Local zoning · Mendocino County

Mendocino County — Zoning

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

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

Overview

Mendocino County’s zoning rules live in Title 20 of the County Code and apply only in the unincorporated areas. Three parallel parts matter: the inland code (Division I), the coastal code (Division II), and the Town of Mendocino code (Division III). Always confirm your parcel’s base zoning and any combining/overlay, then check whether you’re in the Coastal Zone or the Town of Mendocino segment before using this page as a guide.

Key rule in plain English: In unincorporated Mendocino County, you must follow the base zoning for your parcel plus any more-restrictive combining/overlay rules, and if you’re in the Coastal Zone or in the Town of Mendocino, the coastal or town-specific zoning supersedes the inland code.

Where to find your zone: The County’s official zoning maps are adopted “by APN computer printout,” maintained by the Clerk of the Board and Planning & Building Services; uncertainties in boundaries are resolved by the Planning Director using map centerlines/lot lines and similar rules.

  • Zoning map adoption and maintenance: see § 20.040.020 and boundary rules in § 20.040.025; districts are established in § 20.040.005.

Link to related topics you’ll likely need: Mendocino County zoning & planning overview, Mendocino County Land Use, Mendocino County Development Standards, Mendocino County Parking, Mendocino County Design Review, Mendocino County Overlay Districts, Mendocino County Nonconforming Uses.

Inland Zoning (Division I — Mendocino County Zoning Code)

The inland code establishes residential, agricultural/resource, mixed-use, commercial, industrial, public, and open-space districts. The full roster is in § 20.040.005 (e.g., S‑R, R‑R, A‑G, U‑R, R‑L, F‑L, TPZ, R‑1, R‑2, R‑3, R‑C, MU‑2, MUNS, MUBST, C‑1, C‑2, I‑1, I‑2, P‑I, O‑S, P‑F).

Combining/overlay districts include, among others, AZ (Airport), C (Cluster), CA (Cannabis Accommodation), CC (Community Character), CP (Commercial Cannabis Prohibition), FP (Flood Plain), IS (Isolated Service), L (Special Minimum Lot Size), MP (Mineral Processing), PD (Planned Development), P (Plan), R (Commercial Resort), SS (Seismic Study). If there’s conflict, the combining district—and among overlaps, the most stringent—controls. § 20.040.010.

Below is a district-by-district snapshot (purpose, common allowed uses, key dimensional standards, where applied). For complete permitted and conditional uses, consult the chapter listed.

S‑R — Suburban Residential

  • Purpose: Neighborhoods with suburban services. § 20.044.005. Noted in district list; density/yard standards shown below.
  • Typical permitted uses: Single-family; limited civic and ag accessory types; density varies by utility service status. § 20.044.030.
  • Key standards: Front/rear 20 ft; sides 6 ft; height 35 ft. §§ 20.044.035–.045.
  • Where applied: Unincorporated suburban/community areas per § 20.040.005.

R‑R — Rural Residential

  • Purpose: Large-lot residential compatible with small-scale agriculture. § 20.048.005.
  • Typical permitted uses: Single-family; accessory ag; limited civic. § 20.048.010.
  • Key standards: Density tiers via “L” suffix (e.g., R‑R:L‑1 1/40,000 sq ft; L‑2 1/80,000; L‑5 1/5 ac; L‑10 1/10 ac); front/rear 20/30/50 ft (by suffix); sides 6/30/50 ft; height 35 ft. §§ 20.048.030–.050.
  • Where applied: Rural/semi-rural areas lacking urban services. § 20.048.005.

A‑G — Agricultural

  • Purpose: Preserve lands for crop/animal raising and processing of on‑premises products. § 20.052.005.
  • Typical permitted uses: Single-family; essential services; broad ag use types. § 20.052.010.
  • Key standards: See chapter; confirm parcel-specific minimums via General Plan compatibility and any “L” combining. § 20.040.005; § 20.132.010 (if “L” applies).
  • Where applied: Ag preserve areas and productive ag lands. § 20.052.005.

U‑R — Upland Residential

  • Purpose: Very low-density residential in remote uplands. § 20.040.005.
  • Typical permitted/permit uses: Single-family; certain civic/ag and limited transient lodging by permit. §§ 20.056.015–.020.
  • Key standards: Minimum lot size 20 ac (L‑20) or 40 ac (L‑40); density 1/20 ac or 1/40 ac; yards front/rear/sides 50 ft; height 35 ft. §§ 20.056.025–.050.

R‑L — Rangeland

  • Purpose: Grazing, natural resource production, watershed protection; allows on‑site processing and certain ag‑related commercial uses. § 20.060.005.
  • Typical permitted uses: Single-family; stockyards/kennels; broad ag uses. § 20.060.010.
  • Key standards: See chapter; confirm minimums via General Plan and any combining districts. (Development buffers to ag may also apply; see Coastal analogs.)
  • Where applied: Rangelands and preserves. § 20.060.005.

TPZ — Timberland Production

  • Purpose: Maintain timberlands for growing/harvesting timber; compatibility finding required for use permits. § 20.068.025.
  • Key standards: Min lot 160 ac; density 1/160 ac; front/rear/sides 50 ft; height 35 ft. §§ 20.068.030–.055.

R‑1 — Single‑Family Residential

  • Purpose: Neighborhoods suitable for single‑family homes and appurtenant community services. § 20.072.005.
  • Key standards: Density: SF 1/6,000 sq ft with water & sewer; 1/12,000 with either; 1/40,000 if neither. Front/rear 20 ft; sides 6 ft; height 35 ft. §§ 20.072.030–.045.

R‑2 — Two‑Family Residential

  • Purpose: Medium‑density areas with single- and two‑family dwellings. § 20.076.005.
  • Key standards: Density (with water & sewer): SF 1/6,000; 2‑family 1/6,000; mobile home parks 1/4,000; with one utility: 1/12,000; without utilities: 1/40,000 (2‑family not permitted). Front/rear 20 ft; sides 6 ft; height 35 ft. §§ 20.076.025–.045.

R‑3 — Multiple‑Family Residential

  • Purpose: Higher‑density residential and compatible professional/institutional uses. § 20.080.005.
  • Key standards: With water & sewer: SF/MHP 1/4,000; multi‑family 1/1,500; with one utility: 1/12,000; without: SF 1/40,000 (multi‑family not permitted). Front/rear 20 ft; sides 6 ft; height 50 ft. §§ 20.080.025–.045.

R‑C — Rural Community

  • Purpose: Maintain/enhance mixed rural communities (residential + commercial + limited industrial with buffers). § 20.084.005.
  • Key standards: Minimum lot (w/ water & sewer): res 6,000; mobile home park 4,000; otherwise 12,000 or 40,000; front/rear 20 ft; sides 6 ft; height 35 ft. §§ 20.084.025–.045.

MU‑2 — General Mixed Use

  • Purpose: Multi‑story mixed residential/commercial; promotes walkability and housing. § 20.085.005.

  • Key standards: Min lot 12,000 sq ft (may be reduced with a mixed‑use site development plan); res density 1/1,500 sq ft (bonus per affordable housing rules); front/rear 20 ft for res, none for non‑res (rear 20 ft if abutting res); side 6 ft for res, none for non‑res (5 ft if abutting non‑commercial/industrial); height 50 ft; non‑res FAR 0.3–1.0; additional “Mixed Use Compatibility Standards” apply. §§ 20.085.025–.055.

  • Related mixed-use families: MUNS and MUBST are established in § 20.040.005; detailed standards Not found in retrieved materials.

C‑1 — Limited Commercial

  • Purpose: Neighborhood‑serving commercial. See chapter heading in code; standards below. Ch. 20.088.
  • Key standards: Front 20 ft; sides/rear none, but if adjoining non‑commercial/industrial: sides 5 ft, rear 20 ft; height 35 ft. §§ 20.088.035–.045.

C‑2 — General Commercial

  • Purpose: Full‑service commercial in community cores and key intersections; supports live/work convenience. § 20.092.005.
  • Key provisions: See chapter for permitted uses and standards; FAR often referenced in mixed/commercial context—confirm with current C‑2 sections. Specific yards/heights not confirmed here; Verify with the jurisdiction. § 20.092.010.

I‑1 — Limited Industrial

  • Purpose: Light industrial and related uses. Ch. 20.096.
  • Key standards: Front 10 ft; sides/rear none, but if adjoining non‑commercial/industrial: sides 5 ft, rear 20 ft; height 50 ft. §§ 20.096.030–.040.

I‑2 — General Industrial

  • Purpose: Heavier industrial uses. See coastal analogs for typical yards/heights; inland chapter exists but details Not found in retrieved materials (confirm in Ch. 20.100).

O‑S — Open Space and P‑F — Public Facilities

  • Purpose: Open space preservation and public/semi‑public uses. § 20.040.005.
  • Key standards: Confirm in individual chapters; for coastal P‑F analogs, see standards below (coastal section). Inland specifics Not found in retrieved materials.

Corridor preservation and general yard clarifications: Corridor preservation setbacks add to front yards based on roadway classification (e.g., Principal Arterial 60 ft from centerline). Yard terms are defined and special fence/garage rules apply countywide. §§ 20.444.020–.025; see also yard definitions.

ADUs: ADUs/JADUs are governed by state law and local Chapter 20.166; for parking, see § 20.166.035; also see California ADU law.

Coastal Zoning (Division II — Mendocino County Coastal Zoning Code)

Division II applies to unincorporated areas in the Coastal Zone and supersedes inland rules there. The Coastal Element and Coastal Act guide interpretation when provisions overlap; the stricter coastal resource protection prevails. §§ 20.304.015–.035.

  • Coastal districts include AG, FL, TP, RL, OS, RR, RMR, SR, RV, FV, C, I, PF, plus Gualala districts (GVMU, GHMU, GPD, GI). § 20.352.005.
  • Coastal combining districts include AH, CL, DL, FP, L, PD, SS, and the Visitor Accommodations and Services combining (VAS). § 20.352.010.
  • Coastal zoning maps follow the Coastal Element land use maps. § 20.352.015.

Selected coastal districts:

  • RR (Rural Residential): SF permitted; density and setbacks vary by “L” (e.g., RR, RR:L‑2, RR:L‑5, RR:L‑10). Front/rear 20/30/50 ft; sides 6/30/50 ft; height in highly scenic areas may be 18 ft west of Hwy 1 and 28 ft elsewhere; lot coverage scales by parcel size. §§ 20.376.025–.065.
  • RMR (Remote Residential): SF and small‑scale ag; see permitted/conditional uses; typical residential setbacks/coverage apply. Ch. 20.380.
  • RV (Rural Village): Village‑scale residential; SF density parallels 1/6,000 (w/ water & sewer), 1/12,000 (one utility), 1/40,000 (no utilities); front/rear 20 ft; sides 6 ft; height 35 ft. §§ 20.388.025–.040.
  • FV (Fishing Village): Prioritizes water‑dependent/related industry at Noyo/Albion. Ch. 20.392.
  • C (Commercial, coastal): Side/rear none unless abutting res/industrial rules; height 35 ft; max lot coverage 50%; special community criteria may apply. §§ 20.396.030–.045.
  • I (Industrial, coastal): Front 10 ft; sides/rear none unless abutting res/other; height 50 ft. §§ 20.400.025–.035.
  • PF (Public & Semi‑Public Facilities, coastal): Min lot 6,000/12,000/40,000 by utility service; front/rear 10 ft; sides 6 ft; height 35 ft. §§ 20.404.020–.035.

Gualala Town Plan (coastal) districts:

  • GVMU (Gualala Village Mixed Use): Min lot 6,000 sq ft; res density: SF 10 du/ac; multi‑family 30 du/ac; visitor accommodations up to 20 du/ac (≤30 units); detailed height/coverage/FAR vary east/west of Hwy 1 and require maintaining view corridors. §§ 20.405.020–.040.
  • GHMU (Gualala Highway Mixed Use): SF 10 du/ac; multi‑family 25 du/ac; height 28 ft; lot coverage 20%; FAR 0.30 for commercial (none for residential-dominant mixed use). §§ 20.406.025–.035.
  • GPD (Gualala Planned Development): Master/Precise Development Plans required; at least 50% of area in residential and ≥10% in visitor‑serving uses; visitor accommodation density capped at 20 du/ac; height generally 28 ft. §§ 20.407.015–.035.

Special coastal development and scenic protections (e.g., highly scenic areas, view corridors, hillside/ridgeline criteria) can further limit height, siting, and coverage; see coastal development criteria. § 20.504.015 (sitings/views); § 20.504.020 (special communities).

Town of Mendocino Zoning (Division III — Mendocino Town Zoning Code)

Within the unincorporated Town of Mendocino, Division III supersedes the coastal code, with its own zoning map certified by the Coastal Commission. §§ 20.604.015–.020.

Town districts include MRR, MSR, MTR, MRM, MMU, MC, MPF, MOS. § 20.640.005. Selected standards:

  • MRR (Mendocino Rural Residential): Height 28 ft; parking 2 spaces for first res unit; lot coverage/width/depth standards scale with lot size. §§ 20.644.040–.060.
  • MSR (Mendocino Suburban Residential): Min lot 20,000 sq ft; allows one principal + one second unit; front/rear 20 ft; sides 6 ft; height 28 ft. §§ 20.648.020–.040.
  • MTR (Mendocino Town Residential): Height 28 ft; min lot width 60 ft; lot coverage 25%; visitor unit parking standards apply. §§ 20.652.045–.070.
  • MC (Mendocino Commercial): Height 28 ft; setback exceptions may be allowed via Historic Preservation processes; on‑site parking ratios apply with allowances for off‑site/in‑lieu in historic zones. §§ 20.664.045–.055.
  • MOS (Mendocino Open Space): Height 18 ft; lot coverage 2%; parking evaluated through historic and coastal permit review. §§ 20.672.045–.055.

Historic review applies to many Mendocino Town projects; see Mendocino County Historic Preservation.

Cannabis—Zoning Cross‑References

  • Cultivation siting and permitting are governed by Ch. 20.242 (cultivation) and overlays like CA (Cannabis Accommodation) or CP (Commercial Cannabis Prohibition). §§ 20.118.010–.070; 20.119.030–.050; 20.242.070.
  • Cannabis facilities (processing, manufacturing, testing, retail, distribution) are prohibited except as allowed in Ch. 20.243 and district tables; setbacks from sensitive uses apply (e.g., 600–1,000 ft). §§ 20.243.020; 20.243.050–.060.

Quick Standards Table (selected inland + coastal examples)

District Purpose/Typical Use Key dimensional standard Code Reference
R‑1 (inland) Single‑family neighborhoods Front/rear 20 ft; sides 6 ft; height 35 ft; SF density 1/6,000 (w/ W+S), 1/12,000 (W or S), 1/40,000 (none) §§ 20.072.030–.045
R‑2 (inland) Single- and two‑family Front/rear 20 ft; sides 6 ft; height 35 ft; SF/T‑F 1/6,000 (w/ W+S) §§ 20.076.025–.045
R‑3 (inland) Multifamily Front/rear 20 ft; sides 6 ft; height 50 ft; MF 1/1,500 (w/ W+S) §§ 20.080.025–.045
R‑R (inland) Rural large‑lot Density 1 per L‑tier; front/rear 20/30/50 ft; sides 6/30/50 ft; height 35 ft §§ 20.048.030–.050
MU‑2 (inland) Mixed res/commercial Height 50 ft; non‑res FAR 0.3–1.0; res density 1/1,500; mixed‑use compatibility standards apply §§ 20.085.030–.055
C‑1 (inland) Neighborhood commercial Front 20 ft; sides/rear 0 ft (5/20 ft when abutting non‑C/I); height 35 ft §§ 20.088.035–.045
I‑1 (inland) Light industrial Front 10 ft; sides/rear 0 ft (5/20 ft when abutting non‑C/I); height 50 ft §§ 20.096.030–.040
RR (coastal) Rural residential Height up to 28 ft (18 ft west of Hwy 1 in highly scenic); see tiered yards/coverage §§ 20.376.035–.065
C (coastal) Coastal commercial Sides/rear as conditioned; height 35 ft; lot coverage 50% §§ 20.396.030–.040
I (coastal) Coastal industrial Front 10 ft; sides/rear 0 ft (5/20 ft when abutting); height 50 ft §§ 20.400.025–.035

For parking ratios and site design, cross‑check Mendocino County Parking and Mendocino County Development Standards. Mixed‑use and “Community Character” overlays may require Mendocino County Design Review.

Checklist

  • Confirm whether the parcel is inland, in the Coastal Zone, or inside the Town of Mendocino (controls which Division applies). §§ 20.304.015; 20.604.015.
  • Identify the base zoning and any combining/overlay on the official APN-based zoning map. §§ 20.040.010; 20.040.020.
  • Verify minimum lot size, maximum dwelling density, and dimensional standards (front/side/rear yards, height, FAR/coverage) in the correct Division/chapter. Examples above.
  • Check corridor preservation setbacks in addition to standard front yards (where applicable). § 20.444.020.
  • If proposing mixed use or commercial in a community area, confirm any Community Character overlay and any required design review. § 20.147.010.
  • Cross‑check parking/loading, landscaping/screening, and signage requirements: Parking, Landscaping and Screening, Signage.
  • If nonconforming or seeking relief, see Mendocino County Nonconforming Uses and Mendocino County Variances and Exceptions. Ch. 20.204; Ch. 20.200.
  • For residential add‑ons like ADUs, coordinate local rules with California ADU law and confirm Title 20 Chapter 20.166 provisions (e.g., § 20.166.035 for parking).
  • If any cannabis activity is proposed, confirm allowances and sensitive use setbacks in Ch. 20.242/20.243 and any CA/CP overlay. §§ 20.118; 20.119; 20.243.050–.060.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Split‑zoned or uncertain parcel boundaries Two different standards could apply to one property Director resolves boundary disputes; appeal path exists. Check § 20.040.025 and the APN map.
Coastal vs. inland applicability Coastal rules override inland and are more protective Confirm Coastal Zone status; see §§ 20.304.015–.035.
Overlays more restrictive than base zone Overlays (e.g., FP, CC, CA/CP) can change uses/setbacks Combining district prevails per § 20.040.010.
Corridor preservation setbacks Adds to front yard; affects site planning along roads Use § 20.444.020 table for roadway class.
Town of Mendocino exceptions Town code has its own height, parking, and historic review Apply Division III; see §§ 20.604.015–.020 and district standards.
C‑2 and some MU subdistrict details Some specifics not captured here Not found in retrieved materials; Verify with the jurisdiction.

Plain-English Summary

If your property is in unincorporated Mendocino County, start by checking whether it’s inland, coastal, or within the Town of Mendocino. Then look up the base zoning and any overlays; the strictest rule wins. Most residential zones use 20‑foot front setbacks and 35‑ to 50‑foot height caps depending on district; mixed‑use and commercial/industrial areas often allow reduced side/rear yards but add buffers next to homes. Coastal areas and the Town of Mendocino add view, height, and design limits that can change what fits on a lot.

Source References

  • Inland code basics and districts established: §§ 20.004.005–.025; 20.040.005; 20.040.010; 20.040.020; 20.040.025.
  • Inland residential districts: R‑1 §§ 20.072.005–.045; R‑2 §§ 20.076.005–.045; R‑3 §§ 20.080.005–.045; S‑R §§ 20.044.030–.045; R‑R §§ 20.048.005–.050; U‑R §§ 20.056.015–.050.
  • Inland ag/resource districts: A‑G §§ 20.052.005–.010; R‑L § 20.060.005–.010; TPZ §§ 20.068.025–.055.
  • Inland mixed/commercial/industrial: MU‑2 §§ 20.085.005–.055; C‑1 §§ 20.088.035–.045; C‑2 § 20.092.005–.010; I‑1 §§ 20.096.030–.040.
  • Corridor preservation/yard clarifications: §§ 20.444.020–.025.
  • Coastal code applicability and districts: §§ 20.304.015–.035; 20.352.005–.015.
  • Selected coastal district standards: RR §§ 20.376.025–.065; RV §§ 20.388.025–.055; C §§ 20.396.030–.045; I §§ 20.400.025–.035; PF §§ 20.404.020–.035.
  • Gualala districts: GVMU §§ 20.405.020–.040; GHMU §§ 20.406.025–.040; GPD §§ 20.407.015–.035.
  • Town of Mendocino: §§ 20.604.015–.020; 20.640.005; 20.644.040–.060; 20.648.020–.040; 20.652.045–.070; 20.664.045–.055; 20.672.045–.055.
  • Cannabis overlays/facilities: §§ 20.118; 20.119; 20.242.070; 20.243.020; 20.243.050–.060.

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Mendocino County Zoning Code High relevance
  • Mendocino County Zoning Code (§ 8) High relevance
  • Mendocino County Zoning Code (§ 8) High relevance
  • Mendocino County Zoning Code (§ 32) High relevance
  • Mendocino County Zoning Code (chapter of) High relevance
  • Mendocino County Zoning Code (§ 55) High relevance
  • Mendocino County Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
  • Mendocino County Zoning Code (Chapter 20.760.) High relevance
  • Mendocino County Zoning Code (Section 20.504.015) High relevance
  • Mendocino County Zoning Code (§ 10) High relevance
  • Mendocino County Zoning Code (§ 9) High relevance
  • Mendocino County Zoning Code (§ 23) High relevance
  • Mendocino County Zoning Code (§ 9) High relevance
  • Mendocino County Zoning Code (Title 20) Medium relevance
  • Mendocino County Zoning Code (CHAPTER 20.510) Medium relevance
  • Mendocino County Zoning Code (§ 16) High relevance
  • Mendocino County Zoning Code (§ 15) High relevance
  • Mendocino County Zoning Code (§ 17) Medium relevance
  • Mendocino County Zoning Code (Chapter 20.036) Medium relevance
  • Mendocino County Zoning Code (§ 16) Medium relevance
  • Mendocino County Zoning Code Medium relevance
  • Mendocino County Zoning Code (Title 7) Medium relevance
  • CBC § 65 (Section 20.243.060) Medium relevance
  • Mendocino County Zoning Code (section 20.056.045.) Medium relevance
  • Mendocino County Zoning Code (Chapter 20.016) Medium relevance
  • Mendocino County Zoning Code (§ 5) Medium relevance
  • Mendocino County Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
  • Mendocino County Zoning Code (Chapter 20.480) Medium relevance
  • Mendocino County Zoning Code (CHAPTER 20.404) Medium relevance
  • Mendocino County Zoning Code (§ 10) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

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

On an inland R‑1 lot, single-family homes are allowed with density tied to utilities: 1 per 6,000 sq ft (water + sewer), 1 per 12,000 (one utility), or 1 per 40,000 (no utilities). Typical setbacks are 20 ft front/rear and 6 ft sides; height is 35 ft. Always confirm overlays. § 20.072.030–.045; § 20.040.010.

How do I know if coastal zoning applies to my parcel?

If your parcel is in the Coastal Zone, the coastal code (Division II) supersedes inland rules; the Coastal Element maps control. Check status first, then use the correct district chapter. § 20.304.015; § 20.352.015.

What are typical setbacks and heights for inland commercial or industrial sites?

In C‑1, front is 20 ft (side/rear 0 ft unless next to non‑C/I: 5/20 ft), height 35 ft. In I‑1, front is 10 ft (side/rear 0 ft unless next to non‑C/I: 5/20 ft), height 50 ft. Corridor preservation may add distance from the road centerline. §§ 20.088.035–.045; 20.096.030–.040; 20.444.020.

I’m in the Town of Mendocino—do different rules apply?

Yes. The Town has its own zoning code (Division III) and map. For example, MC (Mendocino Commercial) caps height at 28 ft and allows setback exceptions via historic review; MSR has 20‑ft front/rear and 6‑ft sides. §§ 20.604.015–.020; 20.664.045–.055; 20.648.030–.040.

Do mixed‑use projects have special standards?

Yes. MU‑2 sets a 50‑ft height limit; non‑res FAR 0.3–1.0; residential density 1/1,500 sq ft; plus Mixed Use Compatibility Standards (e.g., separations from industrial uses). Projects may require a Mixed Use Development Review. §§ 20.085.030–.060.

Are there extra setbacks along major roads?

Often. Corridor preservation setbacks add to your front yard based on the road’s classification (e.g., urban principal arterials at 60 ft from centerline). § 20.444.020.

Can I run a cannabis business in a commercial zone?

Only if allowed under Ch. 20.243 and your zoning/overlay (e.g., CP overlay prohibits cannabis facilities entirely). Sensitive‑use buffers (600–1,000 ft) apply and district setbacks still control buildings. §§ 20.243.020; 20.243.050–.060; 20.119.040.

What if my lot is split between zones?

Each portion must meet its zone’s rules; for inland, the Director resolves boundary uncertainties; in the Town code, split parcels are treated with district‑by‑portion rules and setbacks from the internal zone line. §§ 20.040.025; 20.604.050(D).

Where do I find parking and landscape rules?

Use the County’s Parking and Landscaping and Screening pages and confirm any district‑specific requirements (e.g., MU parking plans). § 20.087.055(B).

Do state housing laws affect what’s allowed?

Yes—uses like supportive housing and Low Barrier Navigation Centers are often listed as permitted/administrative in residential districts. Also see California housing laws and California ADU law. For ADUs, see local § 20.166 for specifics such as parking.

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