts: § 22.24.020–060 (including EIR requirement for CUPs). (https://ecode360.com/MA6944)
- Planned Unit / Planned Development: § 22.21.010–020, § 22.42.060 (effect of approved PUD plan). (https://ecode360.com/MA6944)
- Off‑street parking / reference to Chapter 22.36: § 22.20.080 (and Chapter 22.36 for details). (https://ecode360.com/MA6944)
- ADUs referenced in multiple districts (Chapter 22.43): § 22.12.080, § 22.29.040. (https://ecode360.com/MA6944)
Sources
Retrieved passages
- Martinez Zoning Code (§ 22.10.030.) High relevance
- Martinez Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
- Martinez Zoning Code (§ 22.28.010.) High relevance
- Martinez Zoning Code (§ 22.24.020.) High relevance
- Martinez Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
- Martinez Zoning Code (Chapter 22.40) High relevance
- Martinez Zoning Code (§ 14) High relevance
- Martinez Zoning Code (Chapter 22.81) High relevance
Cited sections
Frequently asked questions
What can I build on an A‑1 lot in Martinez?
You can generally do agricultural uses (small & large scale), accessory agricultural structures, one single‑family dwelling, accessory dwelling units, stables, tasting rooms, home occupations and conservation uses as permitted uses. Conditional uses such as agricultural product processing, campgrounds or bed & breakfasts require a use permit. See § 22.10.030 and § 22.10.040.
What are Martinez setback requirements for agricultural districts?
For the Agricultural districts the code lists a 20 ft minimum front yard, 10 ft side yard for residential structures (larger side yards for accessory agricultural structures as noted), and 20 ft rear yard; height for primary structures is generally 30 ft. See § 22.10.060.
Do uses not listed in a district get approved?
No — several district chapters state that any use not specifically authorized is prohibited (for example the Downtown Shoreline District). If you propose a use not listed, you must seek a zoning amendment or a land use interpretation; do not assume unlisted uses are allowed. See § 22.23.040 and the AV district note on Table 1.
When is a conditional use permit (CUP) required in Martinez?
A CUP is required where the district marks a use as subject to a use permit or lists the use under conditional uses. The process and findings are handled under Chapter 22.40 (Conditional Uses—Use Permits). Examples include many institutional uses in residential zones and listed conditional commercial/industrial uses in other districts. See § 22.12.090 and § 22.10.040.
How does the Mixed‑Use/Housing Overlay (MUO) change uses and density?
The MUO allows increased residential density and streamlined processing for multifamily projects that meet the overlay’s affordable housing requirements; otherwise permitted and conditional uses are the same as the underlying zone. See § 22.11.010–020.
Are ADUs allowed in Martinez residential and AV districts?
Yes: Accessory Dwelling Units are explicitly allowed in several residential and Alhambra Valley districts and must comply with Chapter 22.43 (see the ADU chapter and local ADU guidance). See § 22.12.080 and § 22.29.040. Also check California ADU law for state limitations.
When will environmental review (CEQA) be required for a land‑use application?
In Environmental Conservation Districts (ECD) many conditional uses require preparation of an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) before a CUP can be approved; other projects may also trigger CEQA. See § 22.24.040.
If my parcel is in a PUD, which rules apply?
The approved PUD Plan governs allowable land uses and development standards to the extent it differs from Title 22; where the PUD Plan is silent, the underlying Title 22 standards apply. See § 22.42.060.
Where do I find the parking requirements for a proposed use?
Off‑street parking and loading are required per Chapter 22.36; framing references appear in district chapters (e.g., § 22.20.080 references Chapter 22.36). Check the district chapter and the parking page for details.
Can the Planning Commission change setbacks or density via a CUP?
Certain sections allow the Planning Commission to grant exceptions (e.g., reduced front yard in the D overlay or increases in density under specific findings), but those actions require specific findings and a use permit. See § 22.13.030 for D overlay examples. Verify with Planning.
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