San Juan Bautista — Land Use

Last reviewed: July 3, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the San Juan Bautista zoning ordinance (the City’s “zoning ordinance”) actually says about land use: which zoning districts exist, what uses are permitted or conditional in each district, the key development standards that control intensity, and important overlays and special rules (ADUs, historic, hillside, PUD). Everything below is drawn from the San Juan Bautista Municipal Code; each rule is followed by the controlling code citation so you can verify the exact text. (§ 11-01-010, § 11-02-050)

Notes about internal links: the first natural mention of several related topics below is linked to the GoCodebook pages used by city staff and applicants: the city zoning overview, the Zoning menu, Development Standards, Parking, Design Review, Overlay Districts, Historic Preservation, ADUs, and the California Building Standards Code.

What the ordinance establishes (big picture)

• The ordinance is titled and used as the city’s official zoning ordinance; it applies to “all land uses, subdivisions, and development in the City” and prohibits uses or structures not consistent with the Title. (§ 11-01-010; § 11-01-040; § 11-01-050)

• The City divides land into specific districts: R-1, R-2, R-3, C, MU, I, P, PF, and A. Those district labels and their intent statements are set out in the code. (§ 11-02-010; § 11-02-020)

• The ordinance uses a use matrix to show which uses are Permitted (P), Permitted with Standards (P,S), or Conditional (C) in each district; the matrix is the primary tool to determine whether a use is allowed. (§ 11-02-050)

District-by-district breakdown

Below is a practical, district-by-district summary: purpose, typical permitted/conditional uses (high‑priority examples), and the most decision-relevant dimensional/intensity standards or cross-references. For permitted/conditional uses I reference the municipal code use matrix; for standards I reference the specific development standards chapters.

• Purpose language for all residential/commercial/industrial/other zones: (§ 11-02-020)

R-1 — Low Density Residential

• Purpose: Provide single‑family residential areas and protect light/air/privacy consistent with the General Plan. (§ 11-02-020(A))
• Typical permitted/conditional uses: single‑family homes (P); home occupations (P) subject to home‑occupation standards; manufactured homes (P,S); small daycare (P,S) where identified in matrix. See the use matrix for full list. (§ 11-02-050; § 11-07-020 – § 11-07-040)
• Key dimensional/lot standards: maximum building coverage 45% of lot for single‑family (calculated per code), maximum site coverage 58% (impermeable surfaces included) and R‑1 subcategories R‑1‑7 / R‑1‑6 / R‑1‑5 for minimum lot sizes (7,000; 6,000; 5,000 sq ft). (§ 11-04-010(A)–(C))
• Setbacks and accessory rules: required yards and accessory structure rules (e.g., detached accessory structures allowed with minimum side/rear 5 ft) are in the required yards chapter. (§ 11-04-070)

R-2 — Medium Density Residential

• Purpose: Provide medium-density multifamily opportunities while protecting lower-density neighborhoods. (§ 11-02-020(A))
• Typical permitted/conditional uses: multifamily dwellings (P,S), duplexes (P,S), small/large daycare (P,S), farmworker housing (P,S) where allowed. Check the use matrix for permitted uses and conditional uses. (§ 11-02-050)
• Key dimensional/lot standards: ADU allowance and conversion rules apply in multi‑unit zones (special ADU rules in Chapter 11‑04.5). Building coverage, height, and setbacks default to residential standards in § 11-04-010 and related yard rules in § 11-04-070. (§ 11-04-010; § 11-04-070; § 11-04.5-100)

R-3 — High Density Residential

• Purpose: Accommodate higher density multifamily housing consistent with General Plan. (§ 11-02-020(A))
• Typical permitted/conditional uses: multifamily apartment buildings (P,S/C depending on scale), hostels (C) in some cases per matrix, emergency shelters (C) per matrix. See the use matrix for specifics. (§ 11-02-050)
• Standards: Density/intensity controlled by General Plan and § 11‑04 development standards; ADU rules also apply where allowed. (§ 11-05-030(A); § 11-04.5-100)

C — Commercial

• Purpose: Small‑scale convenience commercial serving nearby residents; standards intended to avoid negative impacts on adjoining residential areas. (§ 11-02-020(B))
• Typical permitted/conditional uses: Retail and service uses, some office/service businesses; certain heavier industrial uses are not allowed. Check the use matrix for which commercial uses are permitted vs conditional. (§ 11-02-050)
• Standards: Setbacks in the C district are designed to be "consistent but not absolute" with bordering residential districts; deviations can be allowed by Planning Commission. (§ 11-04-070, note language captured in the zoning table)

MU — Mixed Use (downtown and gateways)

• Purpose: Encourage pedestrian‑oriented mixing of ground‑floor commercial with residential above (vertical preferred) and horizontal combinations where appropriate. (§ 11-02-020(C))
• Typical permitted/conditional uses: Ground‑floor retail/service (P in MU), second‑floor residential, ADUs allowed with special MU rules; some uses are conditional. (§ 11-02-050; § 11-04.5-110)
• Standards: MU has its own development standards chapter and ADU design standards; floor‑area ratios and incentives exist in the code and may be different within the downtown historic district (historic rules can increase FAR in exchange for preservation). (§ 11-04-020; § 11-06-130)

I — Industrial

• Purpose: Light industrial and agricultural services, limited to uses that do not generate excessive environmental impacts. (§ 11-02-020(D))
• Typical permitted/conditional uses: Agricultural services, light manufacturing/repair shops (some uses conditional or limited by the matrix). (§ 11-02-050; § 11-04-030)
• Standards: Landscaping, screening for industrial outdoor storage, and noise/lighting controls are specified in development standards and the lighting chapter. (§ 11-04-080; § 11-13-010)

P — Park

• Purpose: City parks and open‑space corridors for conservation and recreation. (§ 11-02-020(E))
• Typical uses: Active and passive parks, trails, recreation facilities (permitted by district rules). (§ 11-02-050)

PF — Public Facilities

• Purpose: Accommodate public, nonprofit, and institutional uses (schools, civic buildings, utilities). (§ 11-02-020(F))
• Standards: Yards in the PF district must equal the most restrictive abutting district but not less than 20 ft adjoining a street or 10 ft interior yards. (§ 11-04-070, note)

A — Agricultural

• Purpose: Promote conservation of agricultural land around the city. (§ 11-02-020(G))
• Typical uses: Agricultural activities and farmworker housing (P,S where stated in matrix). (§ 11-02-050)

Critical tables (decision‑relevant)

Table 1 — Quick reference of selected uses and the code cross‑reference

Table 2 — Selected development standards (examples you’ll check on day one)

Practical guidance / synthesis (what this means when you’re preparing an application)

• Start with the zoning map and the use matrix: confirm the parcel’s district and then read the corresponding row in the use matrix (§ 11-02-050) to see whether your proposed use is P, P,S, or C. If your use is C, expect discretionary review by the Planning Commission. (§ 11-02-040; § 11-02-050)

• If the use is permitted but your project triggers dimensional or intensity standards (coverage, FAR, setbacks, parking, ADUs), use the chapters on Development Standards to size the project: § 11-04-010 (residential), § 11-04-020 (MU), § 11-04-030 (commercial/industrial). The Development Standards page is a practical companion. (§ 11-04-010 – § 11-04-030)

• If the property is inside an overlay (Historic HD/NRHD or Hillside), additional rules apply (historic design review, Secretary of the Interior Standards for work affecting historic resources, or hillside development permits). See the overlay definitions and the historic incentives/exceptions. (§ 11-02-030; § 11-06-130; § 11-08-030)

• ADUs are allowed broadly (R‑1, R‑2, R‑3, MU) under a ministerial process but must meet the ADU chapter’s objective rules (size caps, parking, setbacks exceptions). Don’t confuse ADU approval with unrelated discretionary relief—ADUs that meet the code are ministerial. (§ 11-04.5-010 – § 11-04.5-170)

• Home occupations have detailed operating standards (limits on customers, parking, signage, and no external alterations). If you run a home-based business, follow § 11-07-030 – § 11-07-060 carefully. (§ 11-07-030 – § 11-07-060)

• Parking and loading requirements referenced in PUDs and other sections are controlled by the city’s parking chapter. If your use creates new trips or removes existing required spaces (e.g., converting garage to ADU), read the ADU parking specifics and the Parking chapter. (§ 11-05-030(C) referencing Chapter 11-11; § 11-04.5‑130(L))

Checklist — what an applicant must confirm (day‑one checklist)

• Verify zoning district on the City zoning map and identify overlays (Historic HD / NRHD, Hillside). (§ 11-02-040; § 11-02-030)
• Confirm proposed use status in the use matrix (P / P,S / C). (§ 11-02-050)
• Check applicable development standards (coverage, FAR, lot-size subcategory R‑1‑7/R‑1‑6/R‑1‑5, height). (§ 11-04-010; § 11-03-010)
• If project is ADU/JADU, apply the ADU chapter rules (size caps, parking, conversions). (§ 11-04.5-010 – § 11-04.5-170)
• Confirm required yards/setback specifics and accessory structure rules. (§ 11-04-070)
• Check parking requirements and whether historic/incentive exceptions apply. (Chapter 11-11; § 11-06-130)
• If in a hillside or historic area, prepare materials addressing the applicable overlay standards and expect design review. (§ 11-08-030; § 11-06-130; § 11-18-040 referenced)

Risks & Ambiguities

Plain‑English summary

San Juan Bautista’s zoning ordinance uses named districts (like R‑1, MU, I) and a use matrix to decide what you can do on a property; site intensity is controlled by the development‑standards chapters (coverage, setbacks, ADU rules), and special overlays (historic and hillside) add extra design and review rules. Always start with the zoning map and the use matrix, then read the applicable development standards and overlay chapters before designing a project. (§ 11-02-050; § 11-04-010; § 11-04.5-010; § 11-06-130; § 11-08-030)

Information Gaps (what I could not confirm from the retrieved materials)

• The complete zoning table layout (the graphic/table that lists every numeric setback, lot size and FAR per district) was only partially visible in the retrieved excerpts; specific row/column pairings for every district’s setbacks are not fully reproduced here (see the code table and associated notes referenced in § 11-03-010 and the notes). Verify with the official zoning table. (§ 11-03-010 referenced)
• Any city resolution that updates application fees, or administrative checklists and forms, is not contained in the retrieved ordinance copy. Fees and procedural forms are managed by City Council resolution (referenced in § 11‑01‑090). Check the Planning counter or the City website.

Source References

• San Juan Bautista Municipal Code — Zoning ordinance (Title / Title citation): § 11-01-010; § 11-01-040; § 11-01-050.
• Zoning districts and use matrix: § 11-02-010; § 11-02-020; § 11-02-030; § 11-02-040; § 11-02-050 (use matrix).
• Development standards (residential, mixed use, commercial/industrial): § 11-04-010; § 11-04-020; § 11-04-030; § 11-04-070 (Required yards).
• Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs / JADUs): § 11-04.5-010 – § 11-04.5-170.
• Home occupations: § 11-07-010 – § 11-07-070 (operating standards and permit rules).
• Planned Unit Development (PUD): § 11-05-010 – § 11-05-050 (PUD intent and development standards).
• Hillside overlay and development rules: § 11-08-010 – § 11-08-090 (applicability; slope thresholds).
• Historic preservation benefits and incentives (exceptions to zoning): § 11-06-130.
• Parking and its cross references in standards (see ADU parking rules and PUD parking references): ADU parking rules § 11-04.5-130(L); PUD parking reference to Chapter 11‑11.

Retrieved passages

• San Juan Bautista Zoning Code (Chapter 11-04.5) High relevance show source text
• San Juan Bautista Zoning Code High relevance show source text
• San Juan Bautista Zoning Code (Chapter but) High relevance show source text
• San Juan Bautista Zoning Code High relevance show source text
• San Juan Bautista Zoning Code (Chapter 11-02) Medium relevance show source text
• San Juan Bautista Zoning Code (Chapter but) Medium relevance show source text
• San Juan Bautista Zoning Code (Section 11-04-010) Medium relevance show source text
• San Juan Bautista Zoning Code (Chapter 11-06) Medium relevance show source text
• San Juan Bautista Zoning Code (Chapter 11-11) Medium relevance show source text
• San Juan Bautista Zoning Code Medium relevance show source text
• CBC § 1104.5 (Title for) Medium relevance show source text

Cited sections

• San Juan Bautista Municipal Code — Zoning ordinance (Title / Title citation): **§ 11-01-010; § 11-01-040; § 11-01-050**. (Title citation)
• Zoning districts and use matrix: **§ 11-02-010; § 11-02-020; § 11-02-030; § 11-02-040; § 11-02-050** (use matrix). (§ 11-02-010)
• Development standards (residential, mixed use, commercial/industrial): **§ 11-04-010; § 11-04-020; § 11-04-030; § 11-04-070 (Required yards)**. (§ 11-04-010)
• Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs / JADUs): **§ 11-04.5-010 – § 11-04.5-170**. (§ 11-04.5-010)
• Home occupations: **§ 11-07-010 – § 11-07-070** (operating standards and permit rules). (§ 11-07-010)
• Planned Unit Development (PUD): **§ 11-05-010 – § 11-05-050** (PUD intent and development standards). (§ 11-05-010)
• Hillside overlay and development rules: **§ 11-08-010 – § 11-08-090** (applicability; slope thresholds). (§ 11-08-010)
• Historic preservation benefits and incentives (exceptions to zoning): **§ 11-06-130**. (§ 11-06-130)
• Parking and its cross references in standards (see ADU parking rules and PUD parking references): ADU parking rules **§ 11-04.5-130(L)**; PUD parking reference to Chapter 11‑11. (§ 11-04.5-130)
• SanJuanBautista_ZoningCode.md