Local zoning · Paradise

Paradise — Land Use

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

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes how the Town of Paradise structures land use in its zoning ordinance (Title 17). It explains what uses are permitted or conditional in each local zone, the most decision-relevant development standards, and where to look in the ordinance to confirm specific allowances and restrictions. Start with the town zoning map and the Paradise zoning & planning overview and then check the applicable zone text in Title 17. See the town’s Paradise Zoning page for map/zone lookup.

NOTE: This page covers only land-use rules in Paradise Title 17 (permitted uses, conditional uses, use classifications, and the zone-by-zone use tables). It does not cover building code (see the California Building Standards Code) or separate permitting procedures beyond what the zoning text itself declares.

How the code organizes uses (quick)

  • Zones are established and their use rules are the controlling lists of what is allowed or prohibited in each zone (§ 17.07.100) .
  • In each zone the use table entries are coded as P = permitted as a matter of right, C = permitted only with a conditional use permit, S = permitted with site plan review, and A = permitted by administrative permit (see the introductory language of each zone’s permitted/conditional uses; e.g., § 17.08.200 for R‑C) .
  • If a use isn’t listed for the zone it is prohibited unless lawfully established prior to the code (§ 17.06.1100) .
  • The planning director has authority to classify unlisted uses (use determinations) following criteria in § 17.04.400 .

District-by-district breakdown

Each subsection below names the local zone (as printed in Title 17), summarizes purpose, lists the most common permitted/conditional uses, notes key dimensional/site standards and where the zone typically applies. All quoted code pointers end with the controlling § and a file citation to the extracted ordinance text.

R-C (Resource Conservation)

Purpose: conserve open space, agriculture, and recreation lands; consistent with General Plan open-space/agricultural or recreational designations (§ 17.08.100) .
Typical permitted/conditional uses: crop production, commercial timber harvesting, private stable, accessory dwelling, animal production/livestock; campgrounds and commercial recreation are listed as conditional or site‑review in the R‑C use table (§ 17.08.200) .
Key dimensional standards: minimum lot area 5 acres, minimum lot width 150 ft, front-yard setback (public street) 50 ft from centerline, maximum height 35 ft (§ 17.08.300) .
Where applied: large, rural parcels and open-space areas (map assignment per § 17.07.100) .

AG-10 and AG-20 (Agricultural-10 / Agricultural-20)

Purpose: agricultural production and accessory agricultural activities (§ 17.10 — tables) .
Typical permitted/conditional uses: agricultural buildings, crop production, agricultural processing, animal production, limited residential/ag employee housing, accessory and secondary dwellings; some non-ag uses are conditional (e.g., aviation facilities) (§ 17.10.200/300 use tables) .
Key standards & notes: accessory uses list in § 17.10.300; minimum lot sizes differ by AG zone and are set in the site development regulations of the chapter (§ 17.10.300) .

AR-1, AR-3, AR-5 (Agricultural Residential)

Purpose: larger residential parcels that allow accessory agricultural uses and livestock (§ 17.11.100) .
Typical uses: single‑family residences, accessory dwellings, crop production, private stables, limited commercial/ag services and community care facilities; bed & breakfasts and kennels can be conditional in some AR subzones (§ 17.11.200) .
Key standards: minimum lot area 1 / 3 / 5 acres (AR‑1 / AR‑3 / AR‑5), minimum lot widths 130–150 ft, side/rear setbacks 10 ft, maximum height 35 ft (§ 17.11.400) .

TR-1, TR-1/2, TR-1/3 (Town Residential)

Purpose: single‑family residential with smaller parcel sizes; intended for built‑out town residential neighborhoods (§ 17.14.100) .
Typical uses: single‑family residence (P), accessory dwelling/secondary dwelling (A/P per footnotes), family daycare, limited community care, crop production, some conditional uses such as B&B and mobile home parks (§ 17.14.200) .
Key dimensional standards: minimum lot area 1 acre / 1/2 acre / 1/3 acre (TR‑1 / TR‑1/2 / TR‑1/3); front-yard setback from public street 50 ft from centerline, side/rear setback 5 ft, maximum height 35 ft, building coverage 25–30%, impervious 40% (§ 17.14.400) .
Notes: some animal uses (livestock) are allowed only on properties ≥1 acre; see § 17.14.500 and Chapter 17.35 rules for animal specifics .

RR-1, RR-2/3, RR-1/2 (Rural Residential)

Purpose: rural single‑family residential parcels with densities ~1–2 units/acre (§ 17.12.100) .
Typical uses: single‑family residence, crop production, limited animal production (subject to Chapter 17.35), accessory and secondary dwellings (A), mobile home parks (conditional), park/recreation and religious assembly (conditional) (§ 17.12.200 use table) .
Key standards: minimum lot areas are set in § 17.12 site development regulations (see chapter for exact figures) .

M-F (Multiple‑Family Residential)

Purpose: multiple‑family housing; density capped depending on constraints (up to 10 du/acre in some circumstances) (§ 17.17.100) .
Typical uses: multiple‑family dwellings (P/S as table states), accessory dwellings subject to size rules, family daycare, community care, professional offices in some contexts (§ 17.17.200 use table) .
Key standards: density and parking rules apply; see Chapter 17.17 and the general density rules (§ 17.06.300) .

N-C, C-B, C-C and WDC (Neighborhood-Commercial, Central-Business, Community-Commercial, Walkable Downtown Core)

Purpose: commercial cores and corridors; N‑C for neighborhood retail, C‑B downtown core (Walkable Downtown Core overlay within it), C‑C for broader commercial uses including hotels, auto sales and restaurants (§ 17.20.100) .
Typical uses: retail, restaurants, professional offices, auto repair (conditional in some zones), indoor/outdoor auto sales (varies by subzone), short‑term lodging and warehouse uses (see the commercial use tables) (§ 17.20.200 and follow‑on tables) .
Key standards: minimum lot area 10,890 sq ft, front setback from public street N‑C/C‑C: 50 ft; C‑B: 40 ft (from centerline), maximum height 35 ft, building coverage 50–60%, impervious coverage allowances and FAR vary by commercial zone (e.g., FAR .5:1 in N‑C and C‑C; .75:1 in C‑B) (§ 17.20.400) .
Notes: the Walkable Downtown Core has map boundaries and special design expectations; check the Paradise Overlay Districts and the WDC text in Title 17 (§ 17.20.*) .

Quick reference table — decision‑relevant uses & standards

Topic / zone Typical top-line rule Code reference
R‑C permitted uses (e.g., crop production, private stable) Uses listed as P/C/S in R‑C use table § 17.08.200
TR‑1 / TR‑1/2 / TR‑1/3 min lot area & setbacks Min lot area 1 / 1/2 / 1/3 acre; front setback 50 ft (public), side/rear 5 ft, max height 35 ft § 17.14.400
AR‑1 / AR‑3 / AR‑5 min lot areas 1 / 3 / 5 acres respectively; side/rear setbacks 10 ft § 17.11.400
N‑C / C‑B / C‑C commercial FAR & coverage FAR .5:1 (N‑C/C‑C), .75:1 (C‑B); max height 35 ft § 17.20.400
Secondary dwelling / accessory dwelling rules (town) Secondary dwellings are addressed in the code (size/parking limitations referenced) — see secondary dwelling provisions noted in multiple chapters See § 17.06.300 (density) and § 17.06.990.B.10 reference; secondary dwelling specifics also summarized in ordinance updates (Ord. No. 594)
Use classification / unlisted uses Planning director determines classification for uses not listed § 17.04.400

Practical guidance / synthesis

  • Start by confirming the parcel’s zoning on the town zoning map and then read that zone’s permitted/conditional uses table — the zone text itself is the primary legal source (§ 17.07.100) .
  • If the use you want appears as P in the zone table you can pursue project approvals under the standard development rules; if it is C, a discretionary conditional use permit is required (the table language for each zone indicates whether a use is C) — check the specific zone table (examples: § 17.08.200 for R‑C, § 17.14.200 for TR zones) .
  • Many development details (setbacks, lot area, coverage, height) are listed either in each zone’s “site development regulations” subsection or in the general standards chapters (see Paradise Development Standards) — e.g., TR setback and coverage rules are at § 17.14.400 .
  • Expect overlays and special areas (Walkable Downtown Core, scenic highway corridors) to add restrictions or additional design requirements; see the Paradise Overlay Districts and the specific overlay language in Title 17 (WDC references in § 17.20.*) .
  • For parking obligations consult the town parking rules in Chapter 17.38 and the Paradise Parking page — the use tables sometimes flag residential/ commercial parking standards (e.g., ADU/secondary dwelling parking allowances are referenced in ordinance text) .
  • Where the code defers to other chapters (animals, home occupations, sign rules, landscaping) follow those cross‑references (for example, animal rules are in Chapter 17.35; home occupations in Chapter 17.33) .

Also see the town’s Paradise Design Review page when your use or zone requires site plan review or design approval; and the Paradise ADUs page when evaluating accessory/secondary dwellings. When construction and code compliance are involved, reference the California Building Standards Code.

Checklist (what an applicant must verify before filing)

  • Confirm the parcel’s zone on the town’s zoning map and read the zone’s use table (§ 17.07.100) .
  • Verify the specific use’s code entry is P, S, A or C in that zone’s table (e.g., § 17.08.200, § 17.14.200, § 17.20.200) and plan for conditional use permit if marked C .
  • Confirm site development standards (minimum lot area, lot width, setbacks, height, coverage, FAR) in the same zone chapter (e.g., § 17.14.400 for TR zones) .
  • Check overlay districts or special-area constraints (WDC, scenic highway corridors) and related design requirements (Paradise Overlay Districts; § 17.20.* and § 17.06.820) .
  • Confirm required parking standards (Chapter 17.38) and whether site plan review or design review is required; review Paradise Parking and Paradise Design Review pages .
  • If the proposal is an accessory or secondary dwelling, read the code references to secondary dwellings and applicable size/parking rules (see § 17.06.300 and the secondary dwelling references in the chapters) .
  • Where the proposed activity involves animals, commercial composting, solid‑waste facilities, or similar special uses, read the zone’s specific entries plus Chapter 17.35 (animal regulations) and other cross‑references (§ 17.11.200, § 17.35.*) .
  • For anything unclear, request a written use‑classification from the planning director under § 17.04.400 .

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Use classification ambiguity for an unlisted activity If your exact activity is not named the planning director will apply a classification that can change whether the use is permitted or conditional (§ 17.04.400) Request a written use determination from the planning director and preserve the appeal record (§ 17.04.400)
Overlay areas (WDC, scenic corridors) Overlays can prohibit or require extra design conditions (e.g., scenic corridor forbids certain commercial uses) (§ 17.06.820; WDC in § 17.20.*) Confirm overlay boundaries on official maps and read overlay text in Title 17; check Paradise Overlay Districts
“C” uses require discretionary approval Conditional approvals are discretionary and can impose conditions — affecting feasibility/timetable (zone use tables mark C uses) (see any zone table, e.g., § 17.08.200) Identify if a CUP is required and ask planning staff for typical findings/conditions (process steps not fully reproduced in the retrieved excerpt). Verify hearing/notice requirements (Not found in retrieved materials).
Secondary dwelling / ADU terminology Title 17 uses “secondary dwelling” language plus cross‑references; state ADU rules also apply and can supersede some local constraints Read the local secondary‑dwelling provisions cited in Title 17 (e.g., § 17.06.300 and related references) and consult the Paradise ADUs and California ADU law pages; confirm whether local size/parking limits were updated to comply with state law (§ references in the ordinance excerpts)
Nonconforming / pre‑existing uses Existing lawful uses that are nonconforming remain subject to special rules; they impact remodels and expansions (definitions in Title 17) (§ 17.04.* definitions) Verify whether the use is legal/nonconforming and confirm allowed expansion rules and discontinuance triggers (check Title 17 nonconforming chapters; Not all procedural text was retrieved).
Parcel‑specific infrastructure constraints Some densities require clustered wastewater systems; site more likely to trigger special requirements for water/sewer Check the zone footnotes and the site development regs for conditional density allowances (e.g., 17.20.400 footnote on clustered wastewater)

Plain‑English summary

Paradise’s Title 17 zoning ordinance tells you exactly which activities are allowed where: each parcel’s zone table lists permitted (“P”), conditional (“C”), site‑review (“S”), and administrative (“A”) uses, and each zone’s chapter gives the dimensional rules (lot size, setbacks, height, coverage). Always read the specific zone section (e.g., § 17.08.200 for R‑C, § 17.14.200 / § 17.14.400 for TR zones, § 17.20.200 / § 17.20.400 for commercial)—and ask the planning director for a written use determination if your activity isn’t clearly listed .

Source References

  • Paradise, Title 17 — Zones established and purpose: § 17.07.100
  • Resource Conservation (R‑C) permitted/conditional uses: § 17.08.200, site regs § 17.08.300
  • Agricultural (AG‑10 / AG‑20) use tables and accessory uses: § 17.10.200 / § 17.10.300
  • Agricultural Residential (AR‑1 / AR‑3 / AR‑5) uses and site regulations: § 17.11.200 / § 17.11.400
  • Town Residential (TR‑1 / TR‑1/2 / TR‑1/3) uses and site regs: § 17.14.200 / § 17.14.400
  • Rural Residential (RR) use table: § 17.12.200
  • Multiple‑Family (M‑F) purpose and uses: § 17.17.100 / § 17.17.200
  • Commercial zones (N‑C / C‑B / C‑C) uses and site development regs: § 17.20.100 / § 17.20.200 / § 17.20.400
  • General rules: density § 17.06.300, floor‑area, height rules § 17.06.400–500 (general development standards)
  • Use classification & planning director determinations: § 17.04.400
  • Secondary dwelling, size/parking summaries and references to secondary‑dwelling provisions: ordinance text and ordinance updates (e.g., Ord. No. 594) referenced in Title 17 excerpts (see § 17.06.300 and related cross‑references)
  • Animal and accessory‑use rules (Chapter 17.35 excerpts, backyard chicken and beekeeping samples): § 17.35.250 / § 17.35.300

(Where a single chapter contains multiple applicable sections I have cited the most relevant excerpts retrieved from the uploaded Paradise Title 17 print export. For anything parcel‑specific or where a procedural step (hearing, fees, or exact conditional use permit findings) is needed, verify with the Planning Department — some procedural sections were not fully reproduced in the provided excerpts.)

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Paradise Zoning Code (title are) High relevance
  • Paradise Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
  • Paradise Zoning Code (Chapter 17.14) High relevance
  • Paradise Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
  • Paradise Zoning Code (Chapter 17.20) High relevance
  • Paradise Zoning Code (§ 4) High relevance
  • Paradise Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
  • Paradise Zoning Code (title when) Medium relevance
  • Paradise Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
  • Paradise Zoning Code (§ 3) Medium relevance
  • Paradise Zoning Code (§ 5) Medium relevance
  • Paradise Zoning Code (Chapter 6.28) Medium relevance
  • Paradise Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
  • Paradise Zoning Code (§ 3) Medium relevance
  • CBC § 2 (§ 2) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

What can I build on an R‑C lot in Paradise?

If your lot is zoned R‑C the R‑C use table lists permitted uses (marked P) such as crop production, commercial timber harvesting, private stable and accessory dwellings and conditional uses (marked C) such as campgrounds or commercial recreation; see § 17.08.200 for the full use table and § 17.08.300 for site development rules (minimum lot area, setbacks, height) .

What are Paradise setback requirements for town residential (TR) lots?

Town residential setbacks and development standards are in § 17.14.400: front‑yard setback from a public street is 50 ft (measured from the centerline), side and rear setbacks are generally 5 ft, maximum height 35 ft, and building/impervious coverage limits are listed by TR subzone (TR‑1 / TR‑1/2 / TR‑1/3) .

Do I need a conditional use permit for a listed “C” use?

Yes — when a zone’s use table marks a use with C it is allowed only subject to town issuance of a conditional use permit as established in that zone table language (examples: § 17.08.200, § 17.14.200, § 17.20.200) — check the specific zone chapter for the designation and consult planning staff for the CUP procedure and required findings (process details not all reproduced in the retrieved excerpts) .

Where are the commercial zone FAR, height and coverage limits?

Commercial zone site development regulations are in § 17.20.400: maximum height is 35 ft in the commercial zones; FAR and coverage vary by subzone (e.g., FAR .5:1 in N‑C and C‑C, .75:1 in C‑B) and are listed in that section .

If a use isn’t listed in the table, can I still do it?

Not automatically. Title 17 treats uses not listed in a zone as prohibited unless lawfully existing prior to the code (see § 17.06.1100). The planning director may determine the proper use classification for an unlisted activity under § 17.04.400; obtain a written use determination to clarify whether the activity can be allowed and under what permit category .

How are secondary dwellings (ADUs) handled in Paradise?

Title 17 includes secondary‑dwelling language and references (see the density and secondary dwelling discussion in § 17.06.300 and cross‑references in several zone chapters); the ordinance excerpts also summarize limits on secondary dwellings (size/parking) in code updates (see referenced secondary‑dwelling provisions and Ord. No. 594 summaries in the excerpts) — consult the Paradise ADUs page and the code text cited in Title 17 to confirm current local rules and how they mesh with state ADU law .

Are there specific limits for animals, chickens, bees in residential zones?

Yes — Chapter 17.35 contains animal regulations, including backyard chicken limits (e.g., combined total of 12 chickens and rabbits in residential zones and additional rules) and beekeeping standards (zone applicability and setbacks). See § 17.35.250 and § 17.35.300 for specifics .

Can a commercial mini‑storage facility be located next to residences?

The code has special development standards for convenience/ministorage (including screening, height limits near side yards, and location limits relative to downtown boundaries); see the specific mini‑storage standards in the commercial chapter (examples in the § 17.06.* excerpts and § 17.20.*) — the commercial zone rules and special standards apply; verify whether your site sits inside any overlays or downtown boundaries which add conditions .

Who decides how an unlisted use is classified?

The Planning Director makes use classification decisions following the criteria and written‑finding process in § 17.04.400; those written determinations can be the subject of appeal per the code’s appeals/variance chapters (see § 17.04.400) .

Where are parking requirements for a proposed use?

Parking is handled in Chapter 17.38 (referenced throughout zone chapters) and the code flags parking rules in specific use entries (e.g., secondary dwelling parking allowances); consult the zone’s use table and Chapter 17.38 and see the town Paradise Parking page for applied standards and calculations . ---

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