Local zoning · Taft

Taft — Zoning

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

Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

Taft’s zoning rules are codified in Title VI — Planning and Zoning of the municipal code. The code divides the city into named base districts (for example RS, R-1, MU, GC, I) plus special districts and overlays (for example the Downtown Taft Specific Plan / DTSP, H airport overlay, PE petroleum extraction overlay). The official zoning boundaries are shown on the city’s zoning maps and the code ties specific allowed uses and development standards to each named district. (§ 6-1-1 through § 6-1-13)

Note: where the text of the code refers to district development standards in tables (for example “table 4.B”), those numeric tables were not present in the retrieved materials. Verify numeric setbacks, lot coverage, heights and FAR with the Planning Department or the official zoning map. (§ 6-4-3)

How the code is organized (quick orientation)

Zone districts are created and listed in § 6-1-11; the official map maintained by the Planning Department defines where each district applies. § 6-1-11(C) explains that the zoning map is “part of this title.”
Residential districts and their high-level density caps are described in § 6-4-2 and the chapter on residential districts; development standards are referenced to § 6-4-3 / table 4.B.
Special zones (Downtown Specific Plan, Community Facilities, Airport overlay, Petroleum/Drilling overlays) are in Chapter 3 (examples: § 6-3-1, § 6-3-2, § 6-3-3).

(Inline topic links used where those topics are discussed below: see parking, development standards, design review, overlays, land use, ADUs, California Building Standards Code.)

District-by-district breakdown

Below are Taft’s named districts listed in the code. For each district I summarize the stated purpose, typical permitted uses (as described or implied in the code), the key dimensional/density standards the code explicitly gives, and where it typically applies according to the ordinance text. Where the code refers to a numeric table or the official map but the numeric table or map was not included in the retrieved materials I note that and point you to the controlling code citation.

Note: the code defines the list of districts in § 6-1-11. See that citation for the complete district list.

Residential Suburban (RS)

Purpose: Provide and protect a rural/large-lot estate atmosphere; for low-density residential development. (§ 6-4-2(A))
Typical permitted uses: Detached single-family dwellings and accessory residential uses allowed in the base residential chapters; accessory dwelling units are allowed per the ADU rules (see ADU page). (§ 6-4-2(A))
Key standards: Maximum allowable densities stated as either 1 dwelling unit per acre (large-lot) or up to 2.5 dwelling units per acre for small-lot subdivisions; numeric setbacks/lot coverage are referenced to table 4.B in § 6-4-3 (table not reproduced in retrieved materials). (§ 6-4-2(A); § 6-4-3)
Where it applies: As shown on the official zoning map maintained by the Planning Department; see § 6-1-11(C).

Single-Family Residential (R-1)

Purpose: Protect detached single-family neighborhood character. (§ 6-4-2(B))
Typical permitted uses: Detached single-family homes and accessory residential uses; Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) allowed under the ADU provisions. (§ 6-4-2(B); § 6-12-23 referenced)
Key standards: Maximum density of 7 dwelling units per acre; other dimensional rules (setbacks, height, lot coverage) are set in table 4.B referenced in § 6-4-3 (table not included in retrieved materials). (§ 6-4-2(B); § 6-4-3)
Where it applies: Official zoning map. (§ 6-1-11(C))

Medium Density Residential (R-2)

Purpose: Provide more urban housing choices; attached and multi-family allowed. (§ 6-4-2(C))
Typical permitted uses: Small-lot single- and multiple-family (attached/detached) residential. (§ 6-4-2(C))
Key standards: Maximum allowable density 15 dwelling units per net acre; other development standards in table 4.B (§ 6-4-3). (§ 6-4-2(C); § 6-4-3)

High Density Residential (R-3)

Purpose: Support multi-family attached units with enhanced amenities and common open space. (§ 6-4-2(D))
Typical permitted uses: Multi-family dwellings, residential developments with common open space. (§ 6-4-2(D))
Key standards: Maximum allowable density 29 dwelling units per net acre; additional dimensional rules referenced to table 4.B. (§ 6-4-2(D); § 6-4-3)

Mixed Use (MU)

Purpose and uses: The MU district allows mixed residential and commercial uses; the code creates MU as a base district in § 6-1-11 but detailed permitted uses and development standards are provided by the zoning text and, where applicable, by specific plan zones such as the Downtown Specific Plan. (See § 6-1-11 and DTSP § 6-3-1.)
Key standards: The code references development standards (table 4.B or specific plan standards). Numeric specifics not found in the retrieved materials — verify with the Planning Department. (§ 6-4-3)

General Commercial (GC)

Purpose and uses: Commercial retail, services, and compatible uses; detailed allowed uses and whether they are permitted or conditional appear in the land use tables in the code (see the land use tables in Chapter 3 / use regulation chapters). Exact per-use permissions must be confirmed in the code’s use table. (District listed in § 6-1-11.)

Industrial (I)

Purpose and uses: Industrial uses are grouped under I for manufacturing, processing, and similar activities. The code also contains special petroleum extraction, drilling, and petroleum-related overlay districts (see PE, DI) that further regulate oil & gas activity. (§ 6-1-11; PE/DI chapters)

Community Facilities (CF)

Purpose: Provide lands for public, quasi-public and institutional uses; CF’s development standards are intended to be equivalent to the zone districts of adjacent properties unless otherwise specified. (§ 6-3-2)
Typical uses: Public buildings, parks, utilities, schools, and similar; the code lists examples and places some uses as permitted (P) or conditional (C) in the CF use table. (See § 6-3-2 and the CF use table.)
Key standards: Minimum standards are “equivalent to the requirements of the zone districts of adjacent properties” and specific screening/landscape rules may apply. (§ 6-3-2)

Downtown Taft Specific Plan (DTSP / SP)

Purpose: The DTSP is a Specific Plan (SP) zone intended to encourage mixed-use downtown development; it supersedes other district standards where it is applied and sets its own land uses and design criteria. (§ 6-3-1)
Uses & standards: The DTSP’s Chapter 3 (Land Uses) identifies permitted and conditional land uses in downtown; when the DTSP is silent the general zoning title applies at the Planning Director’s discretion. (§ 6-3-1(B))

Airport Approach Height (H) Overlay

Purpose: Protect airport safety by controlling heights and certain land uses in the airport influence area; the overlay modifies or supplements the base district standards for lots within the overlay. (§ 6-3-3)
Key standards: Height limits follow FAA FAR Part 77 and cannot be less restrictive than FAA rules; many other standards (setbacks, parking, signs) defer to the base district unless otherwise stated. (§ 6-3-3)

Petroleum Extraction (PE) overlay and Drilling Island (DI)

Purpose: The PE overlay and DI district regulate oil, gas, and hydrocarbon development and impose special conditions for drilling operations and petroleum facilities. The code requires drilling/hydrocarbon activities to follow special standards in § 6-10-5 (development standards and conditions) and limits signs and landscaping in PE consistent with the base district. (See PE provisions.)
Typical permits/conditions: Directional and warning signs for oil operations have restricted size; special review procedures apply and specific development standards for drilling operations are found in § 6-10-5. (PE text)

Agricultural (A) and Natural Resources (NR)

Purpose and uses: A and NR are included in § 6-1-11 for lands where agricultural or natural resource protection is intended; specific permitted uses and limitations are set in the land use sections for those districts. (§ 6-1-11)

Quick reference table — decision-relevant items

District	What it's for (short)	Decision-relevant standard or example permitted use	Code reference
RS	Large-lot / rural residential	Max 1 du/acre (or up to 2.5 du/ac for small-lot option)	§ 6-4-2(A)
R-1	Single-family neighborhoods	Max 7 du/acre; ADUs allowed per ADU rules	§ 6-4-2(B); § 6-12-23
R-2	Medium density residential	Max 15 du/net acre	§ 6-4-2(C)
R-3	High-density multi-family	Max 29 du/net acre	§ 6-4-2(D)
DTSP / SP	Downtown mixed-use (specific plan)	DTSP sets specific land uses & standards; governs over base rules where applicable	§ 6-3-1
CF	Public / institutional	Uses generally equivalent to adjacent zone standards; public buildings, parks, schools	§ 6-3-2
H (overlay)	Airport safety / height control	FAA FAR Part 77 governs maximum heights; other standards defer to base district	§ 6-3-3
PE / DI	Petroleum extraction / drilling	Oil & hydrocarbon operations subject to special review and § 6-10-5 development standards	§ 6-10-5; PE text

Where to find numeric setbacks, lot coverage, height, parking and the zoning map

The ordinances repeatedly point to table 4.B (in § 6-4-3) and to chapter-specific tables for numeric yard/setback/coverage/height rules; the numeric table itself was not included in the retrieved materials. Confirm numeric yard/setback/height/lot-size and lot coverage values (table 4.B) with the city’s official Title VI materials or Planning Department. (§ 6-4-3)
The official zoning map is maintained by the Planning Department and is declared part of the ordinance. Use the Planning Department’s map to confirm which district applies to a parcel. (§ 6-1-11(C))
Parking rules and transportation-related standards for larger nonresidential and multifamily projects are in the city parking chapter and in the transportation control measures (example: § 6-11-38 on transit/vanpool and parking reductions). See the Parking page link and § 6-11-38 for reductions/requirements.

(If you are preparing permits that interact with the California Building Standards, review the California Building Standards Code separately; building code matters are outside this zoning page.) California Building Standards Code

Practical guidance and interpretation notes

If a parcel is split by a district boundary the rules of each district apply to the portion lying in that district. Confirm boundary lines with the official map; where boundaries follow streets the centerline is commonly used. (§ 6-1-11(B))
Where a specific plan (DTSP) applies, its allowed uses and standards control development in that area; if the DTSP is silent the general title supplies the rules at the Planning Director’s discretion. (§ 6-3-1(B))
Oil, gas or hydrocarbon proposals may be subject to extra review and development conditions (PE / DI chapters and § 6-10-5). Expect special sign, landscaping, and operational restrictions and an additional development review path.

Inline links you may need while applying: Taft Land Use, Taft Development Standards, Taft Parking, Taft Design Review, Taft Overlay Districts, Taft ADUs, Taft Nonconforming Uses.

Checklist (what an applicant must satisfy to match zoning)

Confirm the parcel’s zoning district on the City’s official zoning map (the map is part of the code per § 6-1-11(C)).
Verify the district’s allowable uses against the land-use table for that district (DTSP if in downtown). (§ 6-3-1(B); § 6-4-3)
Confirm density limit (e.g., RS 1 or 2.5 du/ac; R-1 7 du/ac; R-2 15 du/ac; R-3 29 du/ac) in § 6-4-2.
Obtain numeric dimensional standards (setbacks, height, lot coverage) from table 4.B or the applicable specific plan and confirm with Planning. (§ 6-4-3)
Confirm parking requirements and any transportation control measures (see § 6-11-38 and the Parking chapter).
Check whether overlays apply (H, PE, DI) and follow overlay-specific procedures (for example, airport height limits per § 6-3-3 and hydrocarbon standards per § 6-10-5).
If proposing residential density increases, review the city’s density-bonus / development-density rules and State Density Bonus Law references in the code. (See sections referencing density bonuses and § 6-11-8 reference.)

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Official zoning map boundary vs. parcel survey	Development rules apply to the portion of the parcel in each district; boundary uncertainty can change required setbacks/uses	Confirm the official zoning map and seek a boundary determination from Planning (§ 6-1-11(B,C)).
Missing numeric standards (table 4.B)	The ordinance references table 4.B for setbacks/coverage but the table was not in retrieved materials — you cannot calculate compliance without it	Request table 4.B from Planning or review the full Title VI code online (§ 6-4-3).
Overlays (H, PE, DI) that add restrictions	Overlays can change heights, uses, and require special findings (FAA rules, hydrocarbon mitigation)	Confirm if parcel is inside an overlay and apply overlay findings and §s (e.g., § 6-3-3, § 6-10-5).
Downtown Specific Plan controls	DTSP may supersede base district rules — assuming base rules could lead to incorrect permit submittal	Check DTSP Chapter 3 for land uses and DTSP standards or get Planning Director determination per § 6-3-1(B).
Oil/gas operations and special review	PE/DI require special review and may impose conditions not typical of an I zone	Review § 6-10-5 development standards for drilling/hydrocarbon activity and petroleum overlay rules.
Parking for ADUs/Two-Unit splits	State-enabled two-unit/urban lot split rules in the code make specific parking exceptions (e.g., one space per new unit or certain exemptions) — improper assumptions about parking can delay approvals	Follow the city’s Two‑Unit/Urban Lot Split provisions and Parking chapter; see parking rules and two-unit parking exceptions in the local code.

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

The numeric values in table 4.B (setbacks, lot coverage, height limits, minimum lot area by district) were not included in the retrieved files. The code points to table 4.B for residential development standards but the table contents were missing. (§ 6-4-3)
The official zoning map (graphic and parcel-level district assignments) was not included; the ordinance references an official map maintained by the Planning Department but the map file was not present. (§ 6-1-11(C))
Detailed per-district use tables (complete P/C listings for GC, MU, I, A, NR) were only partially present in fragments; the complete use matrix was not available in the retrieved materials. Verify permitted vs. conditional uses with the full land-use tables in Title VI.

Plain-English Summary

Taft’s zoning code organizes the city into named districts (for example RS, R-1, R-2, R-3, MU, GC, I, CF) plus overlays (for example H airport overlay, PE petroleum overlay) that change or add requirements. Residential districts list maximum densities (for example R-1 = 7 du/acre, R-2 = 15 du/ac, R-3 = 29 du/ac), but numeric setbacks, lot coverage and heights are in tables (table 4.B) that you must pull from the Planning Department; check the official zoning map to see which district applies to a parcel. (§ 6-1-11; § 6-4-2; § 6-4-3)

Source References

Taft Municipal Code — Title VI, Planning and Zoning, including § 6-1-1 through § 6-1-13 (purpose, authority, districts).
Taft Municipal Code — § 6-1-11: Zone Districts (lists the base and special districts and describes zoning map)
Taft Municipal Code — § 6-4-2: Residential development zone districts (RS, R-1, R-2, R-3 densities and purposes)
Taft Municipal Code — § 6-4-3: Use regulations (refers to table 4.B for development standards)
Taft Municipal Code — § 6-3-1: Downtown Taft Specific Plan (DTSP) (specific plan rules for downtown)
Taft Municipal Code — § 6-3-2: Community Facilities (CF) (purpose and development standards)
Taft Municipal Code — § 6-3-3: Airport Approach Height (H) overlay (FAA height rules and relation to base district)
Taft Municipal Code — Petroleum/drilling overlay and development rules, including references to § 6-10-5 (development standards for drilling/hydrocarbon activities) and PE zone provisions.
Taft Municipal Code — § 6-11-38 Transportation Control Measures and parking-related standards referenced in the zoning title.

Sources

Retrieved passages

Taft Zoning Code (chapter further) High relevance
Taft Zoning Code (chapter 15) High relevance
Taft Zoning Code (title are) Medium relevance
Taft Zoning Code (section 6-2-16) Medium relevance
Taft Zoning Code (TITLE VI) Medium relevance
Taft Zoning Code (section 4) Medium relevance
Taft Zoning Code (chapter 14) Medium relevance
Taft Zoning Code (section 65580) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official Taft code library

Frequently asked questions

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

R-1 is for detached single-family homes and their accessory uses; accessory dwelling units are permitted under the ADU provisions. The district has a maximum density of 7 dwelling units per acre; numeric setbacks and lot coverage are established in table 4.B (refer to § 6-4-2(B) and § 6-4-3). Verify the parcel’s district and numeric standards with the official zoning map and Planning Department.

What are Taft’s residential density limits (R-1, R-2, R-3, RS)?

The code lists explicit maxima: RS = 1 du/acre (or up to 2.5 du/ac for small-lot option); R-1 = 7 du/acre; R-2 = 15 du/net acre; R-3 = 29 du/net acre. See § 6-4-2 for each district’s purpose and maximum allowable density.

Where is the official zoning map and how do I know my parcel’s district?

The official zoning maps are maintained by the Planning Department and are declared part of the Title VI ordinance (the map is “part of this title”). Confirm district boundaries and any overlay coverage with the Planning Department; the relevant code statement is § 6-1-11(C).

Do overlays (airport, petroleum) change what I can build?

Yes. Overlays such as the H airport approach overlay and PE petroleum overlay modify or supplement base-zone rules: H requires compliance with FAA FAR Part 77 for height and can require findings; PE and drilling districts impose special review and operations standards (see § 6-3-3 and the PE/DI provisions and § 6-10-5). Verify whether a parcel lies in an overlay before design.

Does the Downtown Taft Specific Plan (DTSP) override base zoning?

Where the DTSP applies it sets its own land uses and design standards and is applied as the controlling specific plan zone; if DTSP is silent on an issue the general zoning title applies at the Planning Director’s discretion (see § 6-3-1(B)).

How many parking spaces will my multifamily project need in Taft?

General parking ratios are in the Parking chapter and the zoning code includes transportation control measures (for example § 6-11-38) that allow for parking reductions in certain circumstances; special parking rules also exist for state-enabled two-unit/urban lot split projects (see the Two‑Unit and Urban Lot Split provisions). Always check the Parking chapter and project-specific sections.

Are petroleum / oil operations allowed anywhere industrial zoning exists?

Petroleum-related activity is regulated by the PE overlay and drilling island (DI) district and is subject to special review and development standards (see PE provisions and § 6-10-5 for drilling/hydrocarbon development standards). Do not assume general industrial zoning automatically allows operations without overlay and special-review compliance.

Do I need design review to build in Taft?

Design review requirements are set out in the zoning title and in the Downtown Specific Plan when applicable; check the Design Review rules and the specific district’s development review chapter. For downtown projects the DTSP and its design criteria apply. (§ 6-3-1(B))

Where are the numeric setbacks and height limits listed?

Numeric setbacks, lot coverage, and height limits are referenced to table 4.B and to district-specific tables in Title VI (for residential districts see § 6-4-3). The numeric table itself was not included in the retrieved materials; request table 4.B from Planning.

Can I get more density through the city’s density bonus rules?

Yes — the code references State Density Bonus Law and contains local procedures for density bonuses and incentives (see the code references to density bonuses and the city’s “development density; density bonuses” provisions such as § 6-11-8 and related application procedures). Verify specific eligibility and required findings with Planning.

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