Local zoning · Paradise

Paradise — Zoning

Q: How is the zoning map adopted and what if boundaries are unclear?

The zoning map is adopted as part of Title 17 § 17.05.400 ; where boundaries are uncertain the planning director (or planning commission) determines the boundary location § 17.05.500 — always get a written map interpretation from the planning department § 17.05.400–500 .

Q: What are the parking requirements for a new commercial tenant?

Off‑street parking is defined in Chapter 17.38 and the code contains use-by-use parking ratios (retail, restaurant, office, etc.); see § 17.38 and the parking table and consult the town’s parking rules § 17.38.100–200 .

Q: What are the sign-area limits for a C-B (downtown) property?

Sign area and sign type limits for C‑B are in Chapter 17.37 — the business-sign table lists facade, freestanding, and monument sign limits (and maximum site totals) § 17.37.700–800 .

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

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page explains what the Town of Paradise zoning ordinance (Title 17) actually requires about zoning: the districts the town uses, what they are for, typical permitted uses, and the most decision-relevant dimensional and development controls. For system-level rules (how the zoning map works, how boundaries are interpreted, combining/overlay districts, and where to find site development standards) the ordinance is explicit: see the zoning-map rules and the zone chapters below. The zoning map and each base zone are adopted as part of the code § 17.05.400 ; interpretation rules are in § 17.05.500 .

Note: building permits and compliance with the state code are handled separately (see California Building Standards Code).

Links you will see in this page (first occurrence only): the town’s rules for development standards, parking, design review, overlay districts, ADUs, signage, and nonconforming uses.

How the ordinance structures zoning (quick)

The zones in Title 17 are the Town’s base and combining zones; they are listed and mapped as part of the ordinance § 17.07.100 and § 17.05.400 .
A base zone applies to each parcel; combining zones (for example /P-D Planned Development or /MH Mobile Home combining) may be applied in addition to a base zone § 17.05.300; procedures for rezones/amendments are in Chapter 17.45 .
Where the map boundary is unclear the planning director (or planning commission) determines the boundary § 17.05.500 .

District-by-district breakdown

For each district below I list the ordinance purpose, common permitted/conditional uses, the key numeric dimensional standards (lot area, setbacks, height, coverage where provided), and where that zone is typically applied (how the general plan designation ties in). All requirements are grounded in the cited Paradise code sections.

Notes on notation: I bold each district name and any numeric standard readers scan for (minimum lot sizes, setbacks, heights). Where the ordinance lists detailed permitted uses, I point to that table and cite the exact code section.

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

Purpose: Preserve primarily undeveloped/open-space agricultural lands; avoid urban development on constrained parcels § 17.10.100 .
Typical permitted/conditional uses: agricultural production, accessory agricultural structures, limited residential uses per the permitted-use table § 17.10.200 .
Key dimensional standards (site development regulations): Minimum lot area: AG-10 = 10 acres; AG-20 = 20 acres; Minimum lot width: AG-10 = 150 ft; AG-20 = 200 ft; Street/frontage widths: 80 ft; Public street setback: 50 ft (from centerline); Side/rear setback: 10 ft; Maximum height: 35 ft — all in § 17.10.400 .
Where applied / notes: consistent with the open-space/agricultural general-plan designation § 17.10.100 .

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

Purpose: Larger-lot residential areas with accessory agricultural uses (varies by AR-1 / AR-3 / AR-5) § 17.11.100 .
Typical permitted uses: single-family residences, accessory dwellings and farm-support uses, limited agricultural processing and animal production (see the zone use table) § 17.11.200 . Accessory uses (garages, guest houses, solar, small-scale animal keeping rules) are listed in § 17.11.300 .
Key dimensional standards: Minimum lot area: AR-1 = 1 acre; AR-3 = 3 acres; AR-5 = 5 acres; Minimum lot width: AR-1 = 130 ft; AR-3 = 150 ft; AR-5 = 150 ft; Street frontage widths: 30/40/60 ft respectively; Public street setback: 50 ft (from centerline); Side/rear setback: 10 ft; Max height: 35 ft — see § 17.11.400 .
Where applied: areas designated A-R or Open Space/Agricultural in the general plan § 17.11.100 .

(If you are considering an accessory dwelling/secondary dwelling, see the ADU rules noted in the ordinance references to secondary dwellings in § 17.06. and the AR chapter; for town ADU policy see Paradise ADUs.)

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

Purpose: Single-family rural residential lots (moderately large parcels; densities roughly ½–1–2 units/acre) § 17.12.100 .
Typical permitted uses: single-family, secondary dwellings (subject to rules), limited agriculture, parks/open space; the full permitted/conditional use matrix is in § 17.12.200 .
Key dimensional standards: Minimum lot area: RR-1 = 1 acre; RR-2/3 = 2/3 acre; RR-1/2 = 1/2 acre; Minimum lot width: RR-1 = 130 ft; RR-2/3 = 95 ft; RR-1/2 = 65 ft; Street frontage widths: 40/30/30 ft; Public street setback: 50 ft (from centerline); Side/rear setback: RR-1 = 10 ft; RR-2/3 & RR-1/2 = 5 ft; Max height: 35 ft; maximum building/impervious coverage by subzone in § 17.12.400 .

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

Purpose: Smaller-lot single-family residential neighborhoods (town-scale) § 17.14.100 .
Typical permitted uses: single-family dwellings, family day-care homes, limited community uses (see use matrix) § 17.14.200 .
Key dimensional standards: Minimum lot area: TR-1 = 1 acre; TR-1/2 = ½ acre; TR-1/3 = 1/3 acre; Minimum lot width: 65 ft for all three; Front setback / public street: 50 ft (from centerline); Side/rear setback: 5 ft; Max height: 35 ft; building/impervious coverage limits in § 17.14.400 .

M-F (Multiple-Family Residential)

Purpose: Areas planned for multiple-family residential uses; density caps noted in the chapter § 17.17.100: maximum potential densities generally not to exceed 10 dwelling units per acre (7 du/acre for mobile home parks) .
Typical permitted uses: multi-family housing, limited community-support uses; full uses listed in § 17.17.200 .
Key dimensional/site rules: slope-based coverage reductions, prohibitions on livestock, and site-specific coverage/height rules appear in § 17.17.500 (including impervious-coverage reductions for slope >10%) .

N-C, C-B, C-C (Neighborhood-Commercial, Central Business, Community-Commercial)

Purpose: Commercial zones scaled from neighborhood retail to central downtown and community/regional commercial § 17.20.100 .
Typical permitted uses: retail, service, offices, restaurants, hotels (varies by zone). Accessory commercial uses and small-scale industrial accessory rules are in § 17.20.300 .
Key dimensional standards: commercial site table in § 17.20.400: minimum gross lot area (all three) = 10,890 sq ft, minimum lot width N-C = 65 ft / C-B = 55 ft / C-C = 65 ft, public street setback: N-C & C-C = 50 ft (from centerline); C-B = 40 ft; side/rear setback: N-C = 5 ft; C-B & C-C = 0 ft; max height: 35 ft; building coverage, impervious coverage and FAR vary by subzone § 17.20.400 .
Downtown/Walkable Downtown Core: the ordinance establishes a Walkable Downtown Core boundary in the C-B rules and adopts separate Downtown guidelines (see § 17.20.100 and Chapter 17.41 design rules) .

When you are planning a commercial project, check parking minimums in Chapter 17.38 (off-street parking) — see the town’s parking rules and the parking table § 17.38. .

I-S (Industrial Services)

Purpose and uses: industrial servicing, warehousing, light manufacturing; accessory industrial uses and the detailed use list appear in Chapter 17.23 (see permitted/conditional table) § 17.23. .
Key dimensional/site rules: Minimum lot area: ½ acre; min lot width: 65 ft and additional site development rules in § 17.23.400 .
Design limitations and façade treatment requirements are spelled out for certain metal buildings and industrial uses (design compatibility expectations) § 17.23 and related design sections .

C-F and C-S (Community-Facilities and Community-Services)

Purpose: public and community service uses including schools, parks, major community facilities § 17.26.100 and the site rules in § 17.26.500; sign/parking references apply § 17.26 .
Key regulations: public setbacks and special street-centerline setbacks; signage and parking references in Chapters 17.37 and 17.38 apply § 17.26.500 .

/P-D (Planned Development Combining)

Purpose: allow flexible design and phasing for larger, unified projects § 17.29.100 .
How it works: a P-D is combined with a base zone and must include a concept plan showing uses, densities, setbacks, and other site development standards; a P-D must be shown on the zoning map using the letters P-D and identified by ordinance § 17.29.200–500 .
Minimum requirements: a P-D combining zone generally requires minimum 2 acres and may expire if development is not established in 3 years (see § 17.29.400 and § 17.29.800 for minimum area and expiration) .
Practical note: P-D application materials must include proposed numeric site-development standards (lot-area/density, setbacks, height, coverage) so the P-D becomes the controlling local standard once approved § 17.29.500 .

/MH (Mobile-Home Combining)

Purpose and where used: combining zone to allow mobile home park regulations in A-R, R-R, T-R, and M-R base zones; see Chapter 17.31 for applicability and standards § 17.29.200 and 17.31 .

Quick reference table — decision-relevant standards (selected)

District	Key numeric standards (most-used)	Code reference
AG-10 / AG-20	Min lot area: 10 / 20 acres; min lot width: 150 / 200 ft; public street setback: 50 ft (centerline); max height: 35 ft	§ 17.10.400
AR-1 / AR-3 / AR-5	Min lot area: 1 / 3 / 5 acres; lot widths: 130 / 150 / 150 ft; side/rear setback: 10 ft; max height: 35 ft	§ 17.11.400
RR-1 / RR-2/3 / RR-1/2	Min lot area: 1 / 2/3 / 1/2 acre; side/rear setbacks: 10 / 5 / 5 ft; max height: 35 ft	§ 17.12.400
TR-1 / TR-1/2 / TR-1/3	Min lot area: 1 / 1/2 / 1/3 acre; lot width: 65 ft; side/rear setbacks: 5 ft; max height: 35 ft	§ 17.14.400
M-F	Density cap: generally up to 10 du/acre (7 du/acre for mobile home parks); slope-based impervious limits	§ 17.17.100, § 17.17.500
N-C / C-B / C-C	Min gross lot area: 10,890 sq ft; min lot widths: 65 / 55 / 65 ft; side setbacks down to 0 in C-B/C-C; max height: 35 ft	§ 17.20.400
I-S	Min lot area: ½ acre; min lot width: 65 ft; industrial permitted uses list	§ 17.23.400
P‑D combining	Minimum P‑D area: 2 acres (unless otherwise provided); P-D shown on zoning map as P‑D	§ 17.29.400, § 17.29.200

Practical guidance / synthesis

The town adopts the zoning map as part of Title 17 and gives the planning director authority to interpret ambiguous boundaries; always confirm the mapped base zone and any combining zone on the town’s official map prior to design work (§ 17.05.400, § 17.05.500) .
Use the district-specific site development tables in each chapter (for example § 17.11.400 for AR and § 17.14.400 for TR) to pull the numeric minimum lot, setback, and coverage standards that actually govern a parcel; these tables control basic dimensional compliance .
Where a proposed project or use is not listed as permitted, check the conditional-use/administrative-use rules in the applicable zone chapter and the general use-permit procedures in Chapter 17.45 (use permits, site-plan-review, public-hearing rules) § 17.45.200–§ 17.45.540 .
Design expectations and additional site/regulatory controls (lighting, site coverage, slope limitations, fences, exterior displays in commercial zones, signs) are in the cross-cutting general-site chapters (Chapter 17.06, 17.37 for signage, 17.38 for parking). For signs refer to Chapter 17.37 and the sign tables § 17.37.700–800 .
If you need to vary a numeric standard (setback, height), the ordinance prescribes variance procedures (see Chapter 17.45, and the variance definition) and the planning director/commission review and appeal process § 17.45.200 and the variance definition § 17.05/17. (see the variance definition in the code) .

Checklist (what an applicant must satisfy before moving forward)

Confirm the parcel’s base zone and any combining/overlay designation on the official Town zoning map § 17.05.400 .
Pull the applicable zone chapter (e.g., § 17.10 for AG, § 17.11 for AR, § 17.14 for TR, § 17.20 for commercial) and extract minimum lot area, setbacks, height, coverage, and allowed uses § 17.10–17.26 .
Check parking requirements for the proposed use in Chapter 17.38 and the town parking table (and use the town’s parking guidance) § 17.38 .
Decide whether the use is permitted (P), requires a conditional use permit (C), administrative permit (A), or site-plan review (S) — consult the zone use matrix § (zone tables) .
If design review applies (downtown/commercial, certain industrial façades), prepare the materials required by Chapter 17.41 and consult the design review page § 17.41 .
For projects seeking P‑D or other rezones, assemble the required concept plan and documentation per § 17.29.500 and follow the rezoning process in Chapter 17.45 .
Verify any site-specific constraints (steep slope impervious-coverage adjustments in § 17.06.800 and § 17.17.500) and special scenic-corridor prohibitions § 17.06.800, § 17.06.820 .
Confirm required sign allowances in § 17.37 and confirm whether signage will require a sign permit § 17.37.700–900 .
For ADUs/secondary dwellings, check the ordinance text referencing secondary dwellings (and the town ADU page) — the code contains a dedicated secondary-dwelling rule-set and parking limits for secondary dwellings § 17.06.990.B.10 and ADU-related changes § 17.06.980–1000; verify with the planning director for parcel-specific allowances .

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Zoning-map boundary ambiguity	Boundaries determine which numeric standards apply; a single lot split by a boundary may be regulated separately § 17.05.500	Ask the planning director to interpret the map; request a map legend/official GIS printout and written determination § 17.05.500
Combining zone expiration (P‑D)	Some P‑D approvals expire if development not established within 3 years; that can revert zoning to the previous base zone § 17.29.800	Confirm approval date, recorded ordinance and any extensions in the P‑D ordinance or with the planning department § 17.29.800
Slope-driven coverage reductions	For sloping sites impervious coverage limits are reduced, which can affect site layout and stormwater compliance § 17.17.500, § 17.06.800	Verify site average slope calculation method with planning; request written application of slope table to your parcel § 17.17.500
Non-listed or novel uses	If a proposed use isn’t listed as P/C/A/S the use may be prohibited or require a discretionary permit; the variance definition does not permit uses that are not permitted by the zone § 17.06.1100 and variance definition § 17.05	Confirm whether the use can be considered accessory or similar use by staff; prepare for conditional-use review § 17.45.200
ADU/secondary dwelling specifics	The code includes secondary-dwelling rules and size/parking limits, but local practice and state ADU law may change how these are implemented § 17.06. and § 17.11/17.14 references*	Verify ADU-specific application of the ordinance with planning and reconcile with California ADU law — parcel-specific (Verify with the jurisdiction)
Sign and display rules in commercial zones	Exterior merchandise display and sign area limits in downtown/commercial areas are strictly controlled and can limit outdoor retail/display plans § 17.06.940, § 17.37.700–800	Confirm exact allowable display area and sign calculations with planning; obtain sign permit if required § 17.37

Plain-English summary

Paradise’s zoning ordinance (Title 17) maps every parcel into a named zone (e.g., AR-1, TR-1, C‑B, I‑S) and each zone chapter lists what you can build there and the numeric rules for lot size, setbacks, heights and coverage. Check the zone chapter for your parcel, confirm the exact map boundary with the planning director, and use the site-development tables in the zone chapter as the single source for the dimensional rules that will control your project (e.g. § 17.11.400 for AR zones, § 17.14.400 for TR, § 17.20.400 for commercial) .

Source References

Paradise zoning map and zone-application rules: § 17.05.400 and § 17.05.500
General site development and measurement rules (setbacks, site coverage, slope reductions, lighting): § 17.06 (selected: 17.06.200, 17.06.700, 17.06.800, 17.06.810, 17.06.940)
Agricultural zones (AG-10 / AG-20): § 17.10.100–17.10.400 (site regs table)
Agricultural-Residential zones (AR-1 / AR-3 / AR-5): § 17.11.100–17.11.400 (use matrix and site regs)
Rural-Residential zones (RR): § 17.12.100–17.12.400 (use matrix and site regs)
Town-Residential zones (TR): § 17.14.100–17.14.400 (uses and site regs)
Multiple-Family (M-F): § 17.17.100–17.17.500 (density, slope rules)
Commercial zones (N-C / C-B / C-C): § 17.20.100–17.20.400 (purpose, permitted uses, site rules)
Industrial Services (I-S): § 17.23.300–17.23.400 (uses and site rules)
Planned Development combining (/P‑D): § 17.29.100–17.29.800 (purpose, application, minimum area, expiration)
Administration, permit procedures, variances and amendments: Chapter 17.45 (use permits, public hearings, appeals) § 17.45.200–17.45.540
Sign regulations: Chapter 17.37, incl. tables 17.37.700–17.37.800 (sign area, freestanding signs)

If you want direct copies of a specific chapter or the zoning map image from the Town of Paradise files I examined, tell me which zone or which parcel and I will pull the exact code table or map excerpt and call out the precise § citation.

Sources

Retrieved passages

Paradise Zoning Code (Title 5) High relevance
Paradise Zoning Code (Section 17.45.300) High relevance
Paradise Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
Paradise Zoning Code (title showing) High relevance
Paradise Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
Paradise Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
Paradise Zoning Code (§ 5) Medium relevance
Paradise Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
Paradise Zoning Code (Section 65851) High relevance
Paradise Zoning Code (§ 3) High relevance
Paradise Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
Paradise Zoning Code (Chapter 17.33) High relevance
Paradise Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
Paradise Zoning Code (Chapter 17.14) Medium relevance
Paradise Zoning Code (title when) Medium relevance
Paradise Zoning Code (§ 5) Medium relevance
Paradise Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
Paradise Zoning Code (Chapter 17.33) Medium relevance
Paradise Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official Paradise code library

Frequently asked questions

What can I build on an AR-1 lot in Paradise?

You can build uses listed as permitted in the AR-1 matrix (single-family residence, accessory dwelling/garage, limited agricultural uses and similar accessory uses). See the AR permitted-use table and accessory-use list § 17.11.200–17.11.300 .

What are Paradise setback requirements for TR-1 lots?

Town-residential setbacks are given in the TR site-development table: public street setback 50 ft (from centerline), private road setback 30 ft, and side/rear setbacks 5 ft; full table in § 17.14.400 .

Do I need design review in Paradise?

Design review may apply in specific districts (downtown and certain commercial or redevelopment areas) and Chapter 17.41 sets the design standards; contact the planning director or consult Paradise Design Review and § 17.41.100–200 for thresholds and application requirements .

How is the zoning map adopted and what if boundaries are unclear?

The zoning map is adopted as part of Title 17 § 17.05.400; where boundaries are uncertain the planning director (or planning commission) determines the boundary location § 17.05.500 — always get a written map interpretation from the planning department § 17.05.400–500 .

What are the parking requirements for a new commercial tenant?

Off‑street parking is defined in Chapter 17.38 and the code contains use-by-use parking ratios (retail, restaurant, office, etc.); see § 17.38 and the parking table and consult the town’s parking rules § 17.38.100–200 .

Can a P‑D (planned development) rezone expire?

Yes. The ordinance provides that a P‑D combining district may expire if the proposed uses are not established within three (3) years after approval; expired P‑D areas revert to the prior zoning § 17.29.800 .

What are the sign-area limits for a C-B (downtown) property?

Sign area and sign type limits for C‑B are in Chapter 17.37 — the business-sign table lists facade, freestanding, and monument sign limits (and maximum site totals) § 17.37.700–800 .

Are slope and impervious-surface limits stricter in Paradise?

Yes — the code requires impervious-coverage reductions for sites with average slope greater than 10% (a sliding scale of reductions) and zone chapters reference slope limitations and coverage adjustments (see § 17.06.800 and the M‑F slope coverage table § 17.17.500) .

How are secondary dwellings / ADUs handled in the local code?

The ordinance contains rules for secondary dwellings including maximum sizes and parking rules for secondary dwellings; see the references to secondary dwellings in the residential chapters and the specific secondary-dwelling/ADU text and parking limits in the code (e.g., § 17.06.990 and related subsections). For state‑law interactions consult California ADU law and verify with the planning director (parcel-specific) .

Where do I look for variance or appeal procedures?

Variance and use‑permit procedures, public‑hearing and appeal timelines are in Chapter 17.45 (Use permits/administrative permits, public hearings, referrals to the planning commission and town council) § 17.45.200–17.45.540 .

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