Local zoning · Modoc County
Modoc County — Zoning
Zoning under the Modoc County local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
Overview
Modoc County’s zoning ordinance is Title 18 – Zoning, which applies only in the unincorporated areas of the county. It establishes base (principal) zoning districts, overlay zones, and official zoning maps that regulate land use, density, and basic site standards like setbacks, height, and coverage. The ordinance lists 16 principal zones and several overlays, and makes clear that overlay regulations modify the underlying zone on the same parcel (§ 18.02.030; § 18.02.040; § 18.150.020(E) ).
The single most important rule: always check both the base zone and any overlay on the county’s official zoning maps—overlays supersede or add to base-zone rules on the same land (§ 18.02.040; § 18.150.020(E) ).
Use this page with the county’s zoning & planning overview, Land Use, and Development Standards pages. Standards like parking, design review, signage, landscaping and screening, and nonconforming uses are addressed in their own places and often cross‑referenced in zone chapters.
Principal Zoning Districts (Unincorporated Areas)
The ordinance establishes these principal zones: TP, OFG, RC, AE, LIC, AG, LI, RR, RL, RH, RT, C, IL, I, PD, PF, U (§ 18.02.030(A) ). Below is a district-by-district snapshot: purpose, typical permitted uses, key dimensional standards, and where each zone is intended to apply.
TP — Timberland Production
- Purpose: Protect timber production consistent with the Timberland Productivity Act; limit incompatible subdivision (§ 18.10.010 ).
- Typical permitted uses: Timber production/harvest; accessory forestry facilities; fish and wildlife enhancement; low-intensity recreation (§ 18.10.030 ).
- Key standards: Minimum lot size 80 acres (or one quarter section); other standards per Chapter 18.110 (§ 18.10.060 ).
- Where applied: Timber protection areas; consistent with the timber protection general plan designation (§ 18.10.010 ).
OFG — Open Space Forestry and Grazing
- Purpose: Long-term open space for public/private lands to protect resource and hazard areas (§ 18.14.010–.020 ).
- Typical permitted uses: Grazing, farm forestry, resource management; public open space recreation. New residential is not allowed on private lands as a permitted use (§ 18.14.040 ).
- Key standards: No new parcel <80 acres once zoned OFG; 20 ft front/side street, 30 ft side/rear for most buildings (§ 18.14.070 ).
- Where applied: Public lands, exclusive agriculture, and general agriculture designations (§ 18.14.010 ).
RC — Resource Conservation
- Purpose: Very limited development where severe environmental constraints exist (§ 18.16.010 ).
- Typical permitted uses: Selected agricultural uses referenced from AG; one one‑family dwelling; some public utilities; others with permits (§ 18.16.030–.050 ).
- Key standards: Minimum lot size 80 acres; 20 ft front/side street, 30 ft side/rear; other standards per Chapter 18.110 (§ 18.16.060 ).
- Where applied: Public lands and exclusive agriculture designations (§ 18.16.010 ).
AE — Agricultural Exclusive
- Purpose: Protect high-value agricultural lands and related support uses (§ 18.18.010 ).
- Typical permitted uses: Crop/livestock production; ag structures; limited on‑site processing; one or two one‑family dwellings depending on parcel size (§ 18.18.030(L) ).
- Key standards: Dwellings must maintain 50 ft rear/side yards; 20 ft front/side street (10 ft for farm buildings); 10% max coverage (≤5-acre parcels exempt from the 10% limit). Minimum lot size 80 acres with specific 1-acre and 5-acre division allowances if stringent criteria and “M” overlay are applied (§ 18.18.060–.070 ).
- Where applied: Exclusive agriculture designation (§ 18.18.010 ).
LIC — Low Intensity Conservation
- Purpose: Very limited development in areas with environmental constraints (slope/soils) (§ 18.20.010 ).
- Typical permitted uses: Narrow set of AG‑referenced uses; one one‑family dwelling; limited public uses; others with permits (§ 18.20.030–.050 ).
- Key standards: Minimum lot size 40 acres; 20 ft front/side street, 10 ft side/rear (§ 18.20.060 ).
- Where applied: Public lands and general agriculture designations (§ 18.20.010 ).
AG — Agricultural General
- Purpose: Grazing, dryland farming, other non‑intensive agriculture; may include isolated residential/commercial uses, but emphasis is agriculture (§ 18.24.010 ).
- Typical permitted uses: Not found in retrieved materials (permitted uses list in § 18.24.030). Uses with administrative or use permits include farm support, employee housing, certain energy, limited residential, and various intensifications subject to criteria (§ 18.24.040–.050 ).
- Key standards: Minimum lot size 3 acres (may be increased by approval); yards generally 20 ft front/side street and 5 ft side/rear, with special yard increases where AG abuts residential or AE; 10% lot coverage cap except on small lots (§ 18.24.060(B),(D) ).
- Where applied: General agriculture designation (§ 18.24.010 ).
LI — Low Intensity
- Purpose: Transition from LIC/resource areas to rural residential; integrate low‑intensity ag and resource uses (§ 18.28.010 ).
- Typical permitted uses: Crop/grazing continuation, one single‑family dwelling, low‑intensity recreation on larger parcels; limited public utilities; others with permits (§ 18.28.030–.050 ).
- Key standards: Minimum lot size 20 acres; 20 ft front/side street, 10 ft side/rear (§ 18.28.060 ).
- Where applied: General agriculture, public land, rural residential designations (§ 18.28.010 ).
RR — Rural Residential
- Purpose: Rural residential lots (1–15 acres) with rural character and reduced environmental impact (§ 18.30.010 ).
- Typical permitted uses: One single‑family dwelling and accessory uses; limited rural recreation and incidental agriculture; certain public/quasi‑public uses consistent with rural setting (§ 18.30.030 ).
- Key standards: Minimum lot size designated at zoning (e.g., RR‑5 = 5 acres); if undesignated, 15 acres; no new lot <2 acres unless on public sewer. 20 ft front/side street, 30 ft side/rear; width 120–150 ft depending on subdistrict (§ 18.30.060(A)–(C) ).
- Where applied: Rural residential and limited general agriculture designations (§ 18.30.010 ).
RL — Residential Low Density
- Purpose: Lower-density residential neighborhood form than RH (§ 18.32.010 ).
- Typical permitted uses: One one‑family dwelling and accessory uses; small neighborhood public/quasi-public uses; limited utilities compatible with residential setting (§ 18.32.030 ).
- Key standards: 10,000–15,000 sq ft minimum lots with public utilities, or 3 acres without; 20 ft front/side street, 5 ft side/rear; max height 50 ft; max coverage 60% (§ 18.32.060 ).
- Where applied: Urban areas, urban residential, and rural residential designations (§ 18.32.010 ).
RH — Residential High Density
- Purpose: Provide space for higher-density residential and compatible public/quasi-public uses while protecting residential environments (§ 18.36.010–.020 ).
- Typical permitted uses: One single‑family or (where standards met) two‑family dwelling; multifamily up to 13 units/acre where public water/sewer are provided; small day care; limited utilities and public uses compatible with neighborhood (§ 18.36.030(F) ).
- Key standards: 6,000–15,000 sq ft minimum lots with public utilities, or 3 acres without; 20 ft front/side street, 5 ft side/rear; height 2 stories/50 ft; 60% coverage (§ 18.36.060 ).
- Where applied: Residential areas with infrastructure per the general plan (§ 18.36.010 ).
RT — Rural Town
- Purpose: Mixed low‑density town pattern with residential, small‑scale commercial and agricultural uses (§ 18.40.010 ).
- Typical permitted uses: One‑ and two‑family dwellings; retail, personal services, restaurant/service station; small offices; certain public/quasi‑public uses; limited utilities (§ 18.40.030 ).
- Key standards: 6,000–15,000 sq ft lots with public utilities (3 acres without); 20 ft front/side street, 5–10 ft side/rear depending on adjacency; 2 stories/50 ft height; 60% coverage when residential is present (§ 18.40.060(B)–(E) ).
- Where applied: Established unincorporated communities and compatible new mixed-use areas (§ 18.40.010 ).
C — Commercial
- Purpose: Broad retail/service/commercial districts serving communities; most uses inside buildings (§ 18.44.010–.030 ).
- Typical permitted uses: Retail, offices, personal services, small lodging/RV parks, small ministorage; many outdoor or intensive uses require a use permit (§ 18.44.030; § 18.44.050 ).
- Key standards: Minimum lot 6,000 sq ft (residential lots must meet RH standards); 5 ft yards (10 ft where abutting RH/RL/RR/RT dwellings); other standards by Chapter 18.110 (§ 18.44.060 ).
- Where applied: Urban areas and commercial designations (§ 18.44.010 ).
IL — Industrial-Light
- Purpose: Light industrial and compatible service/commercial support uses (§ 18.50.010–.040, .060–.070 ).
- Typical permitted uses: Light manufacturing/processing, repair/maintenance, warehousing; some heavier or outdoor uses via use permit (§ 18.50.040 ).
- Key standards: Minimum lot 6,000 sq ft; 10 ft front/side street; side/rear 5 ft (20–50 ft+ where abutting residential/RT); up to 75 ft height with adjacency limits; no parking in yards abutting RH/RL (§ 18.50.050 ).
- Where applied: Industrial/light industrial areas consistent with the general plan (§ 18.50.010 ).
I — Industrial
- Purpose: Allow most industrial operations; exclude general commercial/community uses to protect limited industrial land (§ 18.54.010 ).
- Typical permitted uses: Wide range of manufacturing/assembly, research, wholesale/storage, vehicle/heavy equipment services; more intensive uses via use permit (§ 18.54.030–.050 ).
- Key standards: Min lot 3 acres; 10 ft front/side street; yards may be 0 ft but increase to 50 ft where abutting residential/RT; up to 100 ft height with adjacency-based limits (§ 18.54.050 ).
- Where applied: Heavy industrial, general agriculture, exclusive agriculture designations (§ 18.54.010 ).
PD — Planned Development
- Purpose: Custom zoning tied to an approved Planned Development Permit and rezoning; clusters/mixtures of uses beyond standard districts (§ 18.60.010–.020 ).
- Typical permitted uses: As adopted by ordinance for the specific PD; may include mixed residential/commercial/industrial where compatible (§ 18.60.030–.050 ).
- Key standards: PD criteria set by permit/ordinance; minimum PD area 1 acre; yards/setbacks tailored to plan (§ 18.60.060(B),(D) ).
- Where applied: Anywhere consistent with applicable general plan policies (§ 18.60.010 ).
PF — Public Facilities
- Purpose: Land for public uses/public utilities (§ 18.62.010–.020 ).
- Typical permitted uses: Administrative offices, parks, schools/colleges, switching equipment, accessory employee housing; other major facilities via use permit (§ 18.62.030–.040 ).
- Key standards: No minimum lot size; 20 ft front/side street; 0 ft side/rear except increased setbacks/heights where abutting residential/RT (§ 18.62.050 ).
- Where applied: Any designation where public facilities operate (§ 18.62.010 ).
U — Unclassified
- Purpose: Holding zone until a precise district is adopted; uses must align with the general plan (§ 18.66.010–.020 ).
- Typical permitted uses: A subset of AG uses and limited residential by reference; emergency shelters in designated “urban areas” per standards (§ 18.66.030 ).
- Key standards: Minimum lot size 3 acres (can be increased as a condition of development); yards mirror AG adjacency rules; 10% lot coverage (excluding lots <5 acres) (§ 18.66.060 ).
- Where applied: Interim zoning consistent with the general plan (§ 18.66.010 ).
Overlay Zones that Commonly Affect Projects
- FH — Flood Hazard: Adds floodplain standards; includes variance and floodway rules (§ 18.70–18.71 excerpts ).
- EP — Environmental Protection: Allows clustered development while restricting sensitive/hazard areas; requires concurrent “M” overlay (§ 18.74.020–.030 ).
- MP — Migration Protection: Not found in retrieved materials.
- M — Minimum Lot Size: Commonly used with AE to lock minimums when parcel splits are allowed (§ 18.18.070 (A),(B) references to M overlay ).
- AR — Animal Restrictions: Combines with RH; governs animal-keeping in high-density zones (§ 18.36.070 ).
- AH — Airport Hazard: Height/use limits around airports; see specific airport maps and glide slopes (§ 18.90.060–.140 ).
- SP — Specific Plan: Not found in retrieved materials. For more, see Overlay Districts.
“At-a-glance” standards for common zones
| Zone | Minimum Lot Size | Typical Residential Setbacks | Height/Coverage | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RR | RR‑(1 to 15 acres); if none shown, 15 acres; no new lot <2 acres unless on public sewer | 20 ft front/side street; 30 ft side/rear | Per Ch. 18.110 | § 18.30.060 |
| RL | 10,000–15,000 sq ft (public utilities) or 3 acres (no utilities) | 20 ft front/side street; 5 ft side/rear | 50 ft max height; 60% lot coverage | § 18.32.060 |
| RH | 6,000–15,000 sq ft (public utilities) or 3 acres (no utilities) | 20 ft front/side street; 5 ft side/rear | 2 stories/50 ft; 60% coverage | § 18.36.060 |
| RT | 6,000–15,000 sq ft (public utilities) or 3 acres (no utilities) | 20 ft front/side street; 5–10 ft side/rear (adjacency-based) | 2 stories/50 ft; 60% if residential | § 18.40.060 |
| C | 6,000 sq ft (residential lots must meet RH) | 5 ft all sides; 10 ft where abutting RH/RL/RR or RT dwelling | Per Ch. 18.110 | § 18.44.060 |
| IL | 6,000 sq ft | 10 ft front; 5 ft side/rear; more where abutting RH/RL/RR/RT | Up to 75 ft; adjacency limits apply | § 18.50.050 |
| I | 3 acres | 10 ft front; side/rear can be 0 ft except large yards where abutting RH/RL/RR/RT | Up to 100 ft; adjacency limits apply | § 18.54.050 |
| AG | 3 acres (can be increased) | 20 ft front/side street; 5 ft side/rear; special increases near RH/RL/RR or AE | 10% coverage (except small lots) | § 18.24.060 |
| AE | 80 acres; with limited 1- and 5-acre division options and “M” overlay lock | 20 ft front/side street; 50 ft side/rear for dwellings | 10% coverage (≤5 ac exempt) | § 18.18.060–.070 |
| LI | 20 acres | 20 ft front/side street; 10 ft side/rear | Per Ch. 18.110 | § 18.28.060 |
| RC | 80 acres | 20 ft front/side street; 30 ft side/rear | Per Ch. 18.110 | § 18.16.060 |
| OFG | No new parcel <80 acres once zoned | 20 ft front/side street; 30 ft side/rear | Per Ch. 18.110 | § 18.14.070 |
| TP | 80 acres (or quarter section) | Per Ch. 18.110 | Per Ch. 18.110 | § 18.10.060 |
| PF | None | 20 ft front/side street; 0 ft side/rear unless abutting RH/RL/RR/RT | Up to 100 ft; adjacency limits | § 18.62.050 |
Notes:
- Yards increase in multiple zones when abutting residential districts (RH/RL/RR/RT). Always confirm adjacency rules in the applicable chapter and in the Development Standards.
- Official zoning maps govern designations and are maintained by the Planning Department (§ 18.02.040 ).
Practical cross-references you will use
- Zoning applies to all unincorporated lands; public lands follow county rules only to the extent permitted by law (§ 18.02.060 ).
- Definitions like yard, front/side/rear yard, principal zone, and overlay zone control how to measure and apply standards (§ 18.06.1070–.1120 ).
- Multifamily projects have objective design standards in § 18.110.080 and may be eligible for state-mandated density bonus incentives (§ 18.138.020–.070 ).
- Accessory and junior accessory dwellings are defined in § 18.06.293–.294 and referenced in § 18.100.010; state law further limits local discretion (see California ADU law and state guidance ).
- For variances/exceptions, see Variances and Exceptions. Building safety remains under the California Building Standards Code.
Checklist
- Identify your base zone and any overlays on the official zoning map (§ 18.02.040; overlay modifies base rules in § 18.150.020(E) ).
- Confirm your proposed use is permitted, administratively permitted, or requires a use permit in that zone (zone’s § .030–.050 tables).
- Confirm project meets minimum lot size, lot width, and any special minimums (e.g., AE 80-acre baseline; RR sublabels like RR‑5) (see zone development standards).
- Check setbacks, height limits, and lot coverage; watch adjacency rules where industrial/commercial abut residential (§ 18.44.060; § 18.50.050; § 18.54.050 ).
- Verify infrastructure triggers (lot size may vary by water/sewer availability in RL/RH/RT) (§ 18.32.060; § 18.36.060; § 18.40.060 ).
- Confirm supplemental standards: parking, landscaping/screening, signage, design review if applicable.
- If the site has legal nonconforming conditions, review Nonconforming Uses and consider relief via Variances and Exceptions where allowed.
- For housing, consider density bonus (§ 18.138) and objective multifamily standards (§ 18.110.080) for by‑right eligibility (and check relevant California housing laws) .
Risks & Ambiguities
| Issue | Why it matters | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Overlay modifies base zone | EP, AH, FH, M overlays can change density, height, or minimum lot rules | Overlay presence and text; EP requires concurrent “M” overlay; AH has airport‑specific height maps (§ 18.74.020–.030; § 18.90; § 18.18.070) |
| Adjacency yard/height increases | Industrial/commercial yards/heights change when abutting RH/RL/RR/RT | Check the chapter’s yard and height multipliers before site planning (§ 18.44.060; § 18.50.050; § 18.54.050) |
| Utility-dependent lot sizes | RL/RH/RT minimum lots shrink with public water/sewer, grow without | Confirm utility status and minimums; exceptions require health officer findings (§ 18.32.060; § 18.36.060; § 18.40.060) |
| AE split exceptions require “M” overlay | 1‑ and 5‑acre split allowances lock future splits | If using AE split provisions, obtain “M” overlay as required in § 18.18.070 with recorded conditions |
| OFG residential limitations | New residential uses are not permitted by right on private OFG lands | Whether any residential is proposed; OFG may allow clustered units only by use permit with density cap (§ 18.14.040; § 18.14.060) |
| Use categories vs. “similar uses” | Similar-use determinations cannot override permit listings | Where a use is listed as use‑permit/administrative, it cannot be treated as “permitted” (§ 18.150.020(A),(C)) |
Plain-English Summary
If your property is in unincorporated Modoc County, zoning tells you what you can build and where it can go. First find your base zone and overlays on the county’s zoning map, then match your project to the zone’s permitted uses and standards (lot size, setbacks, height). Many zones tighten yards and heights next to homes, and overlays like airport or flood hazard can change what’s allowed. When in doubt, verify with the Planning Department and review the linked standards before designing.
Source References
- Title 18 – Zoning: Zoning districts, zoning maps, applicability (§ 18.02.030–.040, .060)
- Definitions: yards; principal/overlay zone (§ 18.06.1070–.1120)
- TP (§ 18.10.010–.070)
- OFG (§ 18.14.010–.070)
- RC (§ 18.16.010–.060)
- AE (§ 18.18.010–.070)
- LIC (§ 18.20.010–.060)
- AG (§ 18.24.010; .040–.060)
- LI (§ 18.28.010–.060)
- RR (§ 18.30.010–.070)
- RL (§ 18.32.010–.070)
- RH (§ 18.36.010–.060)
- RT (§ 18.40.010–.070)
- C (§ 18.44.010–.060)
- IL (§ 18.50.040–.070)
- I (§ 18.54.010–.050)
- PD (§ 18.60.010–.070)
- PF (§ 18.62.010–.050)
- U (§ 18.66.010–.060)
- Overlays: EP (§ 18.74.020–.050) ; AH (§ 18.90.060–.140) ; FH/variances (selected § 18.71)
- State ADU guidance (2025 Handbook excerpts)
Sources
Retrieved passages
- Modoc County Zoning Code (Chapter 18.110.) High relevance
- Modoc County Zoning Code (Section 18.62.030) High relevance
- Modoc County Zoning Code High relevance
- Modoc County Zoning Code (Chapter 18.10) High relevance
- Modoc County Zoning Code (Section 18) High relevance
- Modoc County Zoning Code (Chapter 18.128) High relevance
- Modoc County Zoning Code (chapter shall) High relevance
- CBC § 66314 (§ 66314) High relevance
- Modoc County Zoning Code (Section 18.100.030) High relevance
- Modoc County Zoning Code (Title 18) High relevance
- Modoc County Zoning Code (Section 18.100.030) High relevance
- Modoc County Zoning Code (title within) High relevance
- Modoc County Zoning Code (Chapter 18.110.) High relevance
- Modoc County Zoning Code (Chapter 18.110) Medium relevance
- Modoc County Zoning Code (chapter shall) Medium relevance
- Modoc County Zoning Code (Section 18.100.010) Medium relevance
- Modoc County Zoning Code (Section 4561) High relevance
- Modoc County Zoning Code (Chapter 18.110.) Medium relevance
- Modoc County Zoning Code (section 18.100.010) Medium relevance
- Modoc County Zoning Code (section are) Medium relevance
- Modoc County Zoning Code (Section 18.74.040.) Medium relevance
- Modoc County Zoning Code (Section 18.100.060.) Medium relevance
- Modoc County Zoning Code (Chapter 18.54) High relevance
- Modoc County Zoning Code (Chapter 18.40) High relevance
- Modoc County Zoning Code (Chapter 18.110.) Medium relevance
- Modoc County Zoning Code (Chapter 18.110) Medium relevance
- Modoc County Zoning Code (Chapter 18.44) High relevance
- Modoc County Zoning Code (Chapter 18.100.) High relevance
- Modoc County Zoning Code (section 18.100.030) High relevance
- Modoc County Zoning Code (§ 65595) Medium relevance
- Modoc County Zoning Code (Chapter 18.36) High relevance
- Modoc County Zoning Code (section shall) High relevance
- Modoc County Zoning Code (title to) High relevance
- Modoc County Zoning Code (section 18.100.010) Medium relevance
- Modoc County Zoning Code (Chapter 18.30) Medium relevance
- Modoc County Zoning Code (Chapter 18.110) Medium relevance
- Modoc County Zoning Code (chapter shall) Medium relevance
Cited sections
- Title 18 – Zoning: Zoning districts, zoning maps, applicability (§ 18.02.030–.040, .060) (Title 18)
- Definitions: yards; principal/overlay zone (§ 18.06.1070–.1120) (§ 18.06.1070)
- TP (§ 18.10.010–.070) (§ 18.10.010)
- OFG (§ 18.14.010–.070) (§ 18.14.010)
- RC (§ 18.16.010–.060) (§ 18.16.010)
- AE (§ 18.18.010–.070) (§ 18.18.010)
- LIC (§ 18.20.010–.060) (§ 18.20.010)
- AG (§ 18.24.010; .040–.060) (§ 18.24.010)
- LI (§ 18.28.010–.060) (§ 18.28.010)
- RR (§ 18.30.010–.070) (§ 18.30.010)
- RL (§ 18.32.010–.070) (§ 18.32.010)
- RH (§ 18.36.010–.060) (§ 18.36.010)
- RT (§ 18.40.010–.070) (§ 18.40.010)
- C (§ 18.44.010–.060) (§ 18.44.010)
- IL (§ 18.50.040–.070) (§ 18.50.040)
- I (§ 18.54.010–.050) (§ 18.54.010)
- PD (§ 18.60.010–.070) (§ 18.60.010)
- PF (§ 18.62.010–.050) (§ 18.62.010)
- U (§ 18.66.010–.060) (§ 18.66.010)
- Overlays: EP (§ 18.74.020–.050) ; AH (§ 18.90.060–.140) ; FH/variances (selected § 18.71) (§ 18.74.020)
- State ADU guidance (2025 Handbook excerpts)
- ModocCounty_ZoningCode.md
- 2025 California ADU handbook.md
Frequently asked questions
What can I build on an RR lot in unincorporated Modoc County?
Generally, one single-family dwelling and accessory uses are allowed, with some limited rural recreation and incidental agriculture permitted. Typical standards are 20 ft front/side-street and 30 ft side/rear setbacks, and the minimum lot size is set by the RR sublabel (e.g., RR‑5 = 5 acres). New lots under 2 acres require public sewer (§ 18.30.030; § 18.30.060 ).
What are typical setbacks and heights in residential zones?
In RL and RH, front/side-street setbacks are 20 ft and side/rear are 5 ft; heights up to 50 ft are allowed. Minimum lot sizes depend on whether public water/sewer is available (smaller with utilities, larger without) (§ 18.32.060; § 18.36.060 ).
Can I split an AE (Agricultural Exclusive) parcel into smaller lots?
AE’s baseline is 80 acres, but limited 1‑acre or 5‑acre splits are possible only if strict criteria are met and the “M” minimum‑lot overlay is recorded to prevent future splits. These splits also require findings that protect agricultural viability (§ 18.18.070(A)–(B) ).
Do commercial or industrial yards change next to homes?
Yes. C, IL, and I zones increase setbacks (and sometimes reduce height) when abutting RH, RL, RR, or RT lots. Check the specific chapter before siting buildings or parking next to housing (§ 18.44.060; § 18.50.050; § 18.54.050 ).
How do overlays affect my project?
Overlays modify or add to base zone rules. For example, EP may cluster units away from sensitive areas (with an “M” overlay), AH sets airport height surfaces, and FH adds flood standards. Always confirm overlays on the map and read their sections (§ 18.74.020–.030; § 18.90; selected § 18.71 ).
Are multifamily projects allowed by right anywhere?
In RH, multifamily is permitted up to 13 units/acre where public water and sewer are available, subject to objective county design standards in § 18.110.080. Additional density or concessions may be available under the county’s density bonus program (§ 18.36.030(F); § 18.110.080; § 18.138.020–.070 ).
Where do I find the official zoning map?
The ordinance incorporates official zoning maps maintained by the Planning Department. These maps show base and overlay districts for the unincorporated areas and are updated by ordinance (§ 18.02.040(D) ).
Can I have an ADU in residential zones?
The code defines accessory and junior accessory dwelling units and references county implementation (§ 18.06.293–.294; § 18.100.010). State law further limits local discretion (minimum 800 sq ft with 4‑ft side/rear setbacks in many contexts). Verify local criteria and see California ADU law (state guidance ).
Do zoning rules apply on public lands?
Yes, to the extent permitted by law or by agreement. The ordinance states it applies to state/local public lands as allowed and does not apply to federal reservations (§ 18.02.060 ).
Is design review required for commercial facades or signs?
Design and sign standards live outside the base zones. Check Design Review, Signage, and the applicable development standards cross-referenced in each zone’s “Development standards” section (various chapters referencing Ch. 18.110).
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