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McFarland — Development Standards

Development Standards under the McFarland local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

Overview

This page distills the development standards embedded in McFarland’s zoning ordinance (Title 17) that control setbacks, height, lot coverage, separation between buildings, and related site standards. Use this alongside the McFarland Zoning map and McFarland Land Use to confirm the applicable district on a specific parcel. Standards below cite the controlling sections; where the ordinance is silent, “Not found in retrieved materials” is noted and you should verify with the City.

The single most common mistake is applying the wrong setback frame of reference. In several commercial and industrial districts, front setbacks are measured from the street centerline, while in R‑1‑5 they’re measured from the lot line. Always confirm the reference used in your district (§ 17.16.080 ; § 17.72.050 ; § 17.84.040 ).

Citywide development standards (where Chapter 17.134 applies)

Chapter 17.134 applies citywide to multifamily, commercial, and industrial projects, plus precise development districts, setting baseline site standards in addition to each zone’s rules (§ 17.134.010 ).

  • No parking in front or street-side yard setbacks (except single-family dwellings); these setback areas must be fully landscaped (§ 17.134.020(A) ).
  • Pave access drives, parking, and maneuvering areas with at least 2 inches of asphaltic concrete (or better) (§ 17.134.020(B) ).
  • Place new on-site utilities underground (§ 17.134.020(C) ).
  • Provide drainage plans as required by the City Engineer (§ 17.134.020(D) ).
  • Screening, lighting spillover limits, trash enclosures, privacy glazing when >1 story next to single-family zones, and six‑foot masonry walls with landscaping where nonresidential abuts residential (§ 17.134.020(G)–(L) ; § 17.134.020(N)–(Q) ).
  • Landscaping is also governed by Chapter 17.146, cross-referenced here (§ 17.134.020(O) ). See McFarland Landscaping and Screening.
  • Parking and signs must also comply with Chapters 17.144 and 17.142, respectively (§ 17.134.020(P)–(Q) ). See McFarland Parking and McFarland Signage.

District-by-district standards

R-1-5 — Single-Family Residential

  • Purpose and applicability: Single-family neighborhoods mapped R‑1‑5 on the City’s zoning map; applies citywide where designated. See McFarland Zoning.
  • Typical permitted development: One dwelling unit per lot, with exceptions in § 17.136 and local ADU rules (§ 17.16.060 ). See McFarland ADUs.
  • Key dimensional standards:
    • Front setback: 15 ft to livable space; 20 ft to garages/carports and other non-livable space (§ 17.16.080(B) ).
    • Rear setback: 10 ft, or 20 ft where a rear landscape easement with wall/fence exists; increase the rear setback by 10 ft for buildings over one story (§ 17.16.080(C)–(D) ).
    • Side setbacks: 5 ft interior; 10 ft street side (§ 17.16.080(E) ).
    • Max height: 35 ft (§ 17.16.100 ).
    • Min separation: 10 ft between structures (also subject to the California Building Standards Code) (§ 17.16.090 ).
    • Lot coverage: Determined by setbacks, accessory structure limits, and parking; no fixed percentage (§ 17.16.070 ).
    • Usable open space: 400 sq ft minimum, at least 15 ft wide (§ 17.16.140 ).
    • Driveways/paving in front setback: Paving across frontage limited to 40%; other configurations limited to 50% of the front setback area; corner lots place driveway on side adjacent to the interior lot line (§ 17.16.110(A)–(B) ).
    • Fences: 6 ft max in side/rear; 4 ft in front (§ 17.16.160 ; § 17.136.180(A)–(B) ).
  • Accessory structures in setbacks: Tight limits apply (e.g., ≤120 sq ft, ≥10 ft from rear line, ≥5 ft from sides; plate line ≤7 ft; roof pitch max 4:12; ridge ≤10 ft; 10‑ft separation from primary unless attached) (§ 17.16.120(A)–(G) ).
  • Parking: One covered and one uncovered space per single-family dwelling (§ 17.16.130(A)–(B) ).
  • Signs: Not permitted in R‑1‑5 (§ 17.16.170 ).
  • Where it applies: Parcels zoned R‑1‑5 on the official map; verify site-specific conditions.

R-2 — Two-Family Residential

  • Purpose and applicability: Two-family or two one-family dwellings; includes R‑1 uses (§ 17.20.020(A) ).
  • Typical permitted development: Duplexes and R‑1 uses; home occupations and limited beekeeping also listed (§ 17.20.020(A)–(D) ).
  • Key dimensional standards: Not found in retrieved materials. Verify setbacks, height, lot coverage, and open space for R‑2 with the City.
  • Where it applies: Parcels zoned R‑2 on the map.

C-1 — Neighborhood Commercial

  • Purpose and applicability: Neighborhood-serving commercial.
  • Typical permitted development: Not found in retrieved materials.
  • Key dimensional standards:
    • Building separations on same lot: None for nonresidential; 10 ft between residential buildings; 6 ft between a residential building and accessory structures (§ 17.76.080(A)–(C) ).
    • Lot area: Not found in retrieved materials for C‑1 (the code excerpt references C‑2; confirm with the City) (§ 17.76.070 ).
    • Front/side/rear setbacks: Not found in retrieved materials.
  • Signs, parking, landscaping: Governed by Chapters 17.142, 17.144, and 17.146 as cross‑referenced by § 17.134.020(O)–(Q) . See McFarland Signage and McFarland Parking.
  • Where it applies: Parcels zoned C‑1.

C-2 — Commercial

  • Purpose and applicability: General commercial, often along arterials.
  • Typical permitted development: Commercial retail/services; residential buildings must meet R‑4 standards when used solely for dwelling (dimensional R‑4 details not retrieved) (§ 17.72.080 ).
  • Key dimensional standards:
    • Height: Up to 4 stories, not exceeding 45 ft (§ 17.72.040 ).
    • Front setback: Measured from centerlines—40 ft (local street), 45 ft (secondary highway), 55 ft (major highway) (§ 17.72.050(A)(1)–(3) ).
    • Side yard: None required (§ 17.72.060 ).
    • Rear yard: 20 ft, unless a public alley exists at the rear; Fire Chief may allow reductions via variance (§ 17.72.070(A) ).
    • Minimum lot area: 7,500 sq ft (§ 17.72.080 ).
  • Sign placement: Wall‑mounted, flat to the building; must front the principal street/parking; cannot project above the roofline (§ 17.72.030 ).
  • Where it applies: Parcels zoned C‑2.

CH — Highway Commercial

  • Purpose and applicability: Highway-oriented commercial with large setbacks and height allowances.
  • Typical permitted development: Highway commercial and accessory utility compounds; parking and sign chapters apply (§ 17.82.100–.110 ).
  • Key dimensional standards:
    • Minimum lot area/width: 7,500 sq ft per business establishment; minimum width 100 ft (§ 17.82.050 ).
    • Front setback: 70 ft from the property line (§ 17.82.060 ).
    • Side yard: None; but if adjacent to a residential zone, provide a 20‑ft paved side yard (§ 17.82.070 ).
    • Rear yard: 20 ft paved (§ 17.82.080 ).
    • Max height: 65 ft (§ 17.82.090 ).
  • Where it applies: Parcels zoned CH.

CRMU — Commercial Residential Mixed-Use

  • Purpose and applicability: Mix of compatible residential, retail, and office uses with walkable urban design (§ 17.78.010–.020 ).
  • Development requirements: The chapter establishes intent and components but the retrieved excerpts do not list numeric setbacks or height caps for CRMU (§ 17.78.030 ). Not found in retrieved materials.
  • Where it applies: Parcels zoned CRMU.

M-1 — Limited Manufacturing

  • Purpose and applicability: Light industrial; also permits C‑2 uses with limitations (§ 17.84.020(A)–(B) ).
  • Key dimensional standards:
    • Height: 2 stories, not exceeding 35 ft (§ 17.84.030 ).
    • Front setback: From centerline—40 ft (local), 45 ft (secondary), 55 ft (major highway) (§ 17.84.040(A) ).
    • Side and rear yards: None required (dwelling-only buildings must meet R‑4) (§ 17.84.050–.060 ).
    • Minimum lot area: 6,000 sq ft (§ 17.84.070 ).
    • Parking: Provide on-site parking area at least equal to the floor area of the building (§ 17.84.090 ). Verify with the jurisdiction if alternative ratios have been adopted.
  • Where it applies: Parcels zoned M‑1.

M‑S — Mobilehome Subdivision

  • Purpose and applicability: Mobilehome subdivisions created with a subdivision map; special dimensional rules (§ 17.124.040(A) ).
  • Key dimensional standards:
    • Height: 2½ stories, not exceeding 35 ft (§ 17.124.040(B) ).
    • Setbacks: Front 25 ft; side 5 ft interior and 10 ft street side (20 ft if direct vehicular access); rear 5 ft (20 ft if direct vehicular access) (§ 17.124.040(C) ).
    • Lot size: “Average lot size” model; e.g., M‑S 5000, M‑S 6000, M‑S 7200, M‑S 10000, M‑S 18000; minimum single lot not less than 3,250 sq ft; lot length not more than 3× width (§ 17.124.040(D)(1)–(2) ).
  • Where it applies: Parcels zoned M‑S in conjunction with an approved subdivision.

P‑D — Precise Development (suffix zoning)

  • Purpose and applicability: A project‑specific zone adopted with a detailed plan; map uses a base zone symbol followed by “P‑D” (e.g., “C‑2 P‑D”) (§ 17.132.020 ).
  • Uses and standards: Uses are by reference to the underlying zone; no grading, construction, or use until a P‑D plan is approved (§ 17.132.020–.030 ). The plan must show building locations, heights, floor areas, coverage percent, parking ratios, open space, walls/fences, access, and signs (§ 17.132.040(A)–(B) ).
  • Where it applies: Parcels rezoned to a base district with P‑D. See McFarland Design Review and McFarland Overlay Districts.

Quick-reference table of key standards

District Front Setback Side Setback Rear Setback Max Height Other Key Standards Code Reference
R‑1‑5 15 ft to living; 20 ft to garage 5 ft interior; 10 ft street side 10 ft; 20 ft if rear landscape easement; +10 ft if >1 story 35 ft 10‑ft building separation; open space 400 sq ft (min 15 ft wide); accessory structure limits; driveway paving ≤40% frontage § 17.16.080–.100, .090, .140, .120, .110
C‑2 40/45/55 ft from centerline (local/secondary/major) None 20 ft (none if rear alley; subject to Fire variance) 45 ft (≤4 stories) Min lot area 7,500 sq ft; wall‑mounted signs below roofline § 17.72.050–.070, .040, .080, .030
CH 70 ft from property line None; 20 ft paved if adjacent to residential 20 ft paved 65 ft Min lot area 7,500 sq ft; min width 100 ft § 17.82.060–.090, .050
M‑1 40/45/55 ft from centerline (local/secondary/major) None (dwelling-only must meet R‑4) None (dwelling-only must meet R‑4) 35 ft (≤2 stories) Min lot area 6,000 sq ft; on-site parking area ≥ building floor area § 17.84.040–.060, .030, .070, .090
M‑S 25 ft 5 ft interior; 10 ft street side (20 ft if direct access) 5 ft (20 ft if direct access) 35 ft (≤2½ stories) Average lot-size model; min single lot 3,250 sq ft; lot length ≤3× width § 17.124.040(B)–(D)

Notes:

  • Fences/walls in residential zones: 6 ft max side/rear; 4 ft max in front (§ 17.136.180(A)–(B) ).
  • Parking, signage, and landscaping also governed by Chapters 17.144, 17.142, and 17.146; see references above (§ 17.134.020(O)–(Q) ).
  • Nonconforming structures and uses are restricted from expansion unless allowed by code; see McFarland Nonconforming Uses (§ 17.137.010 ).
  • ADU standards adjust or supersede some residential metrics (e.g., four‑foot side/rear setbacks in some cases); see McFarland ADUs (§ 17.136.150.060(D) ).

Practical guidance and comparisons

  • Single-family versus commercial: The R‑1‑5 district’s setbacks are from the lot lines and include a 20‑ft garage setback, while C‑2 and M‑1 measure many front setbacks from street centerlines, which can push buildings much farther back than expected (§ 17.16.080(B) ; § 17.72.050 ; § 17.84.040 ).
  • Height differentials: CH allows up to 65 ft, while M‑1 caps at 35 ft—a critical factor for visibility and equipment clearances (§ 17.82.090 ; § 17.84.030 ).
  • Residential privacy next to taller buildings: When a >1‑story project is adjacent to single‑family residential, McFarland requires privacy glazing or screening—plan elevations accordingly (§ 17.134.020(G) ).
  • Mixed-use and P‑D flexibility: CRMU and P‑D can integrate uses and negotiate site design at plan level (coverage %, parking ratios, open space), but still anchor to baseline standards unless specifically modified (§ 17.78.030 ; § 17.132.040(B) ).
  • Density bonuses: Affordable housing projects may obtain reductions in site development standards via the density bonus law process (§ 17.154.040–.070 ). See McFarland Variances and Exceptions for relief routes.

Checklist

  • Confirm your parcel’s base district and any “P‑D” suffix on the map in the McFarland Zoning layer.
  • Apply the correct measurement baseline for front setbacks (lot line in R‑1‑5; centerline in many C/M districts) (§ 17.16.080; § 17.72.050; § 17.84.040 ).
  • Check adjacency rules to residential—side yards, screening walls, and landscaping often increase (§ 17.82.070; § 17.134.020(K) ).
  • For R‑1‑5: verify open space, accessory structure limits, driveway paving cap, and structure separations (§ 17.16.110–.120, .090, .140 ).
  • Verify maximum height and any story limits (e.g., 35 ft in R‑1‑5 and M‑1; 65 ft in CH) (§ 17.16.100; § 17.84.030; § 17.82.090 ).
  • Confirm parking, signage, and landscaping compliance with Chapters 17.144, 17.142, 17.146; cross-check against any stricter district standard (§ 17.134.020(O)–(Q); § 17.82.110; § 17.82.100; § 17.72.030 ).
  • If in a P‑D area, ensure your precise plan covers the required statistics (coverage %, floor area, parking ratios, landscaping) (§ 17.132.040(B) ).
  • If proposing an ADU or JADU, layer in the City’s ADU standards (e.g., 4‑ft side/rear setbacks in many cases) (§ 17.136.150.060(D) ).

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Centerline vs. lot-line setbacks Mis-measurement can shift buildings by tens of feet Whether your street is classified local/secondary/major and which baseline applies (§ 17.72.050; § 17.84.040)
M‑1 parking ratio text Code requires parking area ≥ building floor area; atypical Whether subsequent policies modify § 17.84.090; coordinate with Planning/Engineering (§ 17.84.090)
R‑1‑5 coverage has no % cap Site yield depends on setbacks, accessory limits, parking Use § 17.16.070 with full R‑1‑5 standards to test fit (driveway cap, open space, separations)
CRMU numerical standards Excerpts show purposes, not dimensions Confirm CRMU height/setbacks before design (§ 17.78.010–.030)
C‑1 lot area text Chapter’s area requirement excerpt references C‑2 Request current C‑1 lot area/setback sheet (§ 17.76.070–.080)
Residential next to taller uses Privacy/screening can add cost Apply § 17.134.020(G), (K) where nonresidential abuts residential
ADU overlays State-law ADUs can compress setbacks Overlay ADU rules in your zone; see § 17.136.150.060 and City ADU guidance
Nonconforming status Limits expansion/rebuild options Check McFarland Nonconforming Uses (§ 17.137.010)

Plain-English Summary

McFarland’s zoning sets the “box” your project must fit into: where the building sits on the lot, how tall it can be, how much can be paved or fenced, and how parking, landscaping, screening, and signs are handled. The numbers vary a lot by district—R‑1‑5 homes follow lot‑line setbacks, while commercial/industrial areas often measure from the street centerline—so always start by confirming your zoning and applying the district-specific metrics.

Source References

  • § 17.16.060–.170 (R‑1‑5 single-family standards: units per lot, setbacks, height, separations, parking, open space, accessory structures, landscaping, signs)
  • § 17.20.010–.020 (R‑2 uses)
  • § 17.72.030–.080 (C‑2 signs, height, setbacks from centerline, lot area)
  • § 17.76.070–.080 (C‑1 area requirements excerpt; distances between buildings)
  • § 17.78.010–.030 (CRMU purpose and requirements overview)
  • § 17.82.050–.110 (CH lot size/width, setbacks, height, signs, parking)
  • § 17.84.020–.090 (M‑1 uses, height, setbacks from centerline, area, parking)
  • § 17.124.040 (M‑S mobilehome subdivision development standards)
  • § 17.132.020–.040 (P‑D establishment and plan content)
  • § 17.134.010–.020 (General development standards across multifamily/commercial/industrial)
  • § 17.136.150.060 (ADU development standards excerpts)
  • § 17.136.180–.190 (Fences/walls/hedges; storage in yards)
  • § 17.137.010 (Nonconforming uses policy)
  • § 17.154.040–.070 (Density bonus procedures)
  • See also overview pages: McFarland zoning & planning overview, McFarland Design Review, McFarland Overlay Districts, California housing laws

Information Gaps

  • R‑2, R‑3, R‑4, RP, C‑O, M‑2, M‑3: Detailed dimensional standards (setbacks, height, lot coverage/FAR) were not found in retrieved materials. Verify with the jurisdiction.
  • CRMU: Numeric height, setbacks, and lot standards not found in retrieved materials.
  • FAR: No floor area ratio standards were identified in the retrieved sections.
  • C‑1 lot area and yard setbacks: Not found in retrieved materials; the available text references C‑2 in error.

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • CBC § 1 (§ 1) High relevance
  • McFarland Zoning Code (§ 30.00) High relevance
  • CBC § 1 (§ 1) High relevance
  • CBC § 136.150.060 (chapter shall) High relevance
  • McFarland Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
  • McFarland Zoning Code (Section 17.144.020) High relevance
  • McFarland Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
  • McFarland Zoning Code (Chapter 17.146) High relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

What can I build on an R-1-5 lot in McFarland?

A single-family home with one dwelling unit per lot is allowed, subject to R‑1‑5 setbacks, height, and other standards. Typical front setbacks are 15 ft to living areas and 20 ft to garages, with 5/10 ft interior/street-side yards, 10 ft rear (20 ft if a rear landscape easement exists), and a 35‑ft height cap (§ 17.16.060; § 17.16.080–.100 ).

What are the standard setbacks for a detached garage in R-1-5?

Garages and other non‑livable space must be at least 20 ft from the front lot line. Side yards are 5 ft (interior) and 10 ft (street side). Rear yards are 10 ft (or 20 ft if a rear landscape easement with a wall/fence exists). Maintain 10 ft separation from other structures (§ 17.16.080–.090 ).

How tall can my commercial building be in McFarland?

In C‑2, buildings may be up to 4 stories and 45 ft; in CH (Highway Commercial) up to 65 ft; in M‑1 up to 35 ft and two stories (§ 17.72.040; § 17.82.090; § 17.84.030 ).

How are front setbacks measured in commercial and industrial zones?

Many commercial/industrial districts measure the front setback from the street centerline (e.g., 40/45/55 ft for local/secondary/major streets in C‑2 and M‑1). By contrast, R‑1‑5 fronts are measured from the lot line (§ 17.72.050; § 17.84.040; § 17.16.080(B) ).

Do I need landscaping and walls when my project is next to homes?

Yes. Where nonresidential development abuts residential property, a six‑foot masonry wall in a landscaped planter is required, and lighting must avoid spillover. Additional privacy glazing may be required when projects exceed one story (§ 17.134.020(G), (H), (K) ).

Are there special standards for mobilehome subdivisions (M-S)?

Yes. Height is limited to 2½ stories/35 ft, front yard 25 ft, side yard 5 ft interior/10 ft street side (20 ft if direct access), rear yard 5 ft (20 ft if direct access), and average lot-size designations (e.g., M‑S 5000) apply (§ 17.124.040(B)–(D) ).

Can density bonus law change McFarland’s development standards?

Potentially. Approved density bonus projects can receive incentives, including reductions in site development standards, if findings are met (§ 17.154.040–.070 ).

What ADU setbacks apply in McFarland?

ADUs must meet front-yard rules of the underlying zone, but side and rear yards can be as small as 4 ft in many cases. Additional details are in the City’s ADU chapter (§ 17.136.150.060(D) ).

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