Local zoning · Redlands

Redlands — Land Use

Q: Do I need design review for a commercial project in Redlands?

Often yes — especially where the C‑D overlay applies or where a district chapter explicitly requires site plan/architectural review (for example the E district requires site plan and elevations to be submitted to the Commission). See § 18.80.030 – § 18.80.060 and § 18.76.150 .

Q: Where are the parking requirements I need to meet?

Off‑street parking and loading are governed by Chapter 18.164 , and most district chapters point to that chapter for parking specifics (see cross‑references in the R‑1, C‑1, and other district texts). Consult Chapter 18.164 and the district chapter for any special exceptions.

Q: Does the C‑D overlay change permitted uses on a parcel?

It can. The C‑D overlay is superimposed on underlying zones and its provisions are “in addition to” and, where in conflict, control over the underlying zone. Therefore the overlay can impose additional limits or require design approvals beyond the base zoning; see § 18.80.020 . ---

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

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the City of Redlands' zoning ordinance (Title 18) actually says about permitted, accessory and conditional land uses across the city's zones and how those controls are applied in practice. For the citywide legal framework see Redlands Zoning and for the technical development limits see Redlands Development Standards; parking rules and site plan expectations are discussed below with links to Redlands Parking and Redlands Design Review where first mentioned. The ordinance is codified as the Land Use Zoning Ordinance of the City of Redlands (§ 18.04.010) .

The summaries below are Redlands‑specific. Each district subsection lists the ordinance's stated purpose, common permitted uses, key dimensional items the code requires, and where that district is applied (map/parcel‑level questions: Verify with the jurisdiction). All substantive code references are quoted as the controlling § number and tied to the retrieved code excerpts.

How I read the code

Title 18 sets the basic rules for uses and development; general provisions about existing uses and nonconformities appear at § 18.04.040.
Many zone chapters list: (A) purpose, (B) uses (permitted, accessory, conditional), and (C) property development standards. The ordinance repeatedly cross‑references parking (Chapter 18.164) and landscape/sign rules (Chapter 18.168 and the Redlands sign code) — see the district notes below for the exact cross references.

District-by-district summaries

Note: each district name below is bolded exactly as used in Title 18. Where the code provides a numeric standard I bold that number.

A-1 (Agricultural)

Purpose: preserve agricultural uses and low-intensity rural activities; chapter presents both accessory agritourism allowances and agriculture‑supporting activities. See the A-1 chapter purpose and related use lists at § 18.20.010 – § 18.20.070.
Typical permitted uses: orchards, nurseries, field crops, single‑family dwellings (with limits), apiaries (with 300' separation for some hive locations), limited farmworker/employee housing, sale of produce (roadside stands up to 500 sq ft) — see § 18.21.030 and the accessory use list at § 18.20.040.
Conditional uses: dairies, aviaries, composting beyond on‑site needs, agritourism above specified thresholds, bed & breakfast and camp facilities above set sizes — § 18.20.050 and related subsections list thresholds and conditions.
Key dimensional/operation notes: accessory agritourism limited to no more than 25% of active agricultural land by area unless a conditional use is obtained; roadside stands limited to 500 sq ft; specific animal separation distances are explicitly stated. See § 18.20.040, § 18.20.050, and § 18.21.030.
Where it applies: rural/agricultural parcels as mapped; parcel‑level applicability must be verified with City zoning map. Verify with the jurisdiction.

R-1 (Single‑Family Residential)

Purpose: provide low‑density single‑family neighborhoods and prevent incompatible uses; see § 18.44.010.
Typical permitted uses: single‑family residences (one dwelling per lot), community care facilities for up to 6 persons, employee housing for up to 6 persons, home occupations (with Chapter 18.160 rules). See § 18.44.030.
Conditional uses: limited institutional/residential uses such as children's nurseries and convalescent hospitals under conditional use permit rules — § 18.44.050.
Key dimensional standards: minimum lot area 7,200 sq ft (see § 18.44.080); parking standards reference Chapter 18.164; landscaping/fence standards reference Chapter 18.168. See § 18.44.070 – § 18.44.190.
Where it applies: mapped single‑family neighborhoods; parcel specifics require map lookup. Verify with the jurisdiction.

R-1-D (Single‑Family, deep lot two‑households)

Purpose: permit two single‑family homes on select deep lots with special development standards (see § 18.48.010).
Typical permitted uses: similar to R-1 but tailored to two detached single‑family units on suitably deep lots; accessory uses and home occupations allowed under the usual chapters — see § 18.48.030 – § 18.48.050.
Key dimensional standards and development rules: chapter contains specific front/side/rear yard rules and additional development standards for the two‑unit form; applicants must follow the property development standards in § 18.48.070 – § 18.48.190.
Where it applies: applied only to designated deep lots; check zoning map and special conditions recorded in the ordinance. Verify with the jurisdiction.

R-2-2000 (Two‑family / small multi family)

Purpose and special process: chapter permits duplication of certain uses and contains a procedure for change of zone/conditional use permits; see § 18.56.050 – § 18.56.080.
Typical permitted uses: multiple‑family dwellings, community care facilities, employee housing, single room occupancy facilities, home occupations (see § 18.56.060).
Accessory uses and conditional uses: standard accessory buildings, private pools, and certain conditional uses listed in § 18.56.070 – § 18.56.080; the chapter also points to property development standards in § 18.56.100+.
Key development standards: development standards are extensive and found in § 18.56.110 – § 18.56.290 (lot area, dimensions, coverage, yards). See the chapter for precise numeric limits.

C-1 (Neighborhood Stores)

Purpose: small neighborhood retail with limits on scale and operation; see Chapter 18.84.
Typical permitted uses: neighborhood retail uses and services appropriate to the surrounding residential context (see § 18.84.100 – § 18.84.110 for the detailed list and commission‑determined similar uses).
Key dimensional/operational standards: 40 ft setback from public streets and 25 ft from other property lines for buildings in the C‑1 district; gross leasable area and accessway spacing limits apply (see § 18.84.130 – § 18.84.180).
Where it applies: pedestrian/neighborhood commercial nodes; check the map for precise locations. Verify with the jurisdiction.

C-2 (Neighborhood Shopping)

Purpose: neighborhood shopping centers oriented to convenience goods and services; see § 18.88.100 et seq.
Typical permitted uses: a long, enumerated list of convenience goods and services (bakeries, small groceries [with some restrictions], barber/beauty, restaurants, etc.) and similar uses by Commission determination — see § 18.88.100.
Conditional uses: business and professional offices, other uses listed in Chapter 18.192 require a conditional use permit; traffic studies and street improvements may be required for certain C‑2 developments (see § 18.88.080 – § 18.88.110).
Key operational standards: traffic/street adequacy review and financial assurances (bonds) may be required for sizable projects; landscaping/parking chapters apply. See § 18.88.080 – § 18.88.100.

C-4 (General Commercial / Auto‑oriented)

Typical permitted uses: broader commercial uses including motels, automobile sales (with enclosed display), drive‑ins, and other service/retail uses; see § 18.96.040.
Conditional uses: a list of more intensive uses (animal hospitals, massage establishments, service stations with specific constraints) is in § 18.96.070.
Key standards: property development standards are in § 18.96.090+ (coverage, parking, loading, noise buffering where adjacent to residential). Noise insulation is required where C‑4 adjoins residential zones.

C‑M (Commercial Industrial)

Purpose: allow light industrial/manufacturing compatible with urban services; see § 18.100.010.
Typical permitted uses: manufacturing, warehousing (with size caps), wholesalers, business/technical schools, motels/hotels, utilities — see § 18.100.040 and the broad use list.
Conditional and higher‑intensity uses: large retail under size thresholds, regional shopping with detailed conditions, warehouses/distribution centers and equipment rental are conditional in § 18.100.070.
Key standards: site plan review is required for new construction; performance standards and outdoor storage limits are spelled out in the chapter. See § 18.100.090+.

E (Professional/Executive Office)

Typical permitted uses and standards: office and professional uses with strict parking/site plan requirements and sign control; see § 18.76.110 – § 18.76.150. Site plans and elevations must be submitted to the Commission for review for all new buildings in the E district.

C‑D (Civic Design) — overlay-style, superimposed

Nature: superimposed district applied over underlying zones to raise design and appearance standards around civic centers/parks; where there's a conflict the civic design provisions control. See § 18.80.020.
Uses: the chapter lists permitted/accessory/conditional uses in addition to the underlying zone; many projects require development plan approval and architectural consultation under § 18.80.030 – § 18.80.070.
Practical consequence: when the C‑D overlay is mapped, expect mandatory design review and stricter appearance/site plan criteria. See § 18.80.040 – § 18.80.060.

Quick reference table — common, decision‑relevant uses & references

Zone (bold)	Typical permitted/primary uses (short)	Decision‑critical standards / notes	Code Reference
A‑1	Orchards, nurseries, limited dwellings, farmworker housing, apiaries	Agritourism accessory cap 25% of active ag; roadside stands ≤ 500 sq ft; animal separation distances set out	§ 18.20.040, § 18.20.050, § 18.21.030
R‑1	Single‑family residences, community care (≤ 6), home occupations	Min lot 7,200 sq ft; parking per Chapter 18.164; landscaping § 18.168	§ 18.44.030, § 18.44.080, § 18.44.170
R‑2‑2000	Multi‑family, employee housing, SROs	Detailed property standards in § 18.56.110+; conditional uses follow Chapter 18.192	§ 18.56.060, § 18.56.100
C‑2	Neighborhood retail & services (bakers, groceries, barber, small restaurants)	Traffic study / street dedications may be required; conditional uses per Chapter 18.192	§ 18.88.100 – § 18.88.110
C‑4	Motels, drive‑ins, automobile uses, larger commercial	Noise, lighting and storage controls; some uses conditional	§ 18.96.040, § 18.96.070
C‑M	Light industrial, warehousing (size‑limited), wholesaling	Site plan review, performance standards, conditional large retail/warehouse	§ 18.100.040 – § 18.100.070
E	Professional offices	Site plans/elevations required; signs per sign code	§ 18.76.110 – § 18.76.150
C‑D (overlay)	Additional design controls on top of underlying zone	Overlay controls supersede conflicts; development plan/architectural consultation often required	§ 18.80.020 – § 18.80.060

How this interacts with other rules (links)

Parking requirements are implemented through Redlands Parking and are referenced in nearly every district (see the parking cross‑references in R‑1, C‑1, C‑2 chapters) .
Dimensional and site limits are in Redlands Development Standards; each zone chapter points to its applicable “property development standards” sections.
Design and architectural review are required in overlay districts and many commercial/industrial zones (see the C‑D overlay and the E district site plan rules) — see Redlands Design Review and § 18.80.030 / § 18.76.150.
Overlays and special districts can change or add requirements — consult Redlands Overlay Districts and the superimposition rules in § 18.80.020.
Signage is governed by the city's sign code; district chapters repeatedly reference that code — see Redlands Signage and the sign references in the C‑1, R‑1, C‑4 chapters.
Accessory Dwelling Units are handled by a separate chapter and state law interaction. For local ADU practice consult Redlands ADUs and the ADU‑related ordinance sections (not exhaustively covered in the retrieval above). Not found in retrieved materials.
Building‑code technical details are governed by the California Building Standards Code (Title 24); Title 18 repeatedly defers structural & safety compliance to building code requirements.

(Links above are the city menu pages referenced in this guide: Redlands Zoning; Redlands Development Standards; Redlands Parking; Redlands Design Review; Redlands Overlay Districts; Redlands Signage; Redlands ADUs; California Building Standards Code.)

Checklist

Confirm the parcel's mapped zoning and any overlays (verify on the City zoning map). See § 18.04.050.
Confirm whether the proposed use is a permitted use, an accessory use, or requires a conditional use permit per the applicable zone chapter (e.g., § 18.44.030 for R‑1, § 18.88.100 for C‑2).
Check the zone’s property development standards (lot area, dimensions, maximum coverage, floor area index) and confirm compliance (e.g., § 18.44.080 for R‑1 lot area).
Confirm off‑street parking & loading requirements per Chapter 18.164 and any district‑specific parking references.
Determine whether design review or site plan review is required (for example in C‑D or E districts) and prepare elevations and landscape plans accordingly. See § 18.80.040 and § 18.76.150.
If the use is conditional, prepare to satisfy the conditional use/Chapter 18.192 standards and any required traffic, noise or environmental studies. See the conditional use cross‑references in each district.
Review sign, landscaping, and fencing requirements and obtain required permits (Chapters 18.168 and the sign code).
Verify nonconforming use status if the property has prior uses (see § 18.04.040).
Ensure building and fire code compliance (Title 24 / California Building Standards Code and local fire code references).

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
"Similar uses permitted by commission determination" language in commercial chapters (e.g., C‑2)	Gives the Planning Commission discretion; a use that seems like a match may still require a formal determination or conditions. See § 18.88.100.	Ask staff if your specific use has prior Commission determinations in the area; request a written determination or pre‑application review. Verify with the jurisdiction.
Overlays (C‑D and others) superimpose and can override underlying rules	The overlay can add or replace standards (architectural, setback, signage); conflicts resolve in favor of the overlay. See § 18.80.020.	Check the zoning map for overlays and read the overlay chapter text for explicit overrides.
Conditional use permit vs ministerial permitted use (gray line in several chapters)	Some uses are listed as conditional while similar uses may be allowed by Commission determination — process changes (discretionary analysis, public hearings) change project timing and risk. See any zone conditional use lists (e.g., § 18.96.070)	If your proposal is borderline, get a pre‑application meeting and confirm permit type.
Parcel‑specific standards and deed restrictions	Some uses/dimensions are controlled by recorded conditions and former zone change orders; the ordinance notes some conditions "run with the land." See § 18.56.050(B) for R‑2‑2000 example.	Examine title/recorded documents and ask planning staff for any special conditions attached to the parcel.
SB 9 / two‑unit ministerial approvals vs zoning standards	State law interaction produces narrow ministerial approval paths (the local code reproduces SB9 article requirements) and may temporarily change how nonconforming conditions are handled. See SB9‑related Article 18.156.x excerpts.	For SB9 projects, confirm compliance with the local SB9 article and whether the two‑unit approval is ministerial or subject to discretionary findings.

Plain‑English Summary

Redlands' Title 18 assigns each parcel to a named zoning district (for example R‑1, C‑2, A‑1) and then lists what you can do there: uses that are allowed outright, accessory items, and uses that require a conditional use permit; many numeric limits (lot area, setbacks, coverage) live in the same chapter that defines the district. Always check the specific district chapter for the exact permitted/conditional lists and the associated property development standards — and verify overlays and recorded parcel conditions with City planning staff. See § 18.04.010 – § 18.04.050 for the ordinance framework.

Source References

Title 18, Zoning Regulations (general provisions and citation) — § 18.04.010 – § 18.04.050
A‑1 / Agricultural provisions: § 18.20.040, § 18.20.050, § 18.21.030, § 18.21.040 (uses, accessory and conditional uses)
R‑1 Single‑Family: permitted uses and standards — § 18.44.030, § 18.44.050, § 18.44.080 (lot area)
R‑1‑D: two‑home deep lot chapter — § 18.48.010 – § 18.48.050
R‑2‑2000 chapter and property standards — § 18.56.050 – § 18.56.110
C‑1, C‑2 district use lists and standards — § 18.84.010 – § 18.84.190, § 18.88.100 – § 18.88.110
C‑4 and C‑M permitted/conditional uses — § 18.96.040 – § 18.96.070, § 18.100.040 – § 18.100.070
E district site plan and sign references — § 18.76.110 – § 18.76.150
Civic Design (overlay) — § 18.80.010 – § 18.80.060
Off‑street parking cross‑references — Chapter 18.164 referenced throughout (see district cross‑references)
Development standards and SB9 / ADU interactions referenced in the ordinance articles — see SB9 excerpts Article 18.156.x and building/fire code cross references § 18.156.x for state law interplay.

Sources

Retrieved passages

Redlands Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
Redlands Zoning Code (chapter and) High relevance
Redlands Zoning Code (§ 23.30) High relevance
Redlands Zoning Code (§ 7) High relevance
Redlands Zoning Code (chapter 18.08) High relevance
Redlands Zoning Code (CHAPTER 18.32) High relevance
Redlands Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
Redlands Zoning Code (Chapter 18.160) High relevance

Cited sections

Official Redlands code library

Frequently asked questions

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

You can build a single‑family dwelling (one primary unit per lot) and accessory private uses permitted in the R‑1 chapter; community care facilities and limited employee housing (up to 6 persons) are explicitly allowed. Check the R‑1 permitted use and development standards in § 18.44.030 and the minimum lot area requirement § 18.44.080.

What are the Redlands setback and lot-size requirements for single‑family homes?

Each zoning chapter contains its own property development standards; for R‑1 the minimum lot area is 7,200 sq ft (see § 18.44.080) and the chapter sets front/side/rear yard rules in the property standards sections. For exact front/side/rear dimensions consult the specific zone chapter (e.g., § 18.44.070 – § 18.44.190).

Do I need design review for a commercial project in Redlands?

Often yes — especially where the C‑D overlay applies or where a district chapter explicitly requires site plan/architectural review (for example the E district requires site plan and elevations to be submitted to the Commission). See § 18.80.030 – § 18.80.060 and § 18.76.150.

Are agritourism activities allowed in the A‑1 zone?

Some agritourism accessory activities are allowed by Administrative Use Permit and limited to 25% of active agricultural land unless a conditional use permit is obtained; larger or more intensive agritourism (overnight stays above thresholds, large events) requires conditional review per § 18.20.040 – § 18.20.050.

How does Redlands treat uses that are not listed exactly in a zone?

Several commercial and industrial chapters include a “similar uses permitted by Commission determination” clause that lets the Commission recommend uses it finds analogous to listed uses (see § 18.88.100 for C‑2 and similar clauses in other chapters). If your use is not listed, request a pre‑application determination from planning staff.

What triggers a conditional use permit in Redlands?

A conditional use permit is required where a zone chapter lists the use under “conditional uses,” or where Chapter 18.192 is referenced. Many districts list specific conditional uses (for example § 18.96.070 in C‑4). Conditional use reviews are discretionary and may require findings, public notice, and conditions.

Can I operate a business out of my home in Redlands?

Home occupations are explicitly permitted in residential districts when they meet the home occupation rules in Chapter 18.160 and the home‑occupation provisions in the applicable zone chapter (for example § 18.44.030 references home occupations for R‑1). Check Chapter 18.160 for the operational limits.

Where are the parking requirements I need to meet?

Off‑street parking and loading are governed by Chapter 18.164, and most district chapters point to that chapter for parking specifics (see cross‑references in the R‑1, C‑1, and other district texts). Consult Chapter 18.164 and the district chapter for any special exceptions.

What happens if my property has a legal nonconforming use?

Existing legal nonconforming uses are recognized by Title 18; they may continue but are subject to the nonconforming use regulations and limitations in the code. See § 18.04.040 for the ordinance’s general approach to existing nonconforming uses.

Does the C‑D overlay change permitted uses on a parcel?

It can. The C‑D overlay is superimposed on underlying zones and its provisions are “in addition to” and, where in conflict, control over the underlying zone. Therefore the overlay can impose additional limits or require design approvals beyond the base zoning; see § 18.80.020. ---

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