Local zoning · Shafter

Shafter — Overlay Districts

Overlay Districts under the Shafter local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

Overlay and combining districts in the City of Shafter (Title 17, City of Shafter Development Code) add site‑specific rules, limits, and review procedures on top of the base zone. Key overlays in Shafter include the Planned Unit Development (PUD), Community Facilities (CF), Airport Approach Height Combining (H), Drilling Island (DI), Petroleum Extraction (PE), and the Specific Plan District; each affects permitted uses, setbacks/height, and review requirements in different ways. For base-zone dimensional rules consult the Shafter Development Standards and for on‑site parking obligations consult the city's Shafter Parking rules.

How to read this page

  • When the code below requires an additional permit or a conditional use permit, the controlling section is cited with the § symbol and the municipal-code excerpt where that language appears (file citation follows each § reference).
  • Links in the narrative point to related local pages you will usually need (design review, parking, ADUs, building code, signage, etc.). Use them for procedure or technical standards.
    • Shafter Zoning overview: /us/california/shafter/zoning
    • Development standards: /us/california/shafter/development-standards
    • Parking: /us/california/shafter/parking
    • Design review: /us/california/shafter/design-review
    • ADUs: /us/california/shafter/adu
    • California Building Standards Code: /us/california/building-codes
    • Signage: /us/california/shafter/signage

District-by-district breakdown

Planned Unit Development (PUD)

  • Purpose: The PUD district allows flexible, integrated master planning to encourage creative site design and mixed uses while meeting General Plan goals; it may be used as an exclusive zone or as a combining zone (example: R-2/P.U.D.) to modify standards on a project-by-project basis. § 3.10
  • Typical permitted uses: Uses are the uses of the base zone with which it is combined (e.g., one‑family dwellings, multiple‑family dwellings, parks, limited commercial when incidental and compatible). § 3.10.2
  • Key dimensional & procedural points:
    • The PUD process replaces/augments base standards through an approved preliminary and final development plan; the City Council/Planning Commission can set standards that are more or less restrictive than code (height, yards, lot coverage, parking, landscaping, access). § 3.10.4–6
    • Final development plans are processed with design review (see Shafter Design Review) and must show compliance with conditions imposed at approval. § 3.10.5
  • Where it applies: Applied parcel‑by‑parcel by ordinance; shown on the Official Zoning Map as P.U.D. or as a combining symbol. § 3.10

Practical guidance: Expect to submit a project‑level development plan that specifies the deviations from standard setbacks, parking, and percent coverage (the Planning Commission/Council may require different ratios). Confirm whether the PUD is exclusive or combining before relying on base zone tables. § 3.10.4–6

Community Facilities (CF)

  • Purpose: The CF district reserves land for public/semi‑public uses and coordinates development standards with adjacent zones. § 3.20
  • Typical permitted uses: Public buildings, utilities, parks, schools and similar publicly oriented uses (uses are generally equivalent to adjacent zone standards). § 3.20
  • Key dimensional & procedural points:
    • Minimum property development standards are applied equivalent to adjacent district requirements; where conflict exists the Project Assistance Team determines applicable standards (appealable). § 3.20.3.a
    • Special requirements include screening of parking in visible corridors and limitations on how setbacks may be used (e.g., street side setbacks limited to landscaping/driveways/parking). § 3.20.3.b(1–3)
  • Where it applies: Parcels intended for community/public use as mapped on the Official Zoning Map. § 3.20

Practical guidance: If your proposal is in CF, prepare to show how adjacent-zone standards are met and to provide screening/landscaping plans (see Shafter Landscaping and Screening) and coordinate with the Project Assistance Team. Verify whether design review applies. § 3.20.3

Airport Approach Height Combining (H)

  • Purpose: The H combining district protects aviation safety around Minter Field by imposing compatibility and height review consistent with FAR Part 77 and the Kern County Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan. § 3.30.1
  • Typical permitted uses: Uses permitted are those of the base district, subject to compatibility measures and additional conditions. § 3.30.2
  • Key dimensional & procedural points:
    • Height limits are governed by FAA Part 77; where conflict exists FAA rules prevail. § 3.30.8
    • Additional compatibility rules (noise exposure, density/uses) are set out in Table 3.B (Airport compatibility measures) and apply to development within the mapped Airport Influence Area. § 3.30.1 & Table 3.B
    • Uses requiring conditional review are those that create high densities or hazards to flight (schools, hospitals, large assemblies) as described in Table 3.B. § 3.30 / Table 3.B
  • Where it applies: Areas near Minter Field as mapped in the ordinance (see Table 3.B on Airport compatibility). § 3.30

Practical guidance: For parcels in H, confirm height and use compatibility against Table 3.B and FAR Part 77 before preparing building envelopes; the airport overlay will often trigger extra findings or deed‑notice requirements. § 3.30, Table 3.B

Drilling Island (DI)

  • Purpose: The DI district identifies small, often single‑lot areas within subdivisions or mobilehome parks that contain petroleum resources; it limits uses to oil/gas operations and compatible open space to manage resource extraction while protecting neighbors. § 3.40.1
  • Typical permitted uses: Oil and gas exploration, development, production, storage, transmission, treatment and accessory equipment; subdivision drainage sumps in specified circumstances. § 3.40.2
  • Key dimensional & procedural points:
    • Minimum lot size: 2½ gross acres minimum for any lot in DI. § 3.40.5
    • Setbacks/Well distances: No well may be drilled within 100 ft of a public street right‑of‑way; other distances and detailed development standards are governed by Chapter 9, § 9.40 (Development Standards and Conditions). § 3.40.7; § 9.40
    • Height: No height limit for derricks during exploration; pumping units max 35 ft. § 3.40.8
    • Parking & signs: No minimum parking requirement; parking/manoeuvering areas must be treated with oiled sand or similar; signage is limited to directional/warning/identification signs (small sizes prescribed). § 3.40.10–11
    • CUP for ancillary uses: Parks and parking lots on DI land require a Conditional Use Permit and notice to mineral‑rights owners and environmental review documents provided to those owners. § 3.40.3
  • Where it applies: Small, mapped pockets (single lots or small areas) shown on the Official Zoning Map as DI. § 3.40.1

Practical guidance: If your parcel is DI or sits adjacent to DI, plan for Chapter 9 oil‑field development standards (fencing, sanitation, setbacks) and expect notices to mineral‑rights holders and CUP requirements for non‑extraction uses. § 3.40; § 9.40

Petroleum Extraction (PE) Combining District

  • Purpose: The PE Combining District designates larger areas containing petroleum resources and overlays Estate (E), Neighborhood Commercial (NC), General Commercial (GC), or Business Park (BP) base zones to allow extraction while controlling compatibility. § 3.50.1
  • Typical permitted uses: Wells and accessory facilities are allowed under PE subject to distance rules (some wells are permitted ministerially if they meet distance criteria; others require a CUP). § 3.50.2–3
  • Key dimensional & procedural points:
    • Wells located more than 300 ft from existing dwellings/commercial buildings may be permitted without CUP; wells closer typically require a Conditional Use Permit and must follow the Chapter 9 development standards. § 3.50.2; § 9.20–9.40
    • Pumping units max 35 ft; derricks during exploration not subject to normal height limits (consistent with Chapter 9). § 3.50; § 9.40
    • Parking: No minimum parking for drilling/production activities; however other uses must comply with base‑zone parking standards. § 3.50.10
    • All extraction activity must comply with Chapter 9 oil & gas standards (safety equipment, setback matrices, fence requirements within 500 ft of dwellings, and compliance with State DOGGR rules and other agencies). § 3.50; § 9.40
  • Where it applies: PE is applied as a combining district only over E, NC, GC, or BP base zones and appears on the Official Zoning Map. § 3.50.1

Practical guidance: For wells in PE, prepare a CUP package when within the conditional distance thresholds; the CUP packet must include site plans showing distances to all buildings within 300 ft and must demonstrate compliance with Chapter 9 development standards (equipment, fencing, sanitary facilities). § 3.50; § 9.50

Specific Plan District

  • Purpose: The Specific Plan District is intended for large‑scale, comprehensively planned urban communities; a Specific Plan becomes the zoning for the area and can supersede the Municipal Code where the plan is explicit. § 15.20.1–3
  • Typical permitted uses & process: Uses and standards are determined by the adopted Development Plan text; the district requires a minimum area of 40 gross acres (with exceptions) and is established by ordinance after Planning Commission/City Council review. § 15.20.2.a
  • Key points:
    • The adopted development plan constitutes zoning for the area and may supplement or replace provisions of the Municipal Code; any items not addressed in the plan default to the Title 17 provisions. § 15.20.3.c
    • Specific Plans require detailed submittals and staged development schedules and will be reviewed under Chapter 2 procedures. § 15.20.2.b

Practical guidance: Specific Plans are large, policy‑driven documents. If your property is in a Specific Plan District, review the Development Plan text carefully — it is the operative zoning for the site. Contact planning staff for the adopted plan and for mapping. § 15.20.3

Quick reference table — most decision‑relevant items

Overlay / Combining District Most relevant practical standards / permits Key code reference
PUD (Planned Unit Development) Development plan replaces/augments base zone; Planning Commission/City Council approval; flexibility on setbacks/parking/height (final plan requires design review). § 3.10 § 3.10.5–6
CF (Community Facilities) Applies adjacent-zone development standards; parking screening/landscaping requirements; Project Assistance Team determines standards if conflict. § 3.20
H (Airport Approach Height) Base‑zone uses allowed but heights governed by FAA Part 77; Table 3.B sets compatibility/noise/density limitations. § 3.30; Table 3.B
DI (Drilling Island) Uses limited to oil/gas operations; min lot size 2.5 acres; no derrick height limit during exploration; pumps ≤35 ft; CUP required for parks/parking; special notice to mineral-rights owners. § 3.40.2–8
PE (Petroleum Extraction) Combine with E/NC/GC/BP only; wells >300 ft from dwellings may be permitted; otherwise CUP; Chapter 9 (§ 9.40) contains detailed drilling/stds (fences, setbacks, sanitation). § 3.50.1–3; § 9.40
Specific Plan District Adopted development plan becomes zoning; min 40 gross acres; plan may replace Municipal Code provisions where consistent with General Plan. § 15.20.2–3

Checklist

  • Confirm whether your parcel is mapped with an overlay or combining district on the Official Zoning Map (verify PUD, CF, H, DI, PE, or Specific Plan status). § 1.110
  • If in PUD or Specific Plan, assemble a preliminary development plan and final development plan per § 3.10 / § 15.20 and be ready for Planning Commission/City Council review. § 3.10; § 15.20
  • If in DI or PE, determine distances from all dwellings and buildings (300 ft thresholds and 100–250 ft setbacks in Chapter 9) and whether a Conditional Use Permit is required. § 3.50; § 3.40; § 9.40
  • Prepare oil & gas CUP application materials per § 9.50 (site plan, distances, equipment description, phasing). § 9.50
  • For H (airport) areas, check Table 3.B compatibility zone and FAA Part 77 height limits before drawing building envelopes. § 3.30; Table 3.B
  • Prepare landscaping/screening plans for CF, DI, PE or where required (see Shafter Landscaping and Screening and screening standards in Chapter 10). § 3.20; Chapter 10
  • Coordinate required notices (mineral rights owners for DI/PE CUPs; public notice for PUD/CUP appeals). § 3.40.3; § 2.140

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Overlay boundary / map image missing The code references mapping (Table 3.B, Official Zoning Map) but the ordinance file excerpts omit the map image or parcel‑specific map extents. Verify overlay boundaries at the City Planning counter or request the Official Zoning Map (verify H, DI, PE, PUD, Specific Plan status). § 1.110; Table 3.B
Distance thresholds for well permitting Whether a well is ministerial vs CUP hinges on measured distances (e.g., 300 ft) and what counts as “existing building”. Measure distances from all structures used as dwellings/commercial use; confirm which structures are grandfathered. § 3.50.2; § 9.40
Mineral rights notice requirements DI/PE CUPs require notice to mineral‑rights owners and provision of draft environmental documents—failure to notify can invalidate a hearing. Confirm mineral‑rights ownership via County tax rolls and follow the notice procedures in § 2.140 and § 3.40.3. § 3.40.3; § 2.140
Scope of PUD deviations PUD approvals may allow standards “more or less restrictive” than code; this creates uncertainty for neighbors and lenders. Examine the approved PUD preliminary/final plan and its conditions; do not assume base-zone standards apply unless the PUD references them. § 3.10.6
FAA / local conflict on heights FAA Part 77 may override local height allowances, affecting project massing. Verify FAA Part 77 applicability and coordinate with airport compatibility mapping (Table 3.B) before design. § 3.30.8; Table 3.B

Plain-English Summary

If your property is covered by a Shafter overlay (PUD, CF, H, DI, PE, or Specific Plan), the overlay adds rules on top of the base zone: it can change what you can build, where you must set back buildings, whether drilling or extraction is allowed, and what approvals (site plan, conditional use permit, or PUD/spec‑plan approval) are required. Always check the Official Zoning Map and the specific overlay § (examples: § 3.10 for PUD, § 3.40 for DI, § 3.50 for PE, § 3.30 for H, § 15.20 for Specific Plan) and contact Planning to confirm parcel‑specific requirements before design or permit submittal.

Source References

  • City of Shafter Development Code, Chapter 3 (Special Districts), PUD — § 3.10.
  • City of Shafter Development Code, Chapter 3 (Special Districts), CF (Community Facilities) — § 3.20.
  • City of Shafter Development Code, Chapter 3 (Special Districts), Airport Approach Height (H) — § 3.30 and Table 3.B.
  • City of Shafter Development Code, Chapter 3 (Special Districts), Drilling Island (DI) — § 3.40.
  • City of Shafter Development Code, Chapter 3 (Special Districts), Petroleum Extraction (PE) — § 3.50.
  • City of Shafter Development Code, Chapter 9 (Oil & Gas Production), Development Standards and Conditions — § 9.40 et seq.; application contents § 9.50.
  • City of Shafter Development Code, Chapter 15, Specific Plan District — § 15.20.

Information Gaps

  • Official overlay boundary maps (high‑resolution Table 3.B maps and the City’s Official Zoning Map parcels with exact overlay extents) are not embedded in the retrieved text excerpts. Verify overlay boundaries with City planning staff or the Official Zoning Map. Not found in retrieved materials.
  • Parcel‑specific application of PUD conditions and adopted Specific Plans (text for any adopted specific plan) are not provided here — obtain the actual adopted Development Plan or ordinance for site‑specific rules. Not found in retrieved materials.

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Shafter Zoning Code (CHAPTER 15) High relevance
  • Shafter Zoning Code (CHAPTER 6) Medium relevance
  • Shafter Zoning Code (Chapter 9) Medium relevance
  • CBC § 66411.7 (CHAPTER 4) Medium relevance
  • Shafter Zoning Code (CHAPTER 3) Medium relevance
  • Shafter Zoning Code (CHAPTER 6) Medium relevance
  • Shafter Zoning Code (CHAPTER 1) Medium relevance
  • Shafter Zoning Code (TITLE 17) Medium relevance
  • Shafter Zoning Code (CHAPTER 3) High relevance
  • Shafter Zoning Code (Section 3.3) High relevance
  • Shafter Zoning Code (Section 3.40.2.b) Medium relevance
  • Shafter Zoning Code (Chapter 3) Medium relevance
  • Shafter Zoning Code (Section 3.50.2) Medium relevance
  • Shafter Zoning Code (Chapter 14) Medium relevance
  • Shafter Zoning Code (Section 2.140) Medium relevance
  • CBC § 2.140 (CHAPTER 2) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

What is an overlay/combining district in Shafter and how does it change the base zone?

An overlay (or combining) district in Shafter is a mapped regulatory layer (for example PUD, H, DI, PE, CF, Specific Plan) that sits on top of the base zoning and adds or modifies permitted uses, height/setback rules, and review procedures. Where the overlay is adopted it can require additional permits (CUP, development plan), or replace base rules when the overlay text and adopted plan are explicit. See § 3.10, § 3.30, § 3.40, § 3.50, § 15.20.

What can I build on a lot mapped DI (Drilling Island) in Shafter?

A DI lot is limited principally to oil and gas exploration, production, storage, transmission, and treatment and accessory equipment; non‑extraction uses like parks or parking are allowed only with a Conditional Use Permit and with required notices to mineral‑rights owners. Minimum lot size is 2½ acres and Chapter 9 drilling standards apply (setbacks, fences, pump height ≤35 ft). § 3.40; § 9.40

What distance rules trigger a Conditional Use Permit for wells in PE?

Under the PE combining district wells located more than 300 feet from dwellings or commercial buildings described in the code may be permitted; wells within those thresholds generally require a Conditional Use Permit and must meet Chapter 9 development standards. Check the exact measurement rules and which structures count as “existing” before assuming ministerial approval. § 3.50.2; § 9.40

Does the Airport-overlay (H) allow everything the base zone allows?

Yes, the H overlay permits base‑zone uses, but it imposes height limits and compatibility rules tied to FAA Part 77 and the airport compatibility Table 3.B; some sensitive uses (schools, hospitals, high‑density residential) are restricted or require additional conditions in certain compatibility zones. § 3.30; Table 3.B

If my project is in a PUD, do base‑zone setbacks and parking still apply?

Not necessarily — a PUD’s approved development plan may set more or less restrictive requirements for height, setbacks, lot coverage, and parking. The final development plan and Council conditions govern what applies on that site. Check the PUD ordinance/development plan. § 3.10.4–6

Are there minimum parking requirements for oil‑field operations in DI or PE?

For drilling and production activities within DI and PE, the ordinance sets no minimum parking requirement, but any parking/maneuvering areas must be treated (oiled sand or similar) and other permitted uses on the site must meet standard parking rules. § 3.40.10; § 3.50.10

Do drilling-related structures have the same height limit as other buildings?

Derricks and drilling equipment used during exploration are not subject to the normal height limits, though pumping units are specifically limited to 35 feet; FAA Part 77 still applies where aviation safety is concerned. § 3.40.8; § 9.40

Will a Specific Plan always override Title 17?

An adopted Specific Plan constitutes zoning for the plan area and may supplement or replace Municipal Code provisions where the development plan text is explicit and consistent with the General Plan; items not addressed in the plan default to Title 17. § 15.20.3

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