Santa Paula · Land use · Private school
Where is a private school allowed in Santa Paula?
In Santa Paula, a private school is allowed in 3 base zones (C-O, C-G and C-LI) and needs a conditional use permit (chapter 16.218) in 11 (HR-PD1, HR-PD2, R-A, R-1, R-1(a) and 6 more) (Santa Paula use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: C-O, C-G and C-LI
- Needs a permit: HR-PD1, HR-PD2, R-A, R-1, R-1(a), R-2, R-3, R-4 and 3 more
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Santa Paula Municipal Code use tables (read October 2026). Base zones only. General information, not legal advice — check with the city before you apply.
Zones where a private school can go
Santa Paula's code calls this use “School or Education Facility, Private”. Each row links to the use table it comes from. A zone marked “see note” has a condition in the code, for example upper floors only or a larger lot.
| Zone | Status | Code |
|---|---|---|
| C-O | Allowed Code row: “Educational Institutions (Public or Private)” | § 16.15.020 |
| C-G | Allowed Code row: “Educational Institutions (Public or Private)” | § 16.15.020 |
| C-LI | Allowed Code row: “Educational Institutions (Public or Private)” | § 16.15.020 |
| HR-PD1 Hillside Residential - Planned Development (HR1-PD, 0-1 dwelling units/acre) | Needs a conditional use permit (chapter 16.218) | Division 1 — USE REGULATIONS |
| HR-PD2 Hillside Residential - Planned Development (HR2-PD, 0-3 dwelling units/acre) | Needs a conditional use permit (chapter 16.218) | Division 1 — USE REGULATIONS |
| R-A Rural Residential | Needs a conditional use permit (chapter 16.218) | Division 1 — USE REGULATIONS |
| R-1 Single Family Residential | Needs a conditional use permit (chapter 16.218) | Division 1 — USE REGULATIONS |
| R-1(a) Small Lot Single Family Residential | Needs a conditional use permit (chapter 16.218) | Division 1 — USE REGULATIONS |
| R-2 Medium Density Residential | Needs a conditional use permit (chapter 16.218) | Division 1 — USE REGULATIONS |
| R-3 Medium-High Density Residential | Needs a conditional use permit (chapter 16.218) | Division 1 — USE REGULATIONS |
| R-4 High Density Residential | Needs a conditional use permit (chapter 16.218) | Division 1 — USE REGULATIONS |
| MHP Mobile Home Park | Needs a conditional use permit (chapter 16.218) | Division 1 — USE REGULATIONS |
| C-N | Needs a conditional use permit (chapter 16.218) Code row: “Educational Institutions (Public or Private)” | § 16.15.020 |
| CBD | Needs a conditional use permit (chapter 16.218) Code row: “Educational Institutions (Public or Private)” | § 16.15.020 |
What else applies
- Commercial table row is 'Educational Institutions (Public or Private)'. Trade/technical schools and dance/music/martial arts studios are separate rows. The Institutional/Civic zone lists only public schools as permitted.
- Not covered here: Agriculture zone (Chapter 16.11): uses listed in text, zone code not stated; Institutional/Civic zone (Chapter 16.23): uses listed in text, zone code not stated; OPR (Open Space Parks and Recreation) zone: uses listed in text, no residential or commercial-type uses. Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in Santa Paula
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a private school in the HR-PD1 zone in Santa Paula?
Only with a conditional use permit (chapter 16.218). Santa Paula's use table lists it that way in HR-PD1 (Hillside Residential - Planned Development (HR1-PD, 0-1 dwelling units/acre)) (Division 1 — USE REGULATIONS).
Can I have a private school in the C-O zone in Santa Paula?
Yes. Santa Paula's use table lists it as allowed in C-O (§ 16.15.020).
General information, not legal advice.
Ask about a private school at an address in Santa Paula
Ask GoCodebook what the zoning at a specific address allows and get an answer that cites the section.
Ask your question