Local zoning · McFarland

McFarland — Zoning

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

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

Overview

McFarland’s zoning rules live in Title 17 of the McFarland Municipal Code and are implemented on the official zoning map that assigns each parcel to a district with specific use and development standards. The code lists the city’s base districts and combining districts (overlays) and makes clear that uses are allowed only if they are listed as permitted or conditionally permitted for the mapped district. See the citywide zoning & planning overview for context. The rules below cite the controlling sections of Title 17.

The most important rule: if a use or standard isn’t listed as allowed for your mapped district, it’s not allowed (§ 17.08.040) .

How McFarland organizes zoning

  • Title and map: Title 17 is the “Land Use Zoning Ordinance” and it’s implemented by the official “zoning map,” which is part of the code (§ 17.04.020; § 17.08.020) .
  • Boundaries: When a zone boundary is unclear, the code provides rules and assigns the planning commission to determine the exact line (§ 17.08.030) .
  • List of districts: McFarland establishes residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, and combining (overlay) zones, including but not limited to R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-S, E through E‑8, C‑O, C‑1, C‑2, M‑1, M‑2, M‑3, A‑1, A‑2, P, and combining D, H, B, M‑H, M‑S, M‑P, P‑D (§ 17.08.010) . McFarland also has a Highway Commercial (CH) district adopted later (§ 17.82.010) .

Decision‑relevant standards at a glance

The table highlights commonly used districts seen in current applications. Always confirm your parcel’s mapped district and any overlays before relying on these numbers.

District Height limit Front yard Side yard Rear yard Min. lot area/width Selected permitted uses Code Reference
R‑1‑5 (single‑family) 35 ft Not found in retrieved materials See access./yard rules below Not found in retrieved materials Not found in retrieved materials One single‑family residence; accessory structures; parking and open space as specified § 17.16.0100; § 17.16.120; § 17.16.130; § 17.16.140
C‑O (Professional Office) 4 stories / 45 ft Centerline setbacks: 40 ft local; 45 ft secondary; 55 ft major None required 20 ft (alley exception) Not found in retrieved materials Offices; related retail/services (e.g., clinics, labs, barber/beauty, R&D) § 17.72.020; § 17.72.040–.070
C‑1 (Neighborhood Commercial) Not found in retrieved materials Centerline setbacks as above None (dwellings follow R‑4) 20 ft (alley exception) Not found in retrieved materials Typical neighborhood‑serving retail/services (Not found in retrieved materials) § 17.76.040–.060; .080
C‑2 (Commercial) Up to 6 stories/75 ft; absolute max 10 stories/135 ft with stepbacks Centerline setbacks as above Not found in retrieved materials 20 ft (alley exception) 7,500 sf minimum General commercial; see conditional use list for additions § 17.80.030–.080
CH (Highway Commercial) 65 ft 70 ft from property line None; if abutting res., 20 ft paved 20 ft paved 7,500 sf per use; 100 ft width Travel‑oriented retail: hotels/motels, restaurants, convenience/fueling § 17.82.030; .050–.090
M‑1 (Limited Manufacturing) 2 stories / 35 ft Not found in retrieved materials Not found in retrieved materials Not found in retrieved materials Not found in retrieved materials Light manufacturing; warehousing; many C‑2 uses allowed § 17.84.010–.030

For cross‑cutting site rules that often apply regardless of district (e.g., screening, interface walls, and parking surfacing), see McFarland’s Development Standards. Examples include requirements for paved parking and maneuvering, lighting spillover controls, and screening at residential edges (§ 17.134.020) . Parking ratios and design are in Chapter 17.144, and many zones point directly to those rules (e.g., CH § 17.82.110; R‑1‑5 § 17.16.130) — also see the city’s Parking page .

District‑by‑district

Below is a district‑specific synthesis of purpose, typical allowed uses, key dimensional standards, and where the district is intended to apply. “Where it applies” should be confirmed on the zoning map (§ 17.08.020) .

R‑1 One‑Family Dwelling

  • Purpose: Not found in retrieved materials.
  • Typical permitted uses: One‑family dwellings; additional R‑1 allowances are listed in § 17.12.020 (partial list retrieved) .
  • Key standards: Not found in retrieved materials for setbacks/height in Chapter 17.12. See R‑1‑5 below for current single‑family standards applied via Chapter 17.16.
  • Where it applies: As mapped; verify with the zoning map (§ 17.08.020) .

R‑1‑5 Single‑Family Residential (current single‑family standards)

  • Purpose: Establishes lot‑level development rules for single‑family areas; Chapter 17.16 replaced an older R‑1‑C chapter (editor’s note) (§ 17.16 footnote) .
  • Typical permitted uses: Single‑family residence with accessory structures; on‑site parking; required open space (§ 17.16.120; § 17.16.130; § 17.16.140) .
  • Key standards: 35 ft max height (§ 17.16.0100); 10 ft min distance between structures (§ 17.16.090); accessory structure size and placement limits (§ 17.16.120) .
  • Where it applies: Single‑family neighborhoods as mapped (§ 17.08.020) .

R‑2 Two‑Family Dwelling

  • Purpose: Not found in retrieved materials.
  • Typical permitted uses: Not found in retrieved materials; home occupations may be allowed with a permit (§ 17.153.020) .
  • Key standards: Not found in retrieved materials.
  • Where it applies: Verify with the zoning map (§ 17.08.020) .

R‑3 Limited Multiple‑Family

  • Purpose: Not found in retrieved materials.
  • Typical permitted uses: Not found in retrieved materials.
  • Key standards: Not found in retrieved materials.
  • Where it applies: Verify with the zoning map (§ 17.08.020) .

R‑4 Multiple‑Family

  • Purpose: Not found in retrieved materials.
  • Typical permitted uses: Not found in retrieved materials.
  • Key standards: C‑1/C‑2 chapters reference R‑4 standards for dwellings in commercial districts (§ 17.76.050; § 17.80.080) .
  • Where it applies: Verify with the zoning map.

R‑S Suburban Residential

  • Purpose/uses/standards: Not found in retrieved materials.

R‑1‑C One‑Family Dwelling and Limited Commercial

  • Purpose/uses/standards: Chapter 17.16 formerly addressed R‑1‑C but was replaced (editor’s note). Current standards not found in retrieved materials (§ 17.16 footnote) .

E; E‑1 … E‑8 Estate

  • Purpose: Not found in retrieved materials.
  • Typical permitted uses: “Secondary residential units” allowed in E zones via conditional use provisions (§ 17.152.030(12)) .
  • Key standards: Not found in retrieved materials.
  • Where it applies: Verify with the zoning map.

C‑O Professional Office

  • Purpose: Offices and related uses (§ 17.72.010–.020) .
  • Typical permitted uses: Professional and medical offices; labs; barber/beauty; R&D; related services (§ 17.72.020) .
  • Key standards: 4 stories/45 ft max; front setbacks from centerlines; no side yard; 20 ft rear yard; wall‑mounted signs only, no projection above roof (§ 17.72.040–.070; § 17.72.030) .
  • Where it applies: Along corridors and nodes mapped for office/professional use.

C‑1 Neighborhood Commercial

  • Purpose: Not found in retrieved materials.
  • Typical permitted uses: Not found in retrieved materials.
  • Key standards: Front yard via centerline distances; side yard none (residential buildings follow R‑4); 20 ft rear yard; minimum separations between residential/accessory buildings (§ 17.76.040–.060; .080) .
  • Where it applies: Neighborhood‑scale commercial nodes; verify via map.

C‑2 Commercial

  • Purpose: General commercial core areas (implied by standards).
  • Typical permitted uses: Not found in retrieved materials; additional uses may be allowed by conditional use permit (§ 17.152.020/.030 referenced in several chapters) .
  • Key standards: Height up to 6 stories/75 ft; absolute max 10 stories/135 ft with additional setbacks; centerline‑based front yards; 20 ft rear yard (alley exception); 7,500 sf minimum lot area (§ 17.80.030–.080) .
  • Where it applies: Mapped commercial corridors/downtown.

CH Highway Commercial

  • Purpose: Travel‑oriented commercial along Highway 99 (§ 17.82.010) .
  • Typical permitted uses: Hotels/motels; fast‑food and sit‑down restaurants; convenience stores with/without fueling; travel centers; temporary farmers markets/fireworks (limited by time) (§ 17.82.030) .
  • Key standards: 65 ft height; 70 ft front setback from property line; no side yard, but 20 ft paved when abutting residential; 20 ft paved rear yard; min. lot 7,500 sf and 100 ft width; plan submittal/approval by planning commission and adoption by council resolution; signage/parking per Chapters 17.142 and 17.144 (§ 17.82.020–.090; .100–.110) .

M‑1 Limited Manufacturing

  • Purpose: Light industrial, warehousing, and compatible commercial (§ 17.84.010–.020) .
  • Typical permitted uses: Light manufacturing/assembly within buildings; wholesale/warehousing; animal hospitals/kennels; and any C‑2 use; certain outdoor storage only with 6‑ft masonry screening (§ 17.84.020) .
  • Key standards: 2 stories/35 ft height; other dimensional standards not found in retrieved materials (§ 17.84.030) .
  • Where it applies: Industrial areas as mapped.

M‑2 Light Manufacturing

  • Purpose/uses/standards: Not found in retrieved materials.

M‑3 General Manufacturing

  • Purpose: Heavy industrial.
  • Typical permitted/conditional uses: CUP list includes stockyards/slaughter, dairy/feed yards, dumps/refuse disposal, junk/salvage/wrecking yards, sewage treatment (§ 17.152.030(8)) .
  • Oil/gas: Oil/gas operations are allowed by right in M‑3 subject to state/local safety rules (§ 17.140.030); oil/gas in many other zones requires a CUP (§ 17.140.040) .
  • Key standards: Not found in retrieved materials.

A‑1 Light Agricultural; A‑2 General Agricultural

  • Purpose/uses/standards: Not found in retrieved materials.
  • Oil/gas: Drilling allowed by right with conditions (§ 17.140.030) .

P Automobile Parking

  • Purpose/uses/standards: Not found in retrieved materials. Note: Site design is governed by Chapter 17.144; see Parking and § 17.144.020 for residential second‑unit parking cross‑reference .

D Architectural Design (combining/overlay)

  • Applicability: Used near civic centers, parks, public buildings; may be applied elsewhere at owner request (§ 17.108.040) .
  • Function: Imposes architectural review for harmonious design (chapter indicates commission review prior to permits; see also citywide Design Review) (Ord. 109 § 27.02 noted in chapter) .

H Airport Approach Height (combining/overlay)

  • Applicability: Applied together with a base zone (§ 17.112.010) .
  • Key standards: Limits heights to avoid air navigation hazards under federal criteria; an absolute 35‑ft “safe” height is recognized; individual limits may be set case‑by‑case (§ 17.112.030) .

B Buffer (combining/overlay)

  • Purpose/standards: Not found in retrieved materials (chapter heading present). Verify mapped areas and any special setback/landscaping requirements.

M‑H Mobile Home One‑Family Dwelling; M‑S Mobile Home Subdivision; M‑P Mobile Home Park

  • Purpose/uses/standards: Not found in retrieved materials.

P‑D Precise Development (combining)

  • Purpose: Allows a precise plan to govern development; often used for complex or mixed projects (§ 17.132.020–.030) .
  • Process: No permits until a P‑D plan is approved; the plan must show buildings, parking, circulation, landscaping, walls/fences, and key statistics (§ 17.132.030–.040) .

Cross‑district rules you’ll likely encounter

  • General development standards: Screening at residential edges, parking surfacing, lighting spillover, trash enclosure screening, architectural compatibility (§ 17.134.020). See Development Standards .
  • Signage: Districts either include their own sign rules (e.g., C‑O wall‑mounted only, no projection above the roof, § 17.72.030) or defer to the sign chapter (e.g., CH defers to Chapter 17.142). See Signage for sign review pathways .
  • Home occupations: Allowed in R‑1 and R‑2 with a permit (§ 17.153.020) .
  • ADUs/secondary units: “Secondary residential units” are listed for R‑1 and E zones (§ 17.152.030(11)–(12)); detailed “second unit” criteria appear in legacy provisions (§ 17.152.030; and second‑unit CUP procedures), while more recent ADU provisions are codified at § 17.136.150. See the city’s ADUs page for the current local/state alignment and note parking cross‑references to Chapter 17.144 (§ 17.152.030(11); § 17.136.150; § 17.144.020) .
  • Nonconforming: Existing nonconforming structures/uses are tightly controlled; expansions are limited and reconstructions are constrained by valuation and timing (§ 17.137.010–.020). See Nonconforming Uses for process details .
  • Amendments, variances, zone changes: Variances and zone changes are in Chapters 17.148 and 17.162 (applications, notices, hearings, and criteria) — see Variances and Exceptions (§ 17.148.020–.080; § 17.162.020–.040) .

Separate from zoning, construction is governed by the California Building Standards Code. Zoning approval does not replace building code compliance.

Checklist

  • Identify your mapped base district and any overlays on the official zoning map (§ 17.08.020) .
  • Confirm your proposed use is permitted or conditionally permitted for that district (§ 17.08.040; district‑specific chapters) .
  • Check height, yard setbacks, and lot standards for your district (e.g., C‑2 § 17.80.030–.080; CH § 17.82.050–.090; R‑1‑5 § 17.16.090–.140) .
  • Verify cross‑district development standards (screening, surfacing, lighting) (§ 17.134.020) and whether Design Review or D overlay applies (§ 17.108.040) .
  • Confirm Parking requirements (e.g., CH defers to Chapter 17.144; R‑1‑5 on‑site spaces) (§ 17.82.110; § 17.16.130) .
  • If proposing an ADU/second unit, align with Chapter 17.136.150 and any legacy second‑unit conditions, and confirm parking/processing (§ 17.136.150; § 17.152.030; § 17.144.020) .
  • If nonconforming, determine what changes are allowed (§ 17.137.010–.020) .
  • If standards cannot be met, evaluate a variance or zone change path (§ 17.148.020; § 17.162.020–.040) .

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Conflicting chapter references for C‑district standards Some commercial standards appear across Chapters 17.72, 17.76, and 17.80 with overlapping references to C‑1/C‑2 Confirm the current controlling chapter for your site with the planning department and the latest codification (e.g., C‑2 § 17.80.030–.080) .
Legacy “second unit” rules vs. modern ADU statute Older CUP‑based “secondary residential unit” provisions coexist with newer ADU sections Apply Chapter 17.136.150 first for ADUs; use § 17.152.030 only as legacy context; confirm processing with staff .
Overlay triggers (D, H, B) Overlays can change heights, design process, or safety limits Check the zoning map and applicable overlay chapter (e.g., D § 17.108.040; H § 17.112.030) .
Oil/gas allowances Certain zones allow oil/gas by right; others require CUP Verify site zone and CUP requirements (§ 17.140.030–.040) .
Nonconformities on older parcels Expansion/rebuild limits affect feasibility Review nonconforming rules and document valuations/timelines (§ 17.137.010–.020) .

Plain‑English Summary

Zoning in McFarland is map‑based: each parcel gets a district, and only the uses and building envelopes listed for that district are allowed. Start by checking your mapped district, then match your project to the district’s permitted uses and standards, and finally apply the citywide development and parking rules. Overlays like the D Architectural Design or H Airport zones can add extra limits, and ADUs follow the city’s newer ADU chapter rather than the older “second unit” process.

Source References

  • Title 17 purpose/definitions; establishment of zones; zoning map; boundary rules; uses permitted in zones: § 17.04.020; § 17.08.010–.040 .
  • R‑1 chapter start and uses (partial): § 17.12.010–.020 .
  • R‑1‑5 standards: § 17.16.090–.150 and editor’s note on chapter replacement .
  • C‑O standards and uses: § 17.72.010–.070; signs: § 17.72.030 .
  • C‑1 standards (front/side/rear; distances): § 17.76.040–.060; .080 .
  • C‑2 standards (height, yards, area): § 17.80.030–.080 .
  • CH purpose, uses, standards: § 17.82.010–.110 .
  • M‑1 uses/height: § 17.84.010–.030 .
  • P‑D combining zone: § 17.132.020–.040 .
  • D Architectural Design overlay applicability: § 17.108.040 .
  • H Airport Approach Height overlay: § 17.112.010–.030 .
  • Development Standards: § 17.134.020 .
  • Home Occupations: § 17.153.010–.030 .
  • ADU/second‑unit references: § 17.136.150; § 17.152.030; § 17.144.020 .
  • Nonconforming: § 17.137.010–.020 .
  • Variances/zone changes; amendments: § 17.148.020–.080; § 17.162.020–.040 .
  • Oil/gas allowances: § 17.140.020–.040 .

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • McFarland Zoning Code (§ 2.74) High relevance
  • McFarland Zoning Code (§ 34.02) High relevance
  • McFarland Zoning Code (Title 17) High relevance
  • McFarland Zoning Code (§ 27.02) High relevance
  • McFarland Zoning Code (§ 5) High relevance
  • CFC § 20.04 (§ 20.04) High relevance
  • McFarland Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
  • McFarland Zoning Code (§ 3.02) High relevance
  • McFarland Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
  • McFarland Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
  • McFarland Zoning Code (§ 32.17) High relevance
  • McFarland Zoning Code (§ 30.00) High relevance
  • McFarland Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
  • McFarland Zoning Code (Section 17.144.020) High relevance
  • McFarland Zoning Code (Chapter 17.134) High relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

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

A single‑family home with typical accessory structures is allowed. Current single‑family standards are in Chapter 17.16 (R‑1‑5), including a 35‑ft max height and 10‑ft minimum distance between structures; on‑site parking and usable open space are required (§ 17.16.0100; § 17.16.090; § 17.16.130–.140). Verify your specific lot’s mapped district and overlays (§ 17.08.020) .

Are duplexes allowed in McFarland?

Duplexes belong in the R‑2 zone. The retrieved materials confirm the district’s existence but do not include a full permitted‑use list or standards. Home occupations are allowed in R‑2 with a permit (§ 17.153.020). Not found in retrieved materials for other R‑2 standards; verify with the jurisdiction .

What are the basic commercial setbacks and heights?

In C‑2, buildings may reach 6 stories/75 ft (up to 10 stories/135 ft with additional setbacks), with centerline‑based front setbacks and a 20‑ft rear yard; minimum lot area is 7,500 sf (§ 17.80.030–.080). C‑1 follows similar front/side/rear patterns but with different internal separation rules (§ 17.76.040–.060; .080) .

What uses are allowed in the Highway Commercial (CH) zone along 99?

CH focuses on traveler‑serving uses like hotels/motels, restaurants (with/without drive‑through), convenience stores/fueling, and travel centers. Height is up to 65 ft; the front setback is 70 ft from the property line, with 20‑ft paved yards at the sides (when abutting residential) and rear (§ 17.82.030; § 17.82.060–.090) .

Do I need design review?

Projects in the D Architectural Design overlay, near civic sites and parks, are subject to design oversight; CH projects also require plan submittal to the planning commission and adoption by council resolution (§ 17.108.040; § 17.82.020–.030). Always confirm whether a combining district applies to your parcel .

Can I add an ADU to my single‑family lot?

Yes, but follow the city’s ADU chapter (§ 17.136.150). Older “secondary residential unit” rules (e.g., CUP procedures and specific size/owner‑occupancy standards) still appear in Title 17 but should be read as legacy; parking is referenced to Chapter 17.144 (§ 17.152.030; § 17.144.020). Verify the current submittal pathway with staff .

What happens if my building or use is nonconforming?

Existing nonconforming structures/uses may continue with limits on expansion; rebuilds after damage are allowed within valuation and timing caps (start within one year, no expansion) (§ 17.137.010–.020). Plan carefully before investing in expansions or changes; many modifications require approvals .

How are zoning changes or variances processed?

Variances are granted by the planning commission under specific findings (§ 17.148.020). Map/text amendments and reclassifications can be initiated by the city or an applicant with notice and hearings (§ 17.162.020–.040) .

Are there special height limits near the airport?

Yes. The H Airport Approach Height overlay limits structure/tree heights based on air navigation criteria; a 35‑ft height is always permissible, and higher limits are considered case‑by‑case (§ 17.112.030) .

Can industrial zones include commercial uses?

In M‑1, any C‑2 use is allowed, and most light industrial/warehouse uses are permitted when enclosed; some outdoor yards are allowed with a 6‑ft masonry wall (§ 17.84.020). Height is limited to two stories/35 ft (§ 17.84.030) .

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