Local zoning · McFarland

McFarland — Land Use

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

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

Overview

McFarland’s land use rules live in Title 17 Zoning of the municipal code and allocate every parcel to a base district with specific allowed and conditional uses, plus dimensional limits like height and setbacks. The official zoning map and the list of districts are established by § 17.08.010–.020; when in doubt about a boundary, the planning commission decides per § 17.08.030.

Plain-English rule of thumb: if a use is not listed as “permitted” for your district, you need a specific approval or you can’t do it (§ 17.08.040).

Related topics you may also need: the city’s zoning overview, the full Zoning code map of districts, citywide Development Standards, Parking ratios and design, Design Review where applicable, Overlay Districts, Nonconforming Uses, and McFarland ADUs.

How McFarland organizes “use” permissions

  • Base districts govern “uses permitted” by right and “conditional uses” that require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) under Chapter 17.152. Some uses may be allowed by CUP in any zone for public convenience or welfare (§ 17.152.010–.020).
  • McFarland also has district-specific CUP lists (e.g., what can be conditionally allowed in C-O, C-1, M-3, R zones) in § 17.152.030.
  • Certain developments proceed via a precise plan in the P-D (Precise Development) zone; the permitted uses mirror a “zone of reference” designated in the P-D ordinance (§ 17.132.020–.040).

Selected, decision-relevant standards and uses (by district)

The entries below summarize purpose, typical permitted uses, and key dimensional standards. Always confirm your parcel’s zoning on the official map (§ 17.08.020).

R-1-5 Single-Family Residential

  • Purpose and where it applies: Low-density one-family areas across established neighborhoods (§ 17.16.010–.020).
  • Typical permitted uses: One-family dwellings, accessory structures, pools, temporary tract office, and a secondary residential unit (see ADU note below) (§ 17.16.030). Home occupations are allowed only with a separate permit and only in R-1 or R-2 (§ 17.153.020).
  • Key dimensional standards: Front setback 15 ft for habitable space (20 ft for garages), rear 10–20 ft depending on easements and height, side 5 ft interior/10 ft street, max height 35 ft, min 10 ft between structures (§ 17.16.080–.100).
  • Other notable standards: On-lot parking of at least 1 covered + 1 uncovered per home (§ 17.16.130); 400 sq ft usable open space (§ 17.16.140); front-yard landscaping required (§ 17.16.150–.160).

ADU note: McFarland has a citywide, ministerial ADU program that allows ADUs in all zones that allow single-family, multi-family, or mixed uses, subject to objective standards (§ 17.136.150.010–.050). Use this in tandem with the R-1-5 standards and the city’s ADU page.

R-2 Two-Family Residential

  • Purpose and where it applies: Two-family neighborhoods and infill corridors (§ 17.20.010).
  • Typical permitted uses: Any R-1 use, a two-family dwelling or two one-family dwellings, accessory structures, home occupations, and limited beekeeping (≤6 colonies) (§ 17.20.020).
  • Key dimensional standards: Max height 35 ft (2.5 stories) (§ 17.20.030). Front yard 25 ft with context and highway centerline rules (§ 17.20.040). Side and rear yards continue in the chapter (not fully retrieved here).

E-7 / E-8 Estate Residential

  • Purpose: Larger-lot “estate” variants of R-1 with limited animal-keeping. Regulations track R-1 with added allowances.
  • Additional permitted uses: Limited on-site animal raising for resident’s domestic use, and keeping of larger animals at a ratio of 1 per ¼ acre (§ 17.64.010; § 17.68.010).

C-O Professional Office

  • Typical permitted uses: Broad list of offices, selected retail (e.g., art gallery, bookstores), and services such as clinics, labs, pharmacies tied to clinics, barbers/beauty, day care nursery, and broadcasting studios (§ 17.72.020).
  • Key dimensional standards: Max height 45 ft, centerline-based front setbacks 40/45/55 ft per street classification, no side yard, rear 20 ft unless alley, and other lot standards in this chapter (§ 17.72.040–.080).
  • Citywide operational note: Most business activity in C-O/C-1/C-2 must occur indoors, with limited exceptions (§ 17.134.020.L.3).

C-1 Neighborhood Commercial

  • Typical permitted uses: All C-O uses plus selected neighborhood-serving commercial; includes limited residential (bed & breakfast) and recreation/entertainment such as health clubs and pool/billiard parlors (§ 17.76.020).
  • Key dimensional standards: Front/side/rear yards follow the C-1 chapter; sample: rear yard 20 ft unless alley; no side yard for nonresidential; min. distances between certain buildings are specified (§ 17.76.050–.080).

C-2 Commercial

  • Typical permitted uses: General commercial uses (full list not in retrieved materials). Single-room occupancy hotels require a CUP (§ 17.80.022).
  • Key dimensional standards: Max height 6 stories/75 ft, up to 10 stories/135 ft with added setbacks; front yard by centerline 40/45/55 ft; rear 20 ft unless alley; no side yard; lot area ≥7,500 sq ft (§ 17.80.030–.080).

CH Highway Commercial

  • Purpose: Highway 99–oriented retail/service clusters (§ 17.82.010–.020).
  • Key dimensional standards: Lot area ≥7,500 sq ft and width ≥100 ft, front setback 70 ft from property line, no side yard unless abutting residential (then 20 ft), rear 20 ft, max height 65 ft (§ 17.82.050–.090). Signs and parking defer to their chapters (§ 17.82.100–.110).

CRMU Commercial-Residential Mixed Use

  • Purpose: Encourage a compatible mix of residential and commercial in walkable formats (§ 17.78.020–.030).
  • Uses: Permitted uses include those allowed in C-O and C-1, plus multifamily and live/work (with limits). Explicitly prohibits uses incompatible with residential (e.g., drive-through restaurants, car sales, hospitals) unless found compatible (§ 17.78.040).

M-1 Limited Manufacturing

  • Typical permitted uses: Any C-2 use (no dwellings), plus a wide range of light industrial, warehousing, labs, kennels, and certain outdoor storage behind a 6 ft solid wall; oil/gas allowed by CUP per Chapter 17.140; commercial cannabis activity allowed per Title 19 (§ 17.84.020). Max height 35 ft (§ 17.84.030); yards are centerline-based (front) with no side/rear for industrial buildings (§ 17.84.040–.060).

M-2 Light Manufacturing

  • Typical permitted uses: All M-1 uses plus heavier manufacturing/processing lists (e.g., canneries, breweries, machine shops, welding/electroplating, trucking yards, petroleum storage up to specific limits) (§ 17.88.020). Max height 75 ft; centerline-based front yard; no side/rear for industrial buildings (§ 17.88.030–.060).

M-3 General Manufacturing

  • Typical permitted uses: All M-2 uses plus heavy industries (e.g., foundries, refineries subject to distance conditions, chemical manufacture) and additional intensive uses with technology-based controls (§ 17.92.020). Max height 150 ft (§ 17.92.030). Some very heavy/intensive activities also appear as CUPs in § 17.152.030(8).

A-2 General Agricultural

  • Typical permitted uses: All A-1 uses (not retrieved) plus comprehensive agricultural and grazing uses, feed yards, and animal sales yards; oil/gas drilling is permitted by-right under Chapter 17.140 in this zone (§ 17.98.020). Housing must meet R-1 standards; keep 60 ft from street centerline for buildings (§ 17.98.030).

PR Parks and Recreation

  • Purpose: Public and private park/recreation facilities citywide with compatibility findings (§ 17.100.020). Principal uses include community recreation facilities, courts, greenbelts, and some civic uses (§ 17.100.030). CUPs can allow amphitheaters, golf courses, and similar (§ 17.100.060). Key standards: max height 35 ft, front 25 ft, side 5/10 ft street side, rear 15 ft; no minimum lot size (§ 17.100.070–.110).

M-P Mobile Home Park

  • Uses: Mobile home parks with accessory community facilities; expressly prohibits home occupations and commercial activities (§ 17.128.020–.030). Standards include max height 35 ft, front 10 ft (or match abutting R/E/A zone), side/rear 5 ft, and 10 ft separations (§ 17.128.040–.070).

B Buffer Zone (combining)

  • Purpose: Transition buffer around uses—applies in combination with a base zone. Uses are from the underlying zone, with special limitations (e.g., strict sign limits, no junkyards unless fully enclosed; CUPs may allow service stations, hotels, restaurants) (§ 17.116.020–.030).

P-D Precise Development

  • Purpose: Custom, master-planned zoning that references another district for its allowed uses; requires an approved precise plan before any land is graded or used (§ 17.132.020–.030).

Citywide conditional use framework

  • CUPs may allow public-interest uses anywhere (airports, cemeteries, utilities, large assemblies) and then list zone-specific CUPs for zones like C-O, C-1, M-3, and R-1/R-2/R-3/R-4 (e.g., churches, schools, hospitals) (§ 17.152.020–.030).

Oil and gas overlay rules

  • Oil/gas drilling: By-right in M-3, A-2, A-1 with statewide safety compliance; by CUP in residential, estate, and commercial districts (§ 17.140.030–.040).

Citywide “development standards” that affect uses

  • Operational and edge conditions (e.g., no parking in most front setbacks, enclosure of commercial operations, screening at residential edges, lighting) apply to new or substantially improved uses (§ 17.134.020). See Development Standards.

Quick comparison table (selected districts)

District Typical permitted uses Key dimensional rules Code Reference
R-1-5 One-family homes; accessory uses; secondary residential unit; home occupations only by permit Front 15/20 ft, Side 5/10 ft, Rear 10–20 ft, Max height 35 ft § 17.16.030; § 17.16.080–.100; § 17.153.020
R-2 Any R-1 use; duplex/two one-family; beekeeping Max height 35 ft; Front 25 ft (context/centerline rules) § 17.20.020–.040
C-O Offices, clinics, selected retail/services Max height 45 ft; Front 40/45/55 ft by street class; No side; Rear 20 ft § 17.72.020; § 17.72.040–.080
C-1 All C-O uses plus neighborhood commercial; B&B; recreation (health clubs, billiards) Rear 20 ft unless alley; No side for non-res; separation rules § 17.76.020; § 17.76.050–.080
C-2 General commercial (full list not retrieved); SRO by CUP Max height 6–10 stories; Front 40/45/55 ft; Rear 20 ft; No side § 17.80.022–.080
CH Highway-serving retail/service (motorist-oriented) Lot ≥7,500 sf/100 ft width; Front 70 ft; Side 0/20 ft at res; Rear 20 ft; Max 65 ft § 17.82.010–.090
M-1 Light industrial, warehousing; many uses if enclosed Max height 35 ft; centerline front; no side/rear for industrial buildings § 17.84.020–.060
M-2 M-1 plus broader manufacturing list Max height 75 ft; centerline front; no side/rear for industrial buildings § 17.88.020–.060
M-3 M-2 plus heavy industries and refineries (conditions) Max height 150 ft § 17.92.020–.030
A-2 Full agriculture incl. feed yards; oil/gas by-right Housing to R-1 rules; 60 ft from centerline § 17.98.020–.030

Notes: The C-2 uses list itself was not included in the retrieved pages (Not found in retrieved materials). For any parcel, confirm applicable overlays in Overlay Districts and whether your project triggers Design Review, Signage, or Parking chapters.

Checklist

  • Identify your base district on the adopted zoning map (§ 17.08.020).
  • Confirm your proposed activity is a “permitted use” in that district; if not, assess CUP options (§ 17.152.010–.030).
  • Check dimensional standards: setbacks, height, lot size for your district (e.g., § 17.16.080–.100 for R-1-5; § 17.80.030–.080 for C-2).
  • Verify applicable citywide Development Standards, including enclosure, screening, and lighting (§ 17.134.020).
  • If residential, confirm if an ADU is desired and eligible for ministerial approval (§ 17.136.150). Also check any legacy “secondary residential unit” rules if applicable.
  • Check overlays/special zones (e.g., P-D precise plan requirement; B buffer limitations) (§ 17.132; § 17.116).
  • Confirm Nonconforming Uses implications if the site/use predates current zoning (§ 17.137.010).
  • Coordinate Parking and Signage compliance referenced in several districts (e.g., CH § 17.82.100–.110).

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
C-2 “uses permitted” list The retrieved text includes C-2 standards but not the full permitted-uses list Obtain § 17.80.020 (Not found in retrieved materials); clarify if your use is by-right or CUP
Mixed references inside C-O chapter § 17.72.080 references “C-2” lot area; may be a codification artifact Confirm lot-area requirements for C-O with staff; consider Variances and Exceptions if needed
Legacy “secondary residential unit” vs. current ADU rules Older CUP-based “second unit” provisions coexist with the newer ministerial ADU chapter For new ADUs, rely on § 17.136.150; only use the legacy CUP path if choosing a discretionary route; confirm with Planning
Highway Commercial (CH) permitted uses Chapter shows purpose/standards, not a clear permitted-uses matrix in what we retrieved Request § 17.82.030–.040 (Not found in retrieved materials) to confirm use allowances
Industrial outdoor activities Some M-1 uses require full enclosure or masonry screening; missteps trigger corrections Review § 17.84.020 and § 17.134.020.L early in site planning
Oil/gas permissions by zone Drilling rules vary sharply by zone (by-right vs. CUP) Check § 17.140.030–.040 alongside your base district
Estate animal-keeping E-7/E-8 allow limited large animals by acreage Confirm lot size and neighbor interface under § 17.64.010; § 17.68.010

Plain-English Summary

Zoning in McFarland tells you what you can do on your lot, how big it can be, and where it can sit. Homes in R-1-5 have specific setbacks and height caps; offices go in C-O; shopping in C-1/C-2/CH; and manufacturing scales from M-1 to M-3. If your use isn’t listed, you’ll likely need a Conditional Use Permit—and some uses (like oil/gas) flip from CUP to by-right depending on the zone. Start by confirming your district, then match your use to its permissions and standards.

Source References

  • Zoning map, zones list, and “permit only what’s listed” rule: § 17.08.010–.040
  • Conditional Use Permits, general and zone-specific: § 17.152.010–.030
  • R-1-5 permitted uses and development standards: § 17.16.030; § 17.16.060–.170
  • R-2 permitted uses and basic standards: § 17.20.020–.040
  • Estate districts added allowances: § 17.64.010; § 17.68.010
  • C-O uses and standards: § 17.72.020; § 17.72.040–.080; § 17.72.060–.070
  • C-1 uses and dimensional rules: § 17.76.020; § 17.76.040–.080
  • C-2 standards and CUPs: § 17.80.022–.080
  • CH purpose and standards: § 17.82.010–.110
  • CRMU uses and purpose: § 17.78.020–.040
  • M-1 uses and standards: § 17.84.020–.090
  • M-2 uses and standards: § 17.88.020–.060
  • M-3 uses and standards: § 17.92.020–.030
  • A-2 uses and setbacks: § 17.98.020–.030
  • PR uses and standards: § 17.100.030; § 17.100.060–.110
  • M-P mobile home park uses and standards: § 17.128.020–.070
  • Buffer (B) zone allowances/limits: § 17.116.020–.030
  • Precise Development (P-D): § 17.132.020–.040
  • Development Standards (citywide): § 17.134.020
  • Oil and gas by-right vs. CUP by zone: § 17.140.030–.040
  • Nonconforming uses: § 17.137.010

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • McFarland Zoning Code (§ 30.00) High relevance
  • McFarland Zoning Code (chapter shall) High relevance
  • McFarland Zoning Code (§ 29.01) High relevance
  • McFarland Zoning Code (Title 17.) High relevance
  • McFarland Zoning Code (title or) High relevance
  • McFarland Zoning Code (§ 5) High relevance
  • CFC § 18.01 (§ 18.01) High relevance
  • McFarland Zoning Code (section is) High relevance
  • McFarland Zoning Code (Section 17.152.010) High relevance
  • McFarland Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
  • CBC § 1 (§ 1) Medium relevance
  • McFarland Zoning Code (§ 21.03) Medium relevance
  • CBC § 1 (§ 1) Medium relevance
  • McFarland Zoning Code Medium relevance
  • McFarland Zoning Code (§ 5) Medium relevance
  • McFarland Zoning Code (§ 22.06) High relevance
  • McFarland Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
  • McFarland Zoning Code (§ 22.01) Medium relevance
  • McFarland Zoning Code (§ 5) Medium relevance
  • McFarland Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
  • McFarland Zoning Code (§ 19.05) Medium relevance
  • CFC § 19.02 (§ 19.02) Medium relevance
  • McFarland Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
  • McFarland Zoning Code (Section 17.140.050.) Medium relevance
  • McFarland Zoning Code (Chapter 17.134) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

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

A one-family home with typical accessories is allowed by right, with setbacks of 15/20 ft front, 5/10 ft side, and 10–20 ft rear, and a 35 ft height cap. A “secondary residential unit” is listed as permitted, and you may also be eligible for a ministerial ADU per the citywide ADU chapter (§ 17.16.030; § 17.16.080–.100; § 17.136.150).

Are home businesses allowed in McFarland neighborhoods?

Yes, but only in R-1 and R-2 with a Home Occupation Permit, and they must meet listed operating standards; many business types are prohibited (e.g., auto repair) (§ 17.153.020–.050).

What’s the difference between C-O and C-1 for commercial uses?

C-O focuses on offices, clinics, and certain services/retail, while C-1 allows all C-O uses and adds broader neighborhood-serving uses like health clubs and billiard parlors (§ 17.72.020; § 17.76.020). Dimensional rules differ slightly by chapter.

Can I do heavy industrial work in McFarland?

Heavier manufacturing moves from M-1 (light) to M-2 (broader list) to M-3 (heavy industry, including refineries with conditions). Check the long permitted-use lists in § 17.88.020 and § 17.92.020 and height limits (75 ft in M-2; 150 ft in M-3).

Are oil and gas wells allowed?

Yes—by-right in M-3, A-2, and A-1, subject to safety laws; in residential, estate, and commercial zones, drilling requires a Conditional Use Permit (§ 17.140.030–.040).

Do commercial uses need to be indoors?

Generally yes in C-O, C-1, and C-2, with limited exceptions (gas stations, outdoor dining, nurseries/garden shops). This is a citywide development standard (§ 17.134.020.L.3).

What’s allowed in Highway Commercial (CH) by Highway 99?

The chapter emphasizes highway-oriented retail/service with specific lot size, large front setbacks, and a 65 ft height cap (§ 17.82.010–.090). The exact permitted-uses list was not in the retrieved pages—Verify with the jurisdiction.

How do “Precise Development” (P-D) sites work?

A P-D rezoning ties your site to a “zone of reference” for allowed uses and requires an approved precise plan before grading or use; it can run with or follow a rezoning action (§ 17.132.020–.040).

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