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Tehama County — Development Standards

Development Standards under the Tehama County local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

Overview

This page distills the dimensional “development standards” in Title 17 (Zoning) of the Tehama County Code as they apply in unincorporated areas. It focuses on setbacks, height, lot coverage, minimum lot sizes, and related rules that shape buildings and site layout. For context on how these fit into the broader framework, see the county’s zoning overview, the base zoning districts, and land use pages.

In most residential districts, the minimum front setback is the greater of 50 ft from the roadway centerline or 20 ft from the property line; side and rear setbacks then layer on by district. See R-1 for the archetype in unincorporated areas (§ 17.16.040 ).

Countywide rules that affect all districts

  • Yards and encroachments. A primary structure may not occupy required yards; limited projections like stairs or landings can encroach up to defined limits, and fence heights are capped in front yards in R districts (§ 17.08.030 ).
  • Height exceptions. Certain architectural or utility appurtenances may exceed the district height limit by up to 25 ft; communications facilities have separate rules in Chapter 17.71 (§ 17.08.040; § 17.71.090 ).
  • Density bonus context. “Development standard” explicitly includes height, setbacks, floor area ratio (FAR), open space, and parking; state density bonus concessions can modify these in qualifying housing projects (§ 17.80, definition of “development standard” and related procedures ).
  • Solar energy systems. Must meet the underlying zone’s height and setback standards (§ 17.84.040–.060 ).
  • Overlays and special processes. Overlay districts can add constraints; see overlay districts. Some projects may also trigger design review or specific “development design standards” references (e.g., M-1 cites § 17.08.090) (§ 17.34.020(D) via cross-reference in § 17.34.020/-.040 ).

Quick matrix of core dimensional standards (selected districts)

District Min Lot Area Setbacks (front/side/rear) Max Height Lot Coverage Key Note Code Reference
R-E 10,500 sf 50' CL or 20' PL / 6' / 20' 2.5 stories, 35' 40% Estate residential § 17.14.050–.070
R-1 5,000 sf 50' CL or 20' PL / sides = 20% lot width (≥6'; +3' per story above first); street side 10' / 20' 2.5 stories, 35' 40% One-family § 17.16.040–.060
R-2 6,000 sf 50' CL or 20' PL / sides as in R-1 / 20' 2.5 stories, 35' 45% (main bldg) Two-family § 17.18.050–.070
R-3 6,000 sf; 1,500 sf/unit (multi); 2,000 sf/unit (group) 50' CL or 20' PL / sides as in R-1 / 20' 2.5 stories, 35' 50% See R-3 building spacing rules § 17.20.050–.080
R-4 6,000 sf 50' CL or 20' PL / sides as in R-1 / 20' 6 stories or 65' + 1:2 height plane from yard lines 60% Multi-family, higher intensity § 17.22.050–.080
C-1 None 50' CL or 20' PL / none / 15' 2 stories, 35' None Neighborhood commercial § 17.24.040–.060
C-2 None 50' CL or 20' PL / none / 15' if accessible 6 stories, 65' None Community/general commercial § 17.26.040–.060
M-1 None 20' PL / none / none (bldg/fire codes may add) 65' None Light industrial § 17.34.040–.070
M-2 None 50' CL or 20' PL / none / none Same as C-2 (65') None General industrial § 17.36.040–.070
AG-1 160 acres 50' CL or 20' PL / 10' sides (6' if parcel ≤10 ac) / 20' 2.5 stories, 35' (silos 60'; wind 80') — Large-lot ag § 17.10.040–.060
AG-2 20 acres (40 acres if under Williamson Act) Same as AG-1 Same as AG-1 — Valley ag; WA alters min § 17.11.040–.060, .080
AG-3 5 acres Same as AG-1; barns/stables/chicken houses special yards Same as AG-1 — “El Camino” ag; special ag building spacing § 17.12.040–.070; .050 (special yards)
AG-4 40 acres Same as AG-1 Same as AG-1 — Rangeland/large ag § 17.13.040–.060
G‑R As R‑1 unless conditioned Yards/lots/height at least R‑1; may be set by use permit As conditioned — General recreation § 17.32.040–.060
PD As conditioned Yards/lots/height per use permit As conditioned As conditioned Planned development; custom standards § 17.38.040–.060

Notes:

  • “CL” = roadway centerline. “PL” = property line.
  • R‑3 spacing between buildings adds minimums (e.g., 12 ft between main buildings; other rules for group dwellings) (§ 17.20.070 ).
  • Industrial districts also require off‑street loading areas (§ 17.34.080; § 17.36.080 ).
  • For parking ratios and layout, see cross‑references to countywide standards and the parking page (e.g., C‑1, C‑2 direct to § 17.08.080/-.090; R districts include minimum on‑lot spaces) (§ 17.24.070; § 17.26.070; § 17.16.070; § 17.18.080; § 17.22.090 ).

District-by-district details (unincorporated areas)

R‑E (Residential Estate)

  • Purpose and context: Implements the suburban residential designation; larger lots (§ 17.14.010 ). Typically at the fringe of communities; verify parcel zoning on the map.
  • Typical permitted uses: One-family dwellings and related accessory uses (§ 17.14.020 ).
  • Key standards: Front 50' CL or 20' PL; side 6'; rear 20'; min lot 10,500 sf; height 2.5 stories/35'; max coverage 40% (§ 17.14.050–.070 ).

R‑1 (One-Family Residence)

  • Purpose and context: For single-family neighborhoods; consistent with urban or certain rural small/large lot designations (§ 17.16.010 ).
  • Typical permitted uses: One-family dwellings; small-scale farming; limited hens/rabbits (§ 17.16.020 ).
  • Key standards: Front 50' CL or 20' PL; sides together = 20% lot width (≥6'), +3' per side yard for each story above the first; street-side 10'; rear 20'. Min lot 5,000 sf; height 2.5 stories/35'; 40% coverage (§ 17.16.040–.060 ).

R‑2 (Two-Family Residence)

  • Purpose and context: Near urban centers where utilities support duplex density (§ 17.18.010 ).
  • Uses: R‑1 uses plus two-family dwellings (§ 17.18.020 ).
  • Standards: Front 50' CL or 20' PL; side yard formula as R‑1; rear 20'. Min lot 6,000 sf; height 2.5 stories/35'; 45% main building coverage (§ 17.18.050–.070 ).

R‑3 (Neighborhood Apartment)

  • Purpose and context: Garden-type, low-density apartments (§ 17.20.010 ).
  • Uses: Multiple-family dwellings, apartments; boardinghouses; civic uses (§ 17.20.020 ).
  • Standards: Front 50' CL or 20' PL; side yard formula as R‑1; rear 20'. Min lot 6,000 sf; 1,500 sf per multi-family unit; 2,000 sf per group-dwelling unit; height 2.5 stories/35'; 50% coverage; defined spacing between buildings (§ 17.20.050–.080; .070 ).

R‑4 (Multiple-Family Residence)

  • Purpose and context: Higher-density multi‑family.
  • Uses: Multi‑family; limited offices and civic uses listed in chapter (§ 17.22.020–.030 ).
  • Standards: Front 50' CL or 20' PL; side yard formula as R‑1; rear 20'. Height up to 6 stories or 65', but all buildings must fit under a 1:2 height plane measured from minimum yard lines starting 25' above average grade; 60% coverage (§ 17.22.050–.080 ).

C‑1 (Neighborhood Commercial)

  • Purpose and context: Daily-needs retail for communities (§ 17.24.010 ).
  • Standards: No min lot size; front 50' CL or 20' PL; sides none; rear 15'; height 2 stories/35'; no lot coverage limit (§ 17.24.040–.060 ).

C‑2 (Community/General Commercial)

  • Purpose and context: Full-range retail and services (§ 17.26.010–.020 ).
  • Standards: No min lot size; front 50' CL or 20' PL; sides none; rear 15' where accessible; height 6 stories/65'; no lot coverage limit (§ 17.26.040–.060 ).

M‑1 (Light Industrial)

  • Purpose and context: Clean, indoor industrial and business park uses (§ 17.34.010 ).
  • Standards: Front 20' PL; sides none; rear none (building/fire codes may require more); height 65'; no lot area/coverage limit; loading areas required (§ 17.34.040–.080 ).

M‑2 (General Industrial)

  • Purpose and context: Heavy industrial; includes mills, batching plants, yards (with screening), etc. (§ 17.36.020(C) ).
  • Standards: Front 50' CL or 20' PL; sides none; rear none; height same as C‑2 (65'); no lot area/coverage limit; loading areas required (§ 17.36.040–.080 ).

AG‑1 (Agricultural)

  • Context: Large-lot agricultural lands; minimum 160 acres. Setbacks: front 50' CL or 20' PL; sides 10' (6' on nonconforming parcels ≤10 ac); rear 20'. Height 2.5 stories/35' with taller allowances for silos and non‑commercial wind generators (§ 17.10.040–.060 ).

AG‑2 (Agricultural/Valley)

  • Context: Valley-floor agriculture (purpose states “Valley Floor”); minimum 20 acres, but 40 acres if under Williamson Act contract (§ 17.11.010; § 17.11.050; § 17.11.080 ). Setbacks and height as AG‑1 (§ 17.11.040–.060 ).

AG‑3 (Agricultural/El Camino)

  • Context: Agricultural areas designated AG‑3; minimum 5 acres. Setbacks as AG‑1 plus special ag‑building yards (e.g., barns/stables ≥50' from front building line; ≥10' side; ≥40' from an existing dwelling on adjacent parcel). Height as AG‑1 (§ 17.12.040–.070; .050 ).

AG‑4 (Agricultural—40 acre)

  • Context: Larger agricultural holdings; minimum 40 acres. Setbacks and height as AG‑1 (§ 17.13.040–.060 ).

G‑R (General Recreation)

  • Context: Recreation areas and related uses; base standards defer to R‑1 minimums unless a use permit sets different (stricter) conditions (§ 17.32.040–.060 ).

PD (Planned Development)

  • Context: Large planned communities/developments; standards are custom-set in the PD use permit (yards, lot size, height/coverage) with flexibility to vary the chapter to achieve better site design (§ 17.38.040–.080 ).

Practical pointers

  • The “50 ft from centerline or 20 ft from property line, whichever is greater” front setback appears repeatedly in residential, commercial, and industrial districts—always confirm which measurement is deeper on a given roadway (§ 17.16.040; § 17.24.040; § 17.26.040; § 17.36.040 ).
  • Multi-story homes in R districts need extra side-yard width: add 3 ft to each required side yard for each story above the first (§ 17.16.040; § 17.20.050; § 17.22.050 ).
  • Many commercial/industrial districts have “no lot coverage” limits; residential districts set explicit maximums (e.g., R‑1 40%, R‑2 45%, R‑3 50%, R‑4 60%) (§ 17.16.060; § 17.18.070; § 17.20.080; § 17.22.080 ).
  • If your site is legally nonconforming, setback adjustments may be possible; see nonconforming uses and consult Planning (§ 17.08.030(B) ).
  • Relief from strict standards is by variances and exceptions. Some projects may require design review. Signs are regulated separately; see signage.

Checklist

  • Confirm your parcel’s base district on the zoning map and that it is in unincorporated Tehama County.
  • Identify core dimensional standards: front/side/rear setbacks, height, lot coverage, and minimum lot size for your district (see matrix above).
  • Check countywide yard/height exceptions and encroachments (§ 17.08.030–.040 ).
  • Verify any district‑specific spacing rules (e.g., R‑3 building-to-building distances) (§ 17.20.070 ).
  • Confirm parking requirements and loading areas where applicable (§ 17.24.070; § 17.26.070; § 17.34.080; § 17.36.080 ).
  • Check overlays or special districts that can add requirements, and whether design review applies.
  • For AG‑2 parcels under Williamson Act, confirm 40‑acre minimums (§ 17.11.080 ).
  • If seeking concessions (e.g., for affordable housing), explore density bonus options that can modify “development standards” (§ 17.80, definitions and procedures ).
  • If a standard cannot be met, discuss a variance with Planning.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Front setback measured from centerline vs. property line The deeper of the two controls; could change site plan Obtain surveyed right‑of‑way/centerline and confirm the “greater of” rule for your frontage (§ 17.16.040; § 17.24.040; § 17.26.040; § 17.36.040 )
Corner lots in R districts Street‑side yard minimums apply Apply 10 ft street‑side and the side‑yard formula; add 3 ft per story above the first (§ 17.16.040 )
R‑3/R‑4 spacing rules Multi‑building sites may need wider courts/corridors Use § 17.20.070 for R‑3; R‑4 adopts R‑3 spacing (§ 17.20.070; § 17.22.070 )
Industrial rear/side yards “none” vs fire code Site planning, walls, and egress may still constrain Coordinate with Fire/Building early; zoning allows “none” but other codes can add separations (§ 17.34.040; § 17.36.040 )
AG‑zone side yards on small nonconforming parcels Side yard can drop from 10' to 6' Verify parcel size and status; apply the ≤10 ac exception correctly (§ 17.10.040; § 17.11.040; § 17.12.040; § 17.13.040 )
R‑4 height plane Bulk control can reduce feasible height near setbacks Apply the 1:2 plane from yard lines starting 25' above average grade (§ 17.22.080(A) )
FAR standards Applicants sometimes expect an FAR number FAR not found in base district standards; see density bonus definition for term usage (§ 17.80, definition ). Not found in retrieved materials for base zones.
Airport/other overlays May impose height or use constraints beyond base zone Check overlay districts. AV district standards not found in retrieved materials. Verify with the jurisdiction.

Plain-English Summary

In unincorporated Tehama County, your zone determines how far your building must sit from the road and property lines, how tall it can be, and how much of the lot you can cover. Most neighborhoods use the “greater of 50 ft from the road centerline or 20 ft from the property line” front yard, with higher-density and commercial districts allowing taller buildings and fewer side/rear yards. Agricultural zones have large minimum parcel sizes and some special rules for barns and silos. If an overlay applies or your project seeks housing incentives, these baseline standards can change—so confirm details with the County.

Source References

  • § 17.08.030 Yards; § 17.08.040 Height exceptions
  • § 17.10.040–.060 (AG‑1 yards, lots, height)
  • § 17.11.040–.060; § 17.11.080 (AG‑2 standards; Williamson Act)
  • § 17.12.040–.070; § 17.12.050 (AG‑3 standards; special yards)
  • § 17.13.040–.060 (AG‑4 standards)
  • § 17.14.010; § 17.14.050–.070 (R‑E)
  • § 17.16.010; § 17.16.040–.060 (R‑1)
  • § 17.18.010; § 17.18.050–.070 (R‑2)
  • § 17.20.010–.080 (R‑3)
  • § 17.22.020–.090 (R‑4)
  • § 17.24.010; § 17.24.040–.070 (C‑1)
  • § 17.26.010–.070 (C‑2)
  • § 17.34.010; § 17.34.040–.080 (M‑1)
  • § 17.36.020; § 17.36.040–.080 (M‑2)
  • § 17.32.040–.060 (G‑R)
  • § 17.38.040–.080 (PD)
  • § 17.80 (Density bonus definitions/procedures)
  • § 17.84.040–.060 (Solar height and setbacks)

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • CBC § 2 (§2) High relevance
  • CBC § 2 (chapter and) High relevance
  • CBC § 7 (§ 7) High relevance
  • Tehama County Zoning Code (§2) High relevance
  • Tehama County Zoning Code (§ 6) High relevance
  • Tehama County Zoning Code (chapter and) High relevance
  • Tehama County Zoning Code (§1) High relevance
  • Tehama County Zoning Code (Chapter 17.70.) High relevance
  • Tehama County Zoning Code (§ 30) High relevance
  • Tehama County Zoning Code (§ 17) High relevance
  • CBC § 2 (§2) High relevance
  • Tehama County Zoning Code (§1) High relevance
  • Tehama County Zoning Code (Chapter 17.20) High relevance
  • Tehama County Zoning Code (§2) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

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

One-family homes with typical residential accessories are allowed in unincorporated areas. Minimum lot size is 5,000 sf, front setback is the greater of 50 ft from the roadway centerline or 20 ft from the property line, side yards together must equal 20% of lot width (no side less than 6 ft) with +3 ft per story above the first, and the rear yard is 20 ft; max height is 2.5 stories/35 ft and max lot coverage is 40% (§ 17.16.020; § 17.16.040–.060 ).

What are the R-2, R-3, and R-4 residential setbacks and heights?

All three use the same front yard pattern (50' centerline or 20' property line), the R‑1 side‑yard formula, and a 20' rear yard. Max height is 35' (R‑2, R‑3) and 65' (R‑4, with a 1:2 height plane from the yard lines). Lot coverage rises with intensity: 45% (R‑2), 50% (R‑3), 60% (R‑4) (§ 17.18.050–.070; § 17.20.050–.080; § 17.22.050–.080 ).

How is the front setback measured in most zones?

Use whichever is greater: 50 ft from the roadway centerline or 20 ft from the front property line. This rule shows up repeatedly in residential, commercial, and M‑2 industrial standards (§ 17.16.040; § 17.24.040; § 17.26.040; § 17.36.040 ).

What are typical commercial and industrial height and yard limits?

C‑1 caps height at 2 stories/35' with a 15' rear yard; C‑2 allows up to 6 stories/65' with a 15' rear yard where accessible. M‑1 caps at 65' with no side/rear yards (front 20' from property line), and M‑2 follows the 65' commercial height with front 50'/20' and no side/rear yards (§ 17.24.040–.060; § 17.26.040–.060; § 17.34.040–.070; § 17.36.040–.070 ).

Do agricultural zones have special rules for barns or silos?

Yes. AG‑3 adds special setbacks for barns/stables/chicken houses (e.g., ≥50' from the front building line, ≥10' side, and ≥40' from an existing dwelling on an adjacent parcel). Across ag zones, silos can go to 60', and non‑commercial wind generators to 80' (§ 17.12.050; plus height allowances in § 17.10.060; § 17.11.060; § 17.12.070; § 17.13.060 ).

Does Tehama County use floor area ratio (FAR) limits?

FAR is not used as a base control in the retrieved district standards. The term appears in the density bonus chapter’s definition of “development standard,” which can be modified for qualifying housing (§ 17.80, definition of development standard ). Not found in retrieved materials for base zones.

I’m planning a multi‑building apartment site. Are there spacing rules between buildings?

Yes. R‑3 requires minimum separations (e.g., 12' between main buildings; specific standards for group dwellings and courts). R‑4 adopts R‑3 spacing (§ 17.20.070; § 17.22.070 ).

Could an overlay change my height or setback?

Yes. Overlays can add limits (e.g., near airports or scenic corridors) beyond base zoning. Base rules are summarized here, but always confirm overlays and any use‑permit conditions on your parcel; AV district standards were not found in retrieved materials. Verify with the jurisdiction.

Where do I find the parking ratios?

District chapters often cross‑reference countywide parking and loading standards; start with § 17.08.080/-.090 and the parking page (e.g., C‑1 § 17.24.070; C‑2 § 17.26.070) (§ 17.24.070; § 17.26.070 ).

Can I get relief if my lot can’t meet a setback?

Potentially. If you’re legally nonconforming, staff may adjust within narrow bounds; otherwise, you can apply for a variance. See § 17.08.030(B) and the variances and exceptions page (§ 17.08.030(B) ).

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