Local zoning · Norco

Norco — Development Standards

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

Ask a question free See coverage

Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes the City of Norco's development standards that live in Title 18 (Zoning): dimensional controls (setbacks, heights, lot coverage), density rules, and where special overlays or chapters change those rules. It is focused on what Norco's ordinance actually requires (citations to the controlling § follow each rule) and links to related topics—for example parking, design review, overlay districts, and ADUs—so you can follow the rule set that matters for project submittals. For municipal land‑use background see the city's Norco zoning & planning overview and the Norco Zoning menu pages.

NOTE: This page sticks to the zoning (Title 18) development standards. For construction, life‑safety and technical building requirements consult the California Building Standards Code. For matters like landscaping, screening, and required parking counts see the linked pages below (the ordinance cross‑references them).

District-by-district breakdown (selected, ordinance citations)

Each district below gives the official purpose (where provided), typical permitted uses, and the key dimensional standards that the ordinance requires. All numeric rules are quoted as ordinance minima/maxima and are cited to the controlling §.

A-1 (Agricultural, Chapter 18.13)

  • Purpose: Large-lot agricultural/residential uses and small‑scale farming; A-1 is subdivided by numeric suffixes to define minimum lot size (e.g., A-1-20) (§ 18.13.04) .
  • Typical permitted uses: single‑family detached dwellings, accessory structures, agriculture and limited animal keeping (§ 18.13.06) .
  • Key dimensional standards:
    • Minimum lot width: 80 ft; minimum depth: 200 ft (see § 18.13.12) .
    • Front yard: 25 ft (§ 18.13.16(A)) .
    • Side yards: one side min 5 ft, the other so the sum is 20 ft (with some historic exceptions) (§ 18.13.16(B)) .
    • Rear yard: 60 ft (for some existing lots) or 100 ft for lots undeveloped as of the cited ordinance dates — review § 18.13.16(C) for the applicable standard to your lot .
    • Height: 2.5 stories or 35 ft maximum (§ 18.13.18) .
    • Lot coverage: 40% for lots without a recorded primary animal-keeping area (§ 18.13.20) .
  • Where it applies: See zoning map sub‑suffix (A‑1‑##) and § 18.13.04 for the exact numeric suffix rules .

A-2 (Large‑acreage agricultural / rural residential, Chapter 18.14)

  • Purpose: Very low intensity agricultural/residential; minimum lot sizes are set by suffix and normally at least 5 acres (§ 18.14.10) .
  • Typical uses: Agricultural operations, single‑family dwellings, accessory farm structures (§ 18.14.06–.08) .
  • Key dimensional standards:
    • Minimum lot area: by suffix but at least 5 acres (§ 18.14.10) .
    • Front yard: 25 ft (§ 18.14.16(1)) .
    • Side yard: 20 ft; Rear yard: 30 ft (§ 18.14.16(2–3)) .
    • Height: 2.5 stories or 35 ft (agricultural exceptions noted in § 18.14.18) .
    • Lot coverage: 40% (§ 18.14.20) .

R-1 (Single-family residential, Chapter 18.15)

  • Purpose: Preserve single‑family residential character; R‑1 is divided into numeric subzones (R-1-10, -15, -20) to define minimum lot size (§ 18.15.04) .
  • Typical uses: single‑family detached dwellings, parks, accessory buildings (§ 18.15.06) .
  • Key dimensional standards:
    • Sub-zone determines minimum lot size (e.g., R‑1‑10 = 10,000 sq ft) (§ 18.15.04) .
    • The ordinance lists permitted uses in § 18.15.06 but specific yard/height subsections for each sub-zone should be checked on the zoning map or the applicable sub‑section (not every numeric sub-zone text snippet is repeated in the code preview) — Verify with the jurisdiction. (See § 18.15.06) .

R-3 (Low‑density multifamily, Chapter 18.17 — titled R‑3)

  • Purpose: Provide for low‑density multiple‑family housing (the ordinance labels Chapter 18.17 as the R‑3 zone) (§ 18.17.02) .
  • Typical uses: multiple‑family dwelling units, accessory uses, parks (§ 18.17.06) .
  • Key dimensional standards:
    • Lot area: minimum 30,000 sq ft for new lots in the zone (§ 18.17.10) .
    • Lot dimensions: minimum width 100 ft, depth 100 ft (larger depth where fronting arterials) (§ 18.17.12) .
    • Lot area per dwelling unit is controlled by the density suffix on the R‑3 designation; never less than 5,445 sq ft per dwelling unit (§ 18.17.14) .
    • Front yard: 25 ft (§ 18.17.16(A)) .
    • Side/rear yard: measured by a formula tied to building height; street side min 10 ft (§ 18.17.16(B)) .
    • Height: 2.5 stories or 35 ft (accessory one story or 15 ft) (§ 18.17.18) .
    • Lot coverage: 60% maximum (§ 18.17.20) .

HS (Hillside, Chapter 18.26)

  • Purpose: Manage development on hillside terrain and preserve natural features (§ 18.26.10) .
  • Typical uses: low‑density residential with accommodations for animal‑keeping and slope‑sensitive design (§ 18.26.12–.14) .
  • Key dimensional standards (§ 18.26.14):
    • Front yard: 25 ft (from right‑of‑way) (§ 18.26.14(1)(a)) .
    • Side yards: one side ≥5 ft, the other so the sum is 20 ft (with one side not less than 12 ft in some circumstances) (§ 18.26.14(1)(b)) .
    • Corner side yard: 20% of lot width but no more than 15 ft (§ 18.26.14(1)(c)) .
    • Rear yard: 30 ft (§ 18.26.14(1)(d)) .
    • Height: 35 ft max (§ 18.26.14(2)) .
    • Lot coverage: 15% maximum of total lot area (§ 18.26.14(3)) .
    • Site Plan and Architectural Review and special grading rules apply (§ 18.26.26 et seq.) .

CG (Commercial General, Chapter 18.29 — also shown as C‑G)

  • Purpose: Commercial uses compatible with Norco's rural/equestrian theme; development standards set in a table (Table 2) (§ 18.29.30) .
  • Typical uses: broad commercial uses listed in § 18.29.04–.06 (see code) .
  • Key dimensional standards (Table 2 — excerpt):
    • Minimum lot size: 13,125 sq ft; width 75 ft; depth 175 ft (§ 18.29.30, Table 2) .
    • Street side building setback: 25 ft; street side parking setback: 10 ft (Table 2) .
    • Interior side/rear setbacks: 0 ft in many cases, but 50 ft setback where adjoining A or R zones or school sites (§ 18.29.30, notes) .
    • Maximum building height: 35 ft (CUP may allow increase to 50 ft) (§ 18.29.30, Table 2 note) .
    • Landscaping, parking, and signage reference Chapters 18.29.80, 18.38, 18.37 respectively (§ 18.29.30) .

C‑4 (Commercial, Chapter 18.23)

  • Purpose: Provide a rural, small‑town commercial corridor with an intentionally western motif (§ 18.23.02) .
  • Typical permitted uses: retail, restaurants, service uses (detailed use table in § 18.23.04) .
  • Key dimensional standards:
    • Front yard: 30 ft (may be reduced to 10 ft by Planning Commission in some design circumstances) (§ 18.23.14(A)) .
    • Exterior side yard: 10 ft (§ 18.23.14(B)) .
    • Interior side/rear yard: generally no requirement except where a rear yard exists then a side yard of 12 ft or recorded access easement required (§ 18.23.14(C)) .
    • Height: 35 ft max (§ 18.23.16) .
    • Coverage: no set maximum in some C‑4 subsections; consult § 18.23.18 for coverage rules (often “no requirement”) .

HDO (Housing Development Overlay, Chapter 18.64)

  • Purpose: Facilitates affordable housing projects with an overlay that may adopt objective development standards for sites (HDO is applied to specific parcels) (§ 18.64.02–.08) .
  • Typical approach: HDO site plan sets specific permitted uses and may incorporate different standards than the underlying base zone; objective development standards may allow ministerial approvals where state law applies (§ 18.64.08–.14) .
  • What to review: the HDO site plan and the adopted objective standards for that HDO parcel (see § 18.64.04–.08) .

Quick, decision‑relevant Standards Table

District / Topic Key standards (what the planner checks first) Code reference
A‑1 Front 25 ft; side sum 20 ft (one side ≥ 5 ft); rear 60–100 ft (depending on lot history); height 35 ft; coverage 40% § 18.13.16, § 18.13.18, § 18.13.20
A‑2 Front 25 ft; side 20 ft; rear 30 ft; height 35 ft; coverage 40% § 18.14.16–.20
R‑1 Subzone minimum lot size (e.g., R‑1‑10 = 10,000 sq ft); consult subzone; permitted uses = single‑family § 18.15.04–.06
R‑3 Lot min 30,000 sq ft for new lots; front 25 ft; height 35 ft; max coverage 60%; lot area per DU by density suffix (never < 5,445 sq ft / DU) § 18.17.10–.20
HS Front 25 ft; side yards sum 20 ft (one side ≥5 ft); rear 30 ft; height 35 ft; coverage 15% § 18.26.14
C‑G (CG) Min lot 13,125 sq ft; building setback 25 ft; parking setback 10 ft; height 35 ft (CUP to 50 ft possible); special 50 ft buffer where abutting A/R § 18.29.30 (Table 2)
C‑4 Front 30 ft (PC may reduce to 10 ft); exterior side 10 ft; interior side/rear often none; height 35 ft § 18.23.14–.16
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) Detached ADU up to 1,200 sf; attached ADU size limits; min side/rear setback 4 ft for new ADUs; ADU heights: detached 16–18 ft per state/local rules; parking rules differ (see parking rules) § 18.30.46 (ADU rules)

Practical guidance / synthesis

  • Read the base zone first (e.g., A‑1 (§ 18.13), R‑1 (§ 18.15), R‑3 (§ 18.17) or C‑G (§ 18.29)) — the base zone states the default setbacks, heights, coverage and permitted uses. For hillside parcels read HS (§ 18.26) before any base assumptions about lot coverage or grading allowances. See § 18.01.02 for the ordinance scope and purpose .
  • Overlays and special zone chapters override base zone standards where applied (for example HDO or a PD Overlay). Always check the overlay chapter (e.g., § 18.64 for HDO) and the official zoning map for suffixes (sub‑zones such as R‑1‑10) that change numeric requirements .
  • If a property abuts an agricultural (A) or residential (R) zone many commercial zone setbacks increase (the code repeatedly requires 50 ft buffer or masonry walls where A or R are adjacent — see CG Table 2, C‑G § 18.29.50 and related notes) .
  • Site plan and architecture review are required for many main‑use structures and larger accessory buildings — consult the Norco Design Review rules as invoked by Chapters 18.40 and 18.41 (§ 18.26.26, § 18.41.12) .
  • Parking is regulated in Chapter 18.38 and the ordinance cross‑references parking standards for zones that have "no coverage requirement" but still require off‑street parking; see Norco Parking and the specific zone tables (e.g., C‑G Table 2 references Chapter 18.38) (§ 18.29.30) .
  • Accessory Dwelling Units have a dedicated section in the ordinance (ADU rules) that implements State ADU law and sets unit size, 4‑ft side/rear setbacks for new ADUs, and height/parking exemptions — see § 18.30.46 and the ADU subsection for detailed limits (and the Norco ADUs guidance) .
  • Landscaping and buffering rules are enforced (see § 18.29.70 and the Norco Landscaping and Screening reference) and can alter front yard treatment (e.g., required landscaped strip in some commercial zones) .

Checklist (what an applicant must satisfy)

  • Identify the parcel's base zone and any overlays (check zoning map and suffixes): e.g., R‑1‑10, A‑1‑20, HDO‑1 — (see the zoning map and § 18.01 & chapter headers) .
  • Confirm permitted uses for that zone (chapter/specific §: e.g., § 18.13.06, § 18.15.06, § 18.17.06) .
  • Show compliance with dimensional standards: front setback, side/rear setbacks, height limit, lot coverage per the zone (cite applicable §) — include PAKA / animal‑keeping buffers where required (§ 18.13, § 18.68, and ADU rules) .
  • Demonstrate required landscaping, screening, and walls per the zone (see § 18.29.70 and related screening sections) .
  • Prepare off‑street parking plan consistent with Chapter 18.38 (link to Norco Parking) .
  • If required, include Site Plan Review and Architectural Review packages per Chapters 18.40 and 18.41 (elevations, materials, grading narrative) and reference the Norco Design Review guidance (§ 18.41.12) .
  • For ADUs, follow § 18.30.46 for size, setbacks, height exceptions, and parking rules; confirm whether impact fee exemptions apply to small ADUs (§ 18.30.46(E)) .
  • Check for required masonry walls or special buffers where the project abuts A or R zones (commercial zones commonly require 6‑ft masonry walls) (§ 18.29.50, § 18.21.24, § 18.25.24) .

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Density suffix and sub‑zone mapping (e.g., R‑1‑10, R‑3‑8) Numeric suffix controls minimum lot size or max units/acre; wrong suffix → incorrect allowable units. Confirm the parcel's exact zoning suffix on the official zoning map and read the matching sub‑zone § (e.g., § 18.15.04, § 18.17.04)
PAKA / animal‑keeping area impacts on lot coverage and setbacks Animal‑keeping rules modify coverage and accessory structure setbacks (PAKA recordings can change which setback applies). Check whether the lot has a recorded PAKA (see § 18.13 and ADU § 18.30.46 for required preservation) and request a recorded‑document search from County Recorder; verify with Planning
FAR (Floor Area Ratio) not consistently used Some commercial tables show FAR N/A or omit FAR entirely, so assumptions about allowable floor area can be incorrect. Rely on the explicit lot coverage and height limits in the zone (§ 18.29.30, etc.) rather than an assumed FAR; check the specific zone table for any FAR entry
Conflicting overlay or CUP conditions Planned Development (PD) or HDO may change base zone standards; a CUP can allow height increases. Read overlay or PD ordinance for that parcel (e.g., PD per § 18.27; HDO § 18.64) and check CUP conditions in approvals; verify whether the parcel is within an overlay
ADU standards vs underlying zone State ADU law constrains local rules (minimum allowances and maximums); local ordinance implements those but cross‑references can be complex. Use § 18.30.46 for Norco ADU rules and confirm any site‑specific constraints; also review State ADU law if local code is silent or ambiguous (§ 18.30.46 and state guidance)

Plain-English Summary

Norco's development standards are zone‑by‑zone rules in Title 18: each zone (for example A‑1, A‑2, R‑1, R‑3, HS, C‑G, C‑4) spells out minimum lot sizes (often by a numeric suffix), front/side/rear setbacks, maximum height (commonly 35 ft or 2.5 stories), and lot coverage caps; overlays (HDO, PD) or conditional permits can change some numeric limits — always confirm the parcel's exact zone and suffix and then read the cited §§ (examples: § 18.13.16, § 18.14.18, § 18.17.18, § 18.26.14, § 18.29.30, § 18.30.46) before designing a site plan.

Source References

  • Title 18 (Zoning), City of Norco — Chapter 18.01–18.30 (intro, zones, general provisions) — see especially § 18.01.02, § 18.02.04
  • A‑1 Zoning: § 18.13.04, § 18.13.06, § 18.13.12, § 18.13.16, § 18.13.18, § 18.13.20
  • A‑2 Zoning: § 18.14.08, § 18.14.10, § 18.14.12, § 18.14.16–.20
  • R‑1 Zoning: § 18.15.02–.06, sub‑zone rules § 18.15.04
  • R‑3 Zoning: § 18.17.02, § 18.17.06, § 18.17.10–.20 (lot area, yards, height, coverage)
  • HS (Hillside): § 18.26.10, § 18.26.12, § 18.26.14, § 18.26.26 (on‑site/off‑site development)
  • C‑G (Commercial General) development standards table (Table 2) and related rules: § 18.29.30 and § 18.29.50–.70 (screening, landscaping)
  • C‑4 Commercial Zone: § 18.23.02, § 18.23.14–.18 (yards, height, coverage)
  • ADUs / JADUs: § 18.30.46 (Accessory Dwelling Units—development requirements, size, setbacks, parking and ministerial process)
  • Planned Development Overlay (PD) and HDO: § 18.27 (PD), § 18.64 (HDO) — HDO site standards and ministerial approval rules

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Norco Zoning Code High relevance
  • Norco Zoning Code (§ 18.17.10.) High relevance
  • Norco Zoning Code (§ 18.58.18.) High relevance
  • Norco Zoning Code (§ 18.23.14.) High relevance
  • Norco Zoning Code (§ 18.29.40.) High relevance
  • Norco Zoning Code (§ 18.14.08.) High relevance
  • CBC § 18.26.14 (§ 18.26.14.) High relevance
  • Norco Zoning Code (§ 18.13.12.) High relevance
  • Norco Zoning Code (§ 18.21.18.) High relevance
  • Norco Zoning Code (§ 18.25.16.) High relevance
  • Norco Zoning Code (§ 18.22.18.) High relevance
  • CBC § 18.26.10 (§ 18.26.10.) High relevance
  • Norco Zoning Code (§ 18.10.08.) Medium relevance
  • Norco Zoning Code (Chapter 18.65.) Medium relevance
  • Norco Zoning Code (§ 18.11.22.) Medium relevance
  • Norco Zoning Code (Title 18.) Medium relevance
  • Norco Zoning Code (§ 18.15.02.) Medium relevance
  • CBC § 18.30.49 (chapter or) Medium relevance
  • Norco Zoning Code (section is) Medium relevance
  • Norco Zoning Code (§ 18.16.60.) Medium relevance
  • Norco Zoning Code (section shall) High relevance
  • CBC § 200 High relevance
  • CBC § 66314 (§ 66314) High relevance
  • CBC § 310 (Section 310) Medium relevance
  • CBC § 850 Medium relevance
  • Norco Zoning Code (§ 66317) Medium relevance
  • Norco Zoning Code (section may) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

What can I build on an A‑1 lot in Norco?

You may build the uses listed in the A‑1 chapter: single‑family detached dwellings, accessory buildings, and a range of agricultural uses; the A‑1 zone is split into suffixes that set the minimum lot size (e.g., A‑1‑20) — see § 18.13.06 and § 18.13.04 for the subzone rules.

What are Norco's front, side and rear setback requirements for hillside (HS) parcels?

The HS zone requires a front yard of 25 ft, interior side yards that together total 20 ft with one side not less than 5 ft, a corner side equal to 20% of lot width (max 15 ft), and a rear yard of 30 ft; see § 18.26.14 for the full on‑site standards and exceptions.

What are the R‑3 (low‑density multifamily) lot area and height limits?

New lots in R‑3 must be a minimum of 30,000 sq ft (§ 18.17.10); height is limited to 2.5 stories or 35 ft whichever is less (§ 18.17.18). Density per net acre is set by the numeric suffix on the R‑3 designation (e.g., R‑3‑6, R‑3‑8) and lot‑area‑per‑unit cannot drop below 5,445 sq ft per DU — see § 18.17.14.

Do commercial zones require buffers where they abut residential or agricultural zones?

Yes. Several commercial standards require expanded setbacks or masonry walls where a commercial property abuts an A or R zone (for example CG Table 2 and § 18.29.50); expect a 50 ft building setback or a 6‑ft masonry wall in those circumstances — check the applicable zone's section and Table 2 notes.

What setback/size/height rules apply to ADUs in Norco?

Norco's ADU rules (see § 18.30.46) implement state ADU law: detached ADUs may be up to 1,200 sf in Norco (with porches limits), attached ADU size limits are stated in the ordinance; for new ADUs the ordinance allows 4‑ft side and rear setbacks, detached ADU height is governed by the ADU subsection (typical detached limits align with state minimums of 16‑18 ft under conditions), and there are parking rules and fee exemptions for small units — see § 18.30.46.

Do I always need Design Review or Site Plan Review in Norco?

Many new main‑use structures and accessory structures over thresholds (e.g., large accessory buildings, commercial developments) require Site Plan Review (Chapter 18.40) and Architectural Review (Chapter 18.41); check the zone's site‑development sections (e.g., HS § 18.26.26) and Chapter 18.40 to confirm whether your project is exempt or requires review. See also the Norco Design Review guidance.

Is lot coverage measured differently on sloped or graded pads?

Yes — Norco's ordinance distinguishes pad coverage vs. total lot coverage for sloped lots and includes rules about when graded area becomes pad area for coverage calculations (see § 18.13.20 for pad definitions and coverage rules). Verify whether your regrade changes pad area and how that affects coverage calculations.

Can a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) increase height in commercial zones?

Yes. Several commercial and mixed‑use zones allow a CUP to increase height (for example certain CG/C‑G provisions and C‑4 have notes allowing up to 50 ft with CUP and design approval); always cite the specific zone provision (see § 18.29.30 notes and § 18.23.16).

How does Norco handle dense housing incentives (density bonuses)?

Norco has a Residential Density Bonus chapter (Chapter 18.65) that implements state density bonus law and provides incentives, including possible increases to height or waivers of development standards where eligible affordable housing is provided — see § 18.65.02 and related tables.

What if the zoning code doesn't show an FAR for my commercial parcel?

If the zone's table shows FAR N/A (not applicable), rely on the explicit lot coverage, height, setback, and parking controls listed for that zone (example: CG Table 2); if you need a floor area metric for financing or internal design, compute it from allowed coverage and building footprint limits and confirm with Planning. See § 18.29.30 (Table 2).

Who enforces or determines exceptions and modifications to development standards?

Variances and exceptions are processed under Chapter 18.44 (variances) and Site Plan/Architectural Review chapters; the Planning Commission and City Council have authority to approve modifications where the code permits (see variance criteria § 18.44.16) — verify if an exception is required for your situation. ---

More in Norco code

Ask about any Norco property

Get a cited, plain-English answer on Norco zoning, setbacks, FAR, ADUs and permits — for any address.

Start Free Trial

More Norco zoning topics

Norco Zoning

Norco Land Use

Norco Parking

Norco Design Review

Norco Overlay Districts

Norco Historic Preservation

Norco Signage

Norco Nonconforming Uses

Norco Variances and Exceptions

Norco Landscaping and Screening

Norco overview