Local zoning · Redlands

Redlands — Zoning

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

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

Redlands zoning is codified as Title 18 — Zoning Regulations and establishes the city's zoning districts, permitted uses, development standards, and administrative procedures to implement the General Plan. The Title defines the official zone map, district classes (residential, commercial, industrial, open, and overlays), and rules for nonconforming uses, site plan review and design. See the title for the ordinance purpose and continuity § 18.04.010–060 .

This page synthesizes what Title 18 says about zoning in Redlands (district purposes, typical permitted uses, and the key dimensional standards). For related procedures you will also need to consult the city's rules on parking, design review, overlays and ADUs linked below.

Important legal notes: Title 18 is the controlling local ordinance; the official zoning map is part of the ordinance and the map governs district boundaries § 18.08.610 . Where the code text here does not provide an answer, say “Not found in retrieved materials” and Verify with the jurisdiction for parcel‑level questions.

District-by-district breakdown

Below are the districts and the most decision‑relevant points found in the retrieved Title 18 excerpts. Each district entry lists (A) purpose, (B) typical permitted uses, (C) key dimensional standards, and (D) where the district is shown/applied.

Note: I extract and summarize the ordinance text; always review the full section text cited for application nuance.

R-1 (Single-Family Residential)

  • Purpose: Single‑family residential living and low‑density neighborhood character. The general intent for single‑family zones is set throughout Title 18 (see purpose statements and definitions) § 18.04.020 .
  • Permitted uses: Single‑family detached dwellings and customary accessory uses (garages, accessory buildings). Definitions and accessory use rules appear in the code definitions chapter § 18.08.015–030 .
  • Key dimensional standards: Specific R‑1 numeric standards (lot area, front/side/rear setbacks, height, coverage) are set in the R‑1 chapter of Title 18. Precise numbers for R‑1 were not visible in the retrieved snippets: Not found in retrieved materials (verify with the full Title 18 R‑1 chapter).
  • Where it applies: See the official zoning map; the zone map is part of Title 18 § 18.08.610 .

R-1‑D (Rear‑Lot / Two‑Unit Residential Overlay)

  • Purpose: Allows rear‑lot dwelling configurations (designed for a secondary rear dwelling behind a front dwelling) with special access and yard provisions § 18.48.170 .
  • Permitted uses: Two dwellings on one lot in front/rear combination and accessory structures per the R‑1‑D chapter § 18.48.180 .
  • Key dimensional standards: Rear yard minimum 25 ft for main buildings, space between buildings not less than 40 ft, paved vehicular access at least 12 ft wide to the rear unit (or alley access), accessory buildings limited to 35% of rear yard area, accessory building location limits (e.g., 10 ft from front main building) § 18.48.170–190 .
  • Where it applies: Shown on zone map as R-1-D; check the zoning map for parcels. Zone map is official map per § 18.08.610 .

R-2 (Multiple-Family Residential)

  • Purpose: Medium‑density residential development (apartment and multiunit housing), with standards to govern grouping, yards and density § 18.52.010 .
  • Permitted uses: Apartments, duplexes, multifamily dwellings and accessory uses; conditional uses and similar-use determinations handled by the Planning Commission (administrative provisions) § 18.52.030–050 and § 18.12.020 .
  • Key dimensional standards: Lot area, lot width, density, maximum lot coverage, building height and yards are set in the R‑2 property standards (chap. 18.52). Specific numeric values were not visible in the snippets: Not found in retrieved materials for numeric table (verify with full § 18.52 text) .
  • Where it applies: Official zone map § 18.08.610 .

R‑R / R‑R‑A (Rural Residential / Agricultural Residence)

  • Purpose: Rural/residential estate lots and agriculturally oriented residential uses; densities established by zone classification § 18.29.100–150 .
  • Permitted uses: Large‑lot residences, limited agricultural accessory uses (groves, small animal raising subject to distance rules) per the A and R‑R chapters § 18.29 and related agricultural sections § 18.20–18.29 .
  • Key dimensional standards: Maximum coverage 10% (with special rules for nonconforming smaller lots), height 35 ft / 2.5 stories, front yard 25 ft, side yards 10 ft, rear yard 25 ft (R‑R‑A chapter values) § 18.29.100–150 .
  • Where it applies: See zoning map § 18.08.610 .

A‑1 (General Agricultural)

  • Purpose: Preserve agricultural land and low‑intensity uses; densities established in the A‑1 chapter § 18.20.070 .
  • Permitted uses: Broad agricultural operations and accessory activities; the A‑1 chapter lists permitted and conditional uses including certain agritourism, barns, and processing where allowed § 18.20.070– (selected uses in retrieved text) .
  • Key dimensional standards: A‑1 property development standards are set out in sections 18.20.080–190; numeric lot and yard standards are in that chapter (not fully shown in snippets). Not found in retrieved materials for full numeric list — verify with full chapter § 18.20.080–190 .
  • Where it applies: See zoning map § 18.08.610 .

C‑1 (Neighborhood Commercial)

  • Purpose: Neighborhood‑serving commercial uses with limitations to protect adjacent residential areas. Purpose and general provisions appear in the C‑1 chapter § 18.84.* (chapter head) .
  • Permitted uses: Neighborhood retail and service uses; accessory uses; specifics and exceptions are in the C‑1 permitted uses section § 18.84.030–150 (see full chapter for complete list) .
  • Key dimensional standards:
    • Front/side/rear setbacks: buildings set back 40 ft from property lines abutting a public street and 25 ft from other property lines in C‑1 § 18.84.130(A) .
    • Gross leasable area limit: 37,500 sq ft maximum GLA § 18.84.180 .
    • Parking and loading: subject to off‑street parking chapters § 18.84.140 referencing chapter 18.164 .
  • Where it applies: Shown on the official zoning map § 18.08.610 .

C‑2 / C‑3 (Commercial, General & Central Business)

  • Purpose: Broader commercial uses and central business district functions respectively; C‑3 is intended for primary shopping and central business district environment § 18.92.010 .
  • Permitted uses: See chapters for full lists; C‑3 requires enclosed commercial activities with accessory uses and restricts co‑location with residential on same lot in many cases § 18.92.020 .
  • Key dimensional standards: C‑3 includes property development standards: lot area, dimensions, height, yards, maximum coverage, parking, loading, signs — see chapter 18.92.100–230 for the full numeric set § 18.92.100–230 .
  • Where it applies: Official map § 18.08.610 .

O (Open Land)

  • Purpose: Preserve undeveloped, flood‑prone or environmentally sensitive open areas; buffer between industrial/commercial and residential § 18.124.030 .
  • Permitted uses: Agricultural/open uses, bridle trails, flood control structures, off‑street parking, public facilities, recreation; most building uses allowed only by conditional permit § 18.124.030(A–B) .
  • Key dimensional standards:
    • Lot area/dimensions: No minimums § 18.124.060–070 .
    • Maximum coverage: 5% of lot area (public facilities excepted) § 18.124.090 .
    • Height: 55 ft for buildings; light/flag poles up to 80 ft § 18.124.100 .
  • Where it applies: Shown on official zone map § 18.08.610 .

E (Employment / Industrial)

  • Purpose: Employment and industrial activities with site‑planning and screening requirements § 18.76.110–150 .
  • Permitted uses: See E chapter for list (industrial, storage, manufacturing, etc.). Site plan and screening for storage and trash areas required § 18.76.130–150 .
  • Key dimensional standards & controls: Access on dedicated improved streets § 18.76.110, lighting and signage rules reference the sign code § 18.76.120 § 18.76.140 .
  • Where it applies: Official zoning map § 18.08.610 .

C‑D (Civic Design District) (superimposed/special overlay)

  • Purpose: Superimposed zone to promote high standard development around civic centers and parks § 18.80.010 .
  • Permitted uses: The C‑D district is superimposed on other zones — it adds appearance and development controls in addition to the underlying zone and controls when there is conflict § 18.80.020 .
  • Key standards: Architectural consultation, undergrounding utilities, and additional development plan approval requirements; the C‑D rules control when in conflict with the underlying zone § 18.80.020–090 .
  • Where it applies: Delineated on the official zoning map by combined symbols (e.g., C‑3, C‑D) § 18.80.020(B–C) .

PRD (Planned Residential Development)

  • Purpose: Allows unified residential developments with tailored site planning, common open space, and project‑specific standards § 18.144.070–400 .
  • Permitted uses & process: Principal permitted dwelling types are listed; development plans and tentative/final maps required; the Planning Commission approves arrangement and distribution of unit types § 18.144.070–080, 360 .
  • Key standards: PRD boundaries are indicated on the zoning map with "PRD" after the zone symbol (e.g., R‑E PRD) and such notation is identification only and not an amendment to the official map § 18.144.400 .
  • Where it applies: Shown on zoning map; project approvals carry recorded maps and development plan requirements § 18.144.360–400 .

Quick Decision Table (selected, decision‑relevant standards)

Topic / District Typical numeric standard (plain English) Code Reference
Official zone map (what governs boundaries) The zoning map is the official map that establishes district boundaries § 18.08.610
C‑1 front setback (from street) 40 ft from property lines abutting a public street § 18.84.130(A)
C‑1 other property line setback 25 ft from other property lines § 18.84.130(A)
C‑1 Gross Leasable Area (GLA) cap 37,500 sq ft max GLA in C‑1 § 18.84.180
R‑R‑A maximum coverage 10% (with special nonconforming rules) § 18.29.100
R‑R‑A max height 35 ft (2½ stories) § 18.29.110
R‑1‑D rear yard 25 ft rear yard minimum § 18.48.170
R‑1‑D building separation 40 ft min between main buildings on same lot § 18.48.170(A)
O district max coverage 5% of lot area § 18.124.090
O district building height 55 ft (80 ft for light/flag poles) § 18.124.100

(For many district numeric details — e.g., specific R‑1 lot sizes, R‑2 densities, C‑2 numeric setbacks — the retrieved snippets do not contain the full numeric tables. Verify specific parcel standards with the full chapter cited above.)

Practical guidance & synthesis (plain-English)

  • Start by confirming the parcel's zone on the official zoning map; the map is part of Title 18 § 18.08.610 . The zone determines permitted uses and the base yard, height and coverage rules summarized in the district chapters.
  • Use the applicable district chapter first for numeric standards (R‑1 chapters for single‑family, R‑2 for multifamily, C‑1/C‑2/C‑3 for commercial, O for open land, etc.) and then check overlay chapters (e.g., C‑D civic design) which may add or override design controls § 18.80.020 .
  • Site plan approval, architectural review and Planning Commission discretion apply to many non‑standard projects; site plan and design review procedures are in the administrative chapter § 18.12.080–170 .
  • Off‑street parking requirements are set in chapter 18.164 and are referenced directly by district rules (e.g., C‑1 refers to sections in 18.164) § 18.84.140 . For parking counts and layout, consult that chapter and the city's Parking guidance Redlands Parking.
  • Nonconforming uses and lots are allowed to continue under controlled rules; convert/alter rules and appeals are in the nonconforming chapter (examples: § 18.04.040; nonconforming lots rules in § 18.184.040–050) .

Checklist (what an applicant must satisfy)

  • Confirm the parcel's zoning on the official Title 18 zone map § 18.08.610 .
  • Verify the permitted uses for that district (consult the district chapter cited above; e.g., R‑1, R‑2, C‑1, O) and confirm whether the proposed use is permitted, accessory, or conditional § 18.52.030 / 18.84.030 / 18.124.030 .
  • Confirm numeric development standards (setbacks/height/coverage) in the district chapter (see quick decision table and the district chapter references) — if not in snippets, access the full chapter (verify with § references above).
  • Meet off‑street parking and loading requirements in chapter 18.164 as referenced by district chapters § 18.84.140 .
  • Determine whether design review/site plan approval is required (administrative rules § 18.12.080–170) and prepare elevations/site plans § 18.12.140–160 .
  • Check overlays (C‑D, historic, PRD) for additional constraints and identify whether overlay controls supersede the underlying zone § 18.80.020 .
  • For projects proposing density or inclusionary units, consult the Inclusionary Housing chapter § 18.230.030 (if ≥10 units) .
  • If a variance or conditional use is needed, follow the application and public hearing procedures in Title 18’s administrative chapters § 18.12.100–110 (and related chapters) .
  • For legal nonconforming lots or uses, document status per the nonconforming chapter § 18.184.040 and be prepared for appeals § 18.184.050 .
  • Verify building code compliance separately with Title 24/California Building Standards Code California Building Standards Code.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Parcel‑specific numeric standards not visible in snippets Many district chapters contain detailed numeric tables (lot size, setbacks) that determine feasibility Check the full district chapter (e.g., R‑1, R‑2, C‑1 chapters) in Title 18 for the parcel’s numeric standards; confirm on the official zoning map § 18.08.610
Overlay controls (C‑D, Historic) may supersede underlying zone Overlay rules can add design, height or use limits that change what you can build § 18.80.020 Review the overlay chapter text and the zoning map notation for the parcel; verify if overlay is mapped over your parcel
ADU-specific local modifications The excerpts did not include a clear, parcel‑applicable ADU chapter with full local ADU rules Not found in retrieved materials — consult the city ADU page and the full Title 18 text; verify parking, setback and ministerial ADU rules Redlands ADUs
Variances and conditional uses (numerics) Variances/conditional uses require public process and findings; missing statute text details change strategy Verify applicable variance standards and findings in the full administrative/variance chapter (not fully shown above) § 18.12.100–110
Zone map parcel boundary disputes Parcel‑level boundary interpretation can affect allowable uses Verify mapped boundary and any adjacent overlay or planned development note per § 18.08.610 and contact Development Services for confirmation

Plain-English Summary

Redlands zoning (Title 18) assigns each parcel to a named district (like R‑1, R‑2, C‑1, O, C‑D overlay) that prescribes what you can build and the yard/height/coverage rules; check the official zoning map and the chapter for that district for numeric requirements, and expect site plan or design review where called for § 18.08.610; § 18.12.140–160 .

Source References

  • Title 18 — Zoning Regulations, general provisions and purpose § 18.04.010–060
  • Zone definition and zone map authority § 18.08.600–615; § 18.08.610
  • Administrative procedures, site plan and architectural review § 18.12.010–170
  • PRD (Planned Residential Development) provisions and zoning map notation § 18.144.070–400; § 18.144.360; § 18.144.400
  • R‑1‑D yard, separation and accessory building rules § 18.48.170–190
  • C‑1 yards and GLA limits § 18.84.130; § 18.84.180
  • C‑3 purpose and property standards (central commercial) § 18.92.010–230
  • O district uses and standards (Open Land) § 18.124.030–110
  • R‑R‑A coverage, height and yard standards § 18.29.100–150
  • Employment (E) district site controls § 18.76.110–150
  • Nonconforming lots and appeal rules § 18.184.040–050
  • Inclusionary housing rules relevant to larger residential projects § 18.230.030
  • City guidance pages (linked topics referenced in the page):

If you want parcel-specific confirmation (setbacks, exact allowed uses, overlay coverage on a parcel), Verify with the jurisdiction and request an official zoning verification from Redlands Development Services (not fully contained in the retrieved excerpts).

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Redlands Zoning Code (chapter 18.138) High relevance
  • Redlands Zoning Code (§ 23.30) High relevance
  • Redlands Zoning Code (§ 6) High relevance
  • CWUIC § 164 (Article I) High relevance
  • Redlands Zoning Code (TITLE 18) High relevance
  • Redlands Zoning Code (§ 22.52) High relevance
  • Redlands Zoning Code (§ 24.30) High relevance
  • Redlands Zoning Code (§ 6.20) High relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

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

Most R‑1 lots are intended for single‑family detached dwellings and customary accessory uses; the R‑1 zone purpose and permitted uses are set out in the R‑1 chapter of Title 18 and the general definitions chapter (for accessory uses) § 18.04.020; §§ 18.08.015–030 . For exact numeric setbacks, lot area and coverage for your parcel, consult the full R‑1 chapter in Title 18 (numeric values were not fully visible in the retrieved snippets). Verify with the city for parcel‑specific standards.

What are Redlands setback requirements for C‑1 commercial properties?

For the C‑1 neighborhood commercial district, the code requires buildings to be set back 40 ft from property lines abutting a public street and 25 ft from other property lines; check the C‑1 chapter for exceptions and special lot rules § 18.84.130(A) . Also confirm landscaping, wall and sign rules referenced in the chapter.

Do I need design review in Redlands?

Many projects trigger architectural/site plan review under Title 18’s administrative provisions; design review scope and when it’s required are listed in the architectural review sections § 18.12.140–160 . Overlay districts (for example the C‑D civic design district) may add mandatory consultation or development plan approval § 18.80.020 .

Where is the official zoning map and how do I read it?

The official zoning map is part of Title 18 and establishes zone boundaries; it is defined and made the controlling map in Title 18 § 18.08.610 . For parcel‑level interpretation, request an official zoning verification from Development Services.

Can I convert an existing nonconforming use or lot?

Title 18 allows existing legal nonconforming uses and lots to continue under regulated rules; nonconforming uses and lots are addressed in the General Provisions and the nonconforming chapter § 18.04.040; § 18.184.040–050 . The code sets criteria for when a lot is considered a legal building site and the appeal process for disputes.

What is a PRD and how is it shown on the map?

A Planned Residential Development (PRD) is a project‑level approval that sets a boundary shown on the zoning map with "PRD" appended to the zone symbol (e.g., R‑E PRD). The PRD designation on the map is for identification and the PRD rules and map recording requirements are in § 18.144.360–400 .

Are there numerical limits for gross leasable area in neighborhood commercial zones?

Yes — the C‑1 chapter sets a 37,500 sq ft maximum gross leasable area (GLA) for C‑1 districts; see § 18.84.180 for the GLA definition and limits .

How are overlay districts handled if they conflict with the underlying zone?

Overlay or superimposed districts (for example C‑D civic design) are intended to be in addition to the underlying zone; where a conflict exists, the overlay provisions control § 18.80.020(C) .

Does Title 18 tell me how many parking spaces I must provide?

District chapters reference the off‑street parking and loading standards in chapter 18.164 (e.g., § 18.84.140 for C‑1). For the exact parking counts and dimensions consult chapter 18.164 and the city's parking guidance Redlands Parking .

Where do I find inclusionary housing requirements for larger residential projects?

Inclusionary housing requirements for residential developments of ten or more units are set out in Title 18, chapter 18.230.030, which specifies the percentage and income levels required for inclusionary units § 18.230.030 .

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