Local zoning · Martinez

Martinez — Zoning

Q: Do overlays like the MUO change zoning entitlements?

Yes. The MUO (Mixed‑Use/Housing Overlay) allows increased residential densities and by‑right processing in exchange for affordable units; see § 22.11.010–020 . An overlay applies in addition to the underlying zone and its map location determines applicability.

Q: Do I need a PUD Plan to develop under a PUD overlay?

Yes. No entitlement for property within a PUD Overlay is effective until a PUD Plan is approved by City Council; plan requirements are in § 22.42.040–050 .

Q: How many parking spaces will I need for a multifamily project?

Off‑street parking requirements are established in Chapter 22.36 ; specific exceptions and reduced parking rules for qualifying housing projects are described in § 22.30.060 (including transit‑proximity exceptions). Consult Chapter 22.36 and the Planning Division for project calculations.

Q: What if the zoning map boundary is unclear for my parcel?

If the boundary is ambiguous, § 22.09.010 directs interpretation (follow right‑of‑way, lot lines, or map scale as applicable); if still ambiguous the Planning Commission may formally determine the boundary. Verify with the Planning Division.

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

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

Martinez’s zoning ordinance is codified as Title 22 (ZONING) of the Martinez Municipal Code and defines the city’s zoning districts, overlay districts, development standards, and procedures that govern what may be built where. The list of district designations is set out in § 22.08.010; boundaries and rules for interpreting the map appear in § 22.09.010. For dimensional rules and measurable standards, consult the city’s Martinez Development Standards which implement the district rules in Title 22.

How Title 22 is organized (quick pointers)

District list and names: § 22.08.010
Rules for district boundaries and interpreting the zoning map: § 22.09.010
General development rules (setbacks, yards, heights) for residential and agricultural districts: see Chapters 22.10 and 22.12 (specific sections cited below)
Overlays and special districts (PUD, MUO, DHO, AAO, AHO, etc.): see Chapters 22.11, 22.42, and the list in § 22.08.010

Note: off‑street parking standards are implemented through Chapter 22.36; see the city’s Martinez Parking guidance for practical parking calculations.

District-by-district breakdown (key districts)

Below are the most decision‑relevant zoning districts in Martinez. Each subsection summarizes the district purpose, typical permitted uses (high‑level), the primary measurable development standards available in the code, and where to verify applicability.

R-1.5 (Multifamily Residential District)

Purpose: To permit higher‑density multifamily housing and related residential uses. § 22.08.010 lists the district.
Typical permitted uses: Multifamily dwellings, accessory residential uses; ancillary uses for eligible housing projects are addressed in Chapter 22.17 and 22.30 (e.g., limited ground‑floor childcare or commercial where allowed).
Key dimensional standards: Usable outdoor space and height/density relationships for multifamily are set out in § 22.12.250 and § 22.12.260; rear yards for R‑1.5 may be reduced to 10 ft in some cases (see § 22.12.240).
Where it applies: Identified on the official zoning map; boundary rules in § 22.09.010 control ambiguous edges.

R-2.5 (Multifamily Residential District)

Purpose: Intermediate multifamily standard between R-1.5 and lower-density residential zones. § 22.08.010.
Typical uses: Multifamily housing, accessory uses similar to R‑1.5.
Key dimensional standards: Rear yard may be reduced to 15 ft under certain conditions (see § 22.12.240). Height/density and usable outdoor space follow § 22.12.250–260.

R-3.5 (Multifamily Residential District)

Purpose/uses: Higher-density multifamily uses; standards follow Chapters 22.12 and the multifamily tables.
Key standards: Specific usable outdoor space minimums and height tables in § 22.12.250 and § 22.12.260. Rear/side yard minimums may be reduced for parking structures (see § 22.12.240).

R-6.0 / R-7.0 / R-7.5 / R-10.0 / R-15 / R-20 / R-40 / R-65 / R-80 / R-100 (One‑Family Residential series)

Purpose: Single‑family residential districts with graduated lot size/density standards. § 22.08.010.
Typical uses: One‑family dwellings, accessory structures (including ADUs governed by ADU rules in Title 22 and Martinez ADUs).
Key dimensional standards: Two‑story or maximum 25–36 ft heights depending on density and incentives (see § 22.12.260 and Table 22.12.260). Corner lot side yard rules are in § 22.12.235.

RR (Rural Residential District)

Purpose: Preserve low‑density, rural neighborhood character; special boundary exhibit maps may be prepared for each RR district. § 22.12.030–050.
Typical uses: Single‑family dwellings, agricultural accessory uses consistent with rural character.
Key standards: Street and subdivision standards may be relaxed within RR boundaries (see § 22.12.070).

A (Agricultural District)

Purpose: Preserve agricultural land and activities. § 22.10.020; general development standards in § 22.10.060.
Typical uses: Farming, agricultural accessory structures; minimum one dwelling per parcel is allowed under density rules. § 22.10.060 specifies densities for A‑1, A‑2, A‑5.
Key dimensional standards: Minimum 20 ft front yard in A districts, side yards 10–20 ft depending on structure, maximum structure heights 25–30 ft for certain structures, and site coverage and FAR limits (e.g., 15% for A‑1; FAR 0.2) in § 22.10.060.

NC (Neighborhood Commercial), CC (Central Commercial), SC (Service Commercial)

Purpose: Commercial activities at different scales. § 22.08.010 lists these districts; see the commercial district chapters for use tables and conditions.
Typical uses: Retail, offices, service uses; some commercial districts allow mixed residential above ground floor subject to standards and parking (see Chapter 22.30 and Affordable/Housing chapters).
Key standards: Off‑street parking per Chapter 22.36; downtown-specific rules apply in DT and DO overlay areas.

LI (Light Industrial) / HI (Heavy Industrial)

Purpose: Industrial and research uses with controls to avoid impacts on residential areas. § 22.08.010; industrial uses and conditional uses and special standards are in the industrial chapters.

PUD (Planned Unit Development Overlay District)

Purpose: To permit coordinated, flexible development across multiple lots under an approved PUD Plan. § 22.42.030–050 explains application, plan requirements, and effect of the PUD. A PUD is an overlay and does not replace the underlying zoning unless rezoned.

MUO (Mixed‑Use/Housing Overlay District)

Purpose: To encourage multifamily residential development (including by‑right processing for qualifying housing projects) and allow increased densities where affordable units are provided. See § 22.11.010–020 for purpose and uses.

DHO (Downtown Historic Overlay), AAO (Alhambra Avenue Overlay), AHO (Affordable Housing Overlay), CSO (Community Services Overlay), MHO (Mobile Home Overlay), and others

Purpose and special rules: Each overlay modifies uses, densities, or development standards for lands it covers; overlays are listed in § 22.08.010 and explained in their respective chapters (e.g., 22.11 for some housing overlays). When an overlay applies, the overlay provisions govern in addition to the base zone (see PUD/overlay rules).

Decision‑relevant table (selected standards & references)

Rule / Item	Typical Value or Permitted Use	Code Reference
Official district list (naming of zones)	R-1.5, R-2.5, R-3.5, R-6.0, R-7.5, RR, A, NC, CC, LI, HI, DO, DT, PUD, MUO, DHO, AAO, AHO, etc.	§ 22.08.010
Zoning map boundary interpretation	Boundary follows right‑of‑way where shown; where ambiguous Planning Commission can determine.	§ 22.09.010
R‑1.5 rear yard (reduction option)	Rear yard may be reduced to 10 ft with conditions.	§ 22.12.240
Multifamily usable outdoor space	R‑1.5 = 400 sq ft/unit, R‑2.5 = 450 sq ft/unit, R‑3.5 = 500 sq ft/unit (see table)	§ 22.12.250
Agricultural district site coverage / FAR	A‑1 coverage 15%; A‑2/A‑5 coverage 5%; FAR 0.2 for A districts	§ 22.10.060
PUD overlay requirement	No land use entitlement for PUD lands until a PUD Plan approved by City Council	§ 22.42.040
Mixed‑Use/Housing Overlay (MUO)	Allows increased residential density and by‑right processing where affordability conditions met (20% very low/low or 30% moderate in ordinance)	§ 22.11.010–020
Off‑street parking reference	Off‑street parking requirements are in Chapter 22.36; certain housing projects may have parking exceptions (§ 22.30.060)	§ 22.36; § 22.30.060

Practical guidance & interpretation notes

When a parcel falls within an overlay (for example MUO, DHO, or AAO), the overlay’s provisions apply in addition to the underlying district; consult the overlay chapter before assuming base‑zone rules alone control. See § 22.08.010 and the MUO chapter § 22.11.010 for overlay logic and specific requirements.
For multifamily projects that pursue density bonuses or by‑right affordability incentives, see Chapter 22.30 (housing development rules) and the density‑bonus provisions referenced in Chapter 22.80; parking and minimum stall counts may be reduced under certain conditions in § 22.30.060. See also the city’s Martinez Parking guidance.
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are handled administratively with ministerial review when they meet objective standards; see § 22.43.160 and the city’s Martinez ADUs page for streamlined pathways. Building permits still must comply with the California Building Standards Code (Title 24).
If the zoning map boundary is unclear on the official map, the rules in § 22.09.010 instruct that right‑of‑way, lot lines, or the map scale govern; where ambiguity remains the Planning Commission makes a formal determination. Always verify the exact map designation with the Planning Division.

Checklist (what an applicant must satisfy before submitting)

Confirm the base zoning district on the official zoning map and review § 22.08.010 for district definitions.
Verify overlay(s) affecting the parcel (e.g., MUO, DHO, AAO). See overlay chapters for added conditions.
Check dimensional standards that apply (setbacks, height, lot coverage, FAR) in the district chapters such as § 22.12.240–260 for residential and § 22.10.060 for agricultural.
Determine required off‑street parking using Chapter 22.36 and parking exceptions in § 22.30.060 where applicable; consult Martinez Parking.
If proposing an ADU, confirm the ADU objective standards and ministerial review path in § 22.43.160 and consult Martinez ADUs.
If seeking a PUD, prepare a PUD Plan per § 22.42.050 and expect City Council approval per § 22.42.040.
Review design review triggers and procedures; refer to the city’s Martinez Design Review guidance. (Not all design guidance is in Title 22.)
Confirm compliance with state codes and laws (e.g., Title 24); see California Building Standards Code and California housing laws when relevant.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Zoning map boundary ambiguity	Boundaries drawn along streets, lot lines, or map scale can be interpreted differently; it changes the applicable standards.	Confirm exact map designation with Planning Division; § 22.09.010 governs boundary rules.
Overlay district applicability	Overlays (e.g., MUO, DHO, AAO) can change permitted uses, densities, and procedures.	Check overlay layer on official zoning map and read the overlay chapter (e.g., § 22.11.010 for MUO).
Parcel‑specific exceptions or pre‑zoning	Pre‑zoned properties or special district conditions (e.g., P‑designation) affect annexation/rezoning outcomes.	Verify if parcel is tagged as “P” (pre‑zoned) per § 22.08.010 and consult Title 21 for annexation rules.
Exact permitted uses per district	Title 22 contains permitted/conditional lists but snippets may not show all use definitions.	Review the specific district chapter and the code’s definitions in Chapter 22.04; for anything unclear, “Verify with the jurisdiction.”
Parking reductions for housing projects	State law and local exceptions can allow parking reductions; mistakes lead to denied permits.	Confirm applicability under § 22.30.060 and Chapter 22.36; verify transit proximity and density‑bonus interactions.

Plain‑English summary

Martinez’s zoning rules (Title 22) spell out named zones like R‑1.5, R‑2.5, CC, LI, and a set of overlays (for example MUO and DHO). Each zone has its purpose and measurable limits (setbacks, heights, lot coverage, FAR) in the relevant chapter — check the specific § cited above for the controlling text and always confirm map boundaries with the Planning Division.

Source References

Martinez Municipal Code, Title 22 (Zoning) — District designations and listing: § 22.08.010.
Martinez Municipal Code, Title 22 — District boundary rules: § 22.09.010.
Martinez Municipal Code, Title 22 — Agricultural district development standards: § 22.10.060.
Martinez Municipal Code, Title 22 — Mixed‑Use/Housing Overlay (MUO): § 22.11.010–020.
Martinez Municipal Code, Title 22 — Residential development standards (yards, heights, usable outdoor space): § 22.12.235–260, § 22.12.240–250.
Martinez Municipal Code, Title 22 — PUD (Planned Unit Development) rules and required PUD Plan: § 22.42.030–050.
Martinez Municipal Code, Title 22 — Housing and housing development rules (parking exceptions, ancillary uses): § 22.30.060; Chapters 22.17 and 22.30.
ADU review and ministerial approval: § 22.43.160.

(These materials were retrieved from the City of Martinez code files provided for this analysis; specific ordinance text should be read at the cited § numbers for full legal detail.)

Sources

Retrieved passages

Martinez Zoning Code (§ 22.10.060) High relevance
Martinez Zoning Code (CHAPTER 22.08) High relevance
Martinez Zoning Code (Chapter 22.80) High relevance
Martinez Zoning Code (§ 22.42.020) High relevance
CBC § 22.43.150 (§ 22.43.150) High relevance
Martinez Zoning Code (§ 10) High relevance
Martinez Zoning Code (§ 22.21.050) High relevance
Martinez Zoning Code (§ 22.17.070.) High relevance

Cited sections

Official Martinez code library

Frequently asked questions

What can I build on an R‑1.5 lot in Martinez?

You can pursue multifamily residential development consistent with the R‑1.5 district standards; usable outdoor space, height, and rear/side yard minima are set in § 22.12.250–260 and § 22.12.240. For project‑level permitted uses and design triggers, check the district chapter and consult the Planning Division.

What are Martinez setback requirements for residential zones?

Setbacks vary by residential zone and use: for example, some R‑1.5 rear yards may be reduced to 10 ft under the conditions stated in § 22.12.240; corner lot side yard rules are in § 22.12.235. Always verify the exact yard schedule in the district chapter that applies to your parcel.

Do overlays like the MUO change zoning entitlements?

Yes. The MUO (Mixed‑Use/Housing Overlay) allows increased residential densities and by‑right processing in exchange for affordable units; see § 22.11.010–020. An overlay applies in addition to the underlying zone and its map location determines applicability.

Do I need a PUD Plan to develop under a PUD overlay?

Yes. No entitlement for property within a PUD Overlay is effective until a PUD Plan is approved by City Council; plan requirements are in § 22.42.040–050.

How many parking spaces will I need for a multifamily project?

Off‑street parking requirements are established in Chapter 22.36; specific exceptions and reduced parking rules for qualifying housing projects are described in § 22.30.060 (including transit‑proximity exceptions). Consult Chapter 22.36 and the Planning Division for project calculations.

Are ADUs allowed in Martinez and what is the review path?

ADUs are allowed and generally processed ministerially if objective standards are met; the ministerial approval rules and building‑permit linkage are in § 22.43.160. See the city’s ADU page for preapproved plans and application checklists.

What if the zoning map boundary is unclear for my parcel?

If the boundary is ambiguous, § 22.09.010 directs interpretation (follow right‑of‑way, lot lines, or map scale as applicable); if still ambiguous the Planning Commission may formally determine the boundary. Verify with the Planning Division.

Where are the official lists of permitted and conditional uses for each district?

Permitted and conditional uses are located in the individual district chapters within Title 22 (see the district list in § 22.08.010 and then open the applicable chapter for the full use table). If a use is not listed, the code’s definitions (Chapter 22.04) and general provisions (Chapter 22.34) apply; when in doubt, “Verify with the jurisdiction.”

Can the City require different development standards when rezoning?

Yes. The City Council may impose conditions on reclassification of property (conditional zoning) as described in § 22.34.210; those conditions must be reasonably related to the public needs and impacts of the rezoning.

Do downtown zones have special rules?

Yes. Downtown‑related districts and overlays (for example DT, DO, DHO) are listed in § 22.08.010 and have their own chapters and standards; downtown housing and mixed‑use development may be subject to specialized review and objective standards (see Chapters 22.30 and overlay chapters).

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