Local zoning · Tehama County
Tehama County — Zoning
Zoning under the Tehama County local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
Overview
Tehama County’s zoning code governs only the unincorporated areas. Zoning districts, their purposes, permitted uses, and dimensional standards are set out in Title 17 of the County Code, with the official zoning map maintained by the Planning Director’s office, and any change reflected there after Board adoption per § 17.06.020 . The code is “permissive,” meaning a use is allowed only if it’s expressly listed for the district; anything not listed is prohibited under § 17.02.070 and applies throughout the unincorporated area (§ 17.02.060) .
Bottom line: In unincorporated Tehama County you can only do what your zoning district and any applicable combining/overlay districts expressly allow; confirm your parcel’s designation on the official zoning map (§ 17.06.020) and read the district’s permitted uses and standards (§ 17.02.070) before drawing plans.
For background on how zoning implements the General Plan’s land-use categories, see § 17.02.050 and our Tehama County Land Use guide . Parcel development also must meet countywide Development Standards (setbacks, yards, etc., see § 17.08.030) and any applicable Parking design standards (§ 17.08.080) .
Districts at a glance (general and combining)
Tehama County recognizes the following general districts (map symbols): AG-1, AG-2, AG-3, AG-4, TPZ, RE, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, C-1, C-2, C-3 (repealed), C-4 (repealed), G-R, M-1, M-2, PD, AV, PF, NR, PA; plus combining districts -A, -B, -S (repealed), -H, -P, -MH (§ 17.06.010) .
Below is a district-by-district synthesis focused on purpose, what’s typically allowed, key dimensional rules, and where they tend to apply within unincorporated areas.
AG-1 — Agricultural/Upland
- Purpose: Upland agriculture and grazing; supports open space, habitat management, and compatible non-ag uses (§ 17.10.010) .
- Typical permitted uses: Grazing; crops; nurseries; accessory residential limited to owner/operator; certain agritourism; home occupations (§ 17.10.020) .
- Key standards: Min lot area 160 acres; setbacks 50 ft from road centerline or 20 ft property line front, 10 ft sides (6 ft for small nonconforming), 20 ft rear; height 2.5 stories/35 ft (silos 60 ft) (§§ 17.10.040–.060) .
- Notes: Williamson Act consistency required (§ 17.10.080) .
AG-2 — Agricultural/Valley
- Purpose: Valley-floor agriculture for orchard/field crops; minimize non-ag encroachments (§ 17.11.010) .
- Typical permitted uses: Crop production, livestock grazing, semi-heavy ag if not requiring CUP (§ 17.11.020) .
- Key standards: Min lot 20 acres (40 if under Williamson Act); front 50 ft CL/20 ft PL, sides 10 ft (6 ft small nonconforming), rear 20 ft; height 35 ft (silos 60 ft) (§§ 17.11.040–.080) .
- Notes: CUP list includes dairies, feedlots, certain industrial ag services (§ 17.11.030) .
AG-3 — Agricultural/El Camino
- Purpose: Within El Camino Irrigation District; rural living/small farms and limited animal keeping (§ 17.12.010) .
- Typical permitted uses: Crops, grazing, one rural single-family dwelling per legal parcel, home occupations, agritourism per standards (§ 17.12.020) .
- Key standards: Min lot 5 acres; front 50 ft CL/20 ft PL, sides 10 ft (6 ft small nonconforming), rear 20 ft; height 35 ft (silos 60 ft) (§§ 17.12.040–.070) .
- Notes: CUP for heavy ag, sub-20 ac semi-heavy ag, dairies, and expanded agritourism (§ 17.12.030) .
AG-4 — Agricultural/Capay
- Purpose: Larger-parcel agriculture (§ 17.13, purpose not shown in retrieved text; verify with the jurisdiction).
- Typical permitted uses: Not fully detailed in retrieved text; broadly similar to other AG districts (Not found in retrieved materials).
- Key standards: Min lot 40 acres; front 50 ft CL/20 ft PL, sides 10 ft (6 ft small nonconforming), rear 20 ft; height 35 ft (silos 60 ft) (§§ 17.13.040–.060) .
- Notes: Williamson Act consistency provisions apply (§ 17.13.080) .
TPZ — Timber Production
- Purpose: Timberland and related resource management (§§ 17.66.010–.020) .
- Typical permitted uses: Logging roads/landings, watershed/fire/erosion control, habitat management, grazing; existing dwellings; accessory nonresidential structures (§ 17.66.020) .
- Key standards: Complex minimum lot size/eligibility; generally 160-acre minimum for splits (with forester plan option for smaller under joint management); required yards: front 100 ft, sides 50 ft, rear 100 ft (§§ 17.66.040–.050) .
RE — Residential Estate
- Purpose: Suburban residential; larger lots than R-1 (§ 17.14.010) .
- Typical permitted uses: Single-family homes; small-scale crop/grazing; private stables with limits; public parks/schools consistent with plan (§ 17.14.020) .
- Key standards: Min lot 10,500 sq ft; front 50 ft CL/20 ft PL; sides 6 ft; rear 20 ft; height 35 ft; 40% coverage (§§ 17.14.050–.070) .
R-1 — One-family Residential
- Purpose: Single-family areas consistent with Urban Residential; can be paired with -B combining to manage density (§ 17.16.010) .
- Typical permitted uses: One-family dwellings; accessory buildings; home occupations; limited crop/tree farming; public parks/schools in plan conformance (§ 17.16.020) .
- Key standards: Min lot 5,000 sq ft and 60 ft width; front 50 ft CL/20 ft PL; sides sum to 20% lot width (min 6 ft; +3 ft per story); rear 20 ft; height 35 ft; 40% coverage (§§ 17.16.040–.060) .
R-2 — Two-family Residential
- Purpose: Duplex areas near urban centers (§ 17.18.010) .
- Typical permitted uses: All R-1 uses; two-family dwellings (§ 17.18.020) .
- Key standards: Min lot 6,000 sq ft; 60 ft width; front 50 ft CL/20 ft PL; sides as R-1; rear 20 ft; height 35 ft; 45% coverage (§§ 17.18.050–.070) .
R-3 — Neighborhood Apartment
- Purpose: Garden-type low-density apartments (§ 17.20.010) .
- Typical permitted uses: Multi-family/group dwellings; institutions like schools/churches; certain parking lots/garages (§ 17.20.020) .
- Key standards: Lot min 6,000 sq ft and 1,500 sq ft per unit (apts) or 2,000 sq ft per unit (group dwellings); front 50 ft CL/20 ft PL; sides as R-1; rear 20 ft; height 35 ft; 50% coverage; building spacing rules for group dwellings (§§ 17.20.050–.080) .
R-4 — General Apartment
- Purpose: Higher-density residential plus professional offices/institutional uses (§ 17.22.010) .
- Typical permitted uses: R-1/R-2/R-3 uses; hotels, hospitals, churches; professional offices/clinics (§ 17.22.020) .
- Key standards: Min lot 6,000 sq ft/60 ft width; front 50 ft CL/20 ft PL; sides as R-1; rear 20 ft; height up to 6 stories/65 ft within 2:1 height plane; 60% coverage (§§ 17.22.050–.080) .
C-1 — Neighborhood Commercial
- Purpose: Local-serving retail/services; mixed-use allowed (§ 17.24.010) .
- Typical permitted uses: General retail; small restaurants/bars; personal services; offices/clinics; accessory living quarters; mixed-use with one residential floor; on-premises wall signs with limits (§ 17.24.020) .
- Key standards: Front 50 ft CL/20 ft PL; side none (unless triggered by other regs); rear 15 ft; no lot size/width minimums; height 2 stories/35 ft (§§ 17.24.040–.060) .
C-2 — Community Commercial
- Purpose: Wide range of goods/services for communities (§ 17.26.010) .
- Typical permitted uses: C-1 uses; broader retail; offices; studios; others as listed (§ 17.26.020) .
- Key standards: Front 50 ft CL/20 ft PL; sides none; rear 15 ft (where accessible); height up to 6 stories/65 ft; no lot area/width minimums (§§ 17.26.040–.060) .
C-3 — General Commercial (repealed)
- The C-3 chapter was repealed; Chapter 17.28 is now reserved (Editor’s note) .
C-4 — Local Convenience Center (repealed)
- The C-4 chapter was repealed; Chapter 17.30 is now reserved (Editor’s note) .
G-R — General Recreation
- Purpose: Private lands for resource-based recreation (§ 17.32.010) .
- Typical permitted uses: Parks, crop/grazing, one-family dwellings; recreation facilities (§ 17.32.020) .
- Key standards: Yards/lots/height generally follow R-1 unless modified by use permit (§§ 17.32.040–.060) .
M-1 — Light Industrial
- Purpose: Clean/quiet, mostly indoor light industry, business parks (§ 17.34.010) .
- Typical permitted uses: Assembly; warehouses; data centers; minor manufacturing; R&D; some services; accessory living quarters; certain activities need a CUP (§§ 17.34.020–.030) .
- Key standards: Front 20 ft; side/rear none (subject to building/fire codes); height up to 65 ft; no lot min (§§ 17.34.040–.070) .
M-2 — General Industrial
- Purpose: Heavy industry (§ 17.36.010) .
- Typical permitted uses: All M-1 uses plus mills, concrete batching, foundries, fuel yards; some yards/junkyards if fenced; other heavy uses via CUP (§§ 17.36.020–.030) .
- Key standards: Front 50 ft CL/20 ft PL; side/rear none; height as C-2 (≤65 ft) (§§ 17.36.040, .070) .
PD — Planned Development
- Purpose: Flexible planned communities/developments via use permit; PD sets custom yards, lots, and heights; broad use palette subject to use permit conditions (§§ 17.38.010–.070) .
AV — Airport
- Purpose: Airports and 55 CNEL contours at Red Bluff and Corning; protect life/property (§ 17.40.010) .
- Typical permitted uses: Runways/hangars/fuel/terminals/aviation accessory uses; other uses on non-airport lands via CUP with noise mitigation (§§ 17.40.020–.030) .
- Key standards: Max height 35 ft (§ 17.40.040) .
PF — Primary Floodplain
- Purpose: Channels and floodways needing special regulation (§ 17.42.010) .
- Typical permitted uses: Agriculture; utilities; CUP for parks, RV parks, levees/dikes/fill, flood-compatible structures with proofing (§§ 17.42.020–.030) .
- Key standards: Performance-based; see CUP findings focused on flood conveyance and protection (§ 17.42.030) .
NR — Natural Resource Lands and Recreation
- Purpose: Preserve natural areas/open space; light ag and recreation (§ 17.44.010) .
- Typical permitted uses: Conservation measures; trails; stables/parks; crop/grazing (§ 17.44.020) .
- Key standards: Min parcel 160 acres; CUP needed for dwellings and caretaker units; Williamson Act consistency if applicable (§§ 17.44.030–.050) .
PA — Public Agency
- Purpose: Public facilities/utilities consistent with General Plan (§ 17.46.010) .
- Typical permitted uses: Schools, parks, fairgrounds, civic centers, local utility facilities; CUP for cemeteries, refuse areas, corporation yards, treatment plants; “PA-U” variant permits substations, generating plants, etc. (§§ 17.46.020–.040) .
Combining (Overlay) Districts you may see on the map
- -A Animal Raising: Adds limited livestock/poultry allowances in R districts and sets special yards (§§ 17.48.010–.040) . See also commercial poultry standards in Chapter 17.82 (admin permits) for AG/-A areas.
- -B Special Building Site: Replaces base district lot area/setback numbers with those shown by the “B” suffix, often to cap density (§ 17.50.010–.020) .
- -H Special Height: Sets a specific maximum height in feet, including airport-related height protection where “AV” is appended (§ 17.54.010–.020) .
- -P Special Parking: Not found in retrieved materials (see our Tehama County Parking page).
- -MH Special Mobile Home: Not found in retrieved materials (verify with the jurisdiction).
- Other overlays include the Military Operation Area Overlay for mission-compatibility (§ 17.69.010) — see Tehama County Overlay Districts .
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
ADUs are permitted in multiple districts — R-1, RE, AG-1, AG-2, AG-3, AG-4, NR — subject to § 17.08.050 (size, owner-occupancy, setbacks for conversions, utilities, etc.). County ADU rules must also align with state law; see our plain guide to California ADU law.
General countywide rules that affect every district
- Yards and encroachments: Countywide yard rules and limited encroachments (porches, etc.) apply; fences in R districts have height limits (§ 17.08.030) .
- Height exceptions: Certain architectural/utility features can exceed district height by 25 ft (subject to § 17.71 for communications); always check airport/overlay limits (§ 17.08.040) .
- Communications facilities: Allowed across districts with tiered permit thresholds and siting/height standards in Chapter 17.71; special conditions up to 199 ft height, with location limits near airports/scenic highways (§§ 17.71.040–.090) .
- Nonconforming uses: Expansion/rebuild limits, with specific rules if damage exceeds 50% of value (§§ 17.74.010, .040) — see Tehama County Nonconforming Uses .
- Marijuana dispensaries: Prohibited in all districts (§ 17.09.040) .
Quick standards table (selected districts)
| District | Typical Permitted Use Snapshot | Key Lot/Setback/Height | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AG-1 | Grazing; crops; accessory residence | Min lot 160 ac; front 50 ft CL/20 ft PL; sides 10 ft; rear 20 ft; height 35 ft (silos 60) | § 17.10.020, § 17.10.040–.060 |
| AG-2 | Orchards/field crops; grazing | Min lot 20 ac (40 ac if Williamson Act); same AG yard pattern; height 35 ft (silos 60) | § 17.11.020, § 17.11.040–.080 |
| AG-3 | Small farms; 1 SFD/parcel; agritourism | Min lot 5 ac; front 50 ft CL/20 ft PL; sides 10/6 ft; rear 20 ft; height 35 ft | § 17.12.020, § 17.12.040–.070 |
| RE | Estate SFD; limited ag/stable | Min lot 10,500 sf; front 50 ft CL/20 ft PL; sides 6 ft; rear 20 ft; height 35 ft | § 17.14.020, § 17.14.050–.070 |
| R-1 | Single-family dwelling | Min lot 5,000 sf/60 ft; front 50 ft CL/20 ft PL; sides total 20% width (min 6 ft); rear 20 ft; height 35 ft | § 17.16.020, § 17.16.040–.060 |
| C-1 | Neighborhood retail/services | Front 50 ft CL/20 ft PL; sides none; rear 15 ft; height 35 ft | § 17.24.020, § 17.24.040–.060 |
| C-2 | Community commercial | Front 50 ft CL/20 ft PL; sides none; rear 15 ft; height 65 ft | § 17.26.020, § 17.26.040–.060 |
| M-1 | Light industry, R&D, warehousing | Front 20 ft; sides/rear none; height 65 ft | § 17.34.020, § 17.34.040–.070 |
| M-2 | Heavy industry | Front 50 ft CL/20 ft PL; sides/rear none; height as C-2 (≤65 ft) | § 17.36.020, § 17.36.040, .070 |
Where “CL” = roadway centerline; “PL” = property line. Full setback rules, including encroachments, are in § 17.08.030 and district chapters .
How to use the zoning map
Districts are shown on the County’s official zoning map kept at Planning; all boundary interpretations follow § 17.06.030 rules, and variances (see Tehama County Variances and Exceptions) may adjust a boundary on a single lot (§ 17.06.030.C) . Always confirm your parcel’s base district and any combining/overlay symbol before applying standards (§ 17.06.020) .
Related processes and cross-cutting topics
- Some projects may require Design Review depending on location/scope.
- Sign controls apply to commercial districts; see Tehama County Signage.
- Landscaping/buffering may be required by district or use; see Landscaping and Screening.
- Construction must meet the California Building Standards Code, separate from zoning.
Checklist
- Confirm parcel in unincorporated Tehama County and identify base zoning and any combining/overlay symbols on the official map (§ 17.06.020).
- Verify the district’s purpose, permitted and conditional uses, and any special combining-district rules (§§ 17.06.010; 17.48 to 17.60).
- Check lot standards (minimum area/width), setbacks, height limits, and any yard exceptions (§§ district chapter; 17.08.030–.040).
- Determine if an ADU is planned and apply § 17.08.050 plus state California ADU law .
- Apply Parking and loading standards (e.g., § 17.08.080; and district references) .
- Screen for overlays like AV, PF, TPZ, NR, -A, Military, etc., and check any special standards (§§ 17.40; 17.42; 17.66; 17.44; 17.48; 17.69) .
- If signs or exterior changes are proposed, consult Signage and any Design Review triggers.
- For edge cases (nonconforming lots/structures/uses), confirm allowances under Nonconforming Uses (§§ 17.74.010–.050).
Risks & Ambiguities
| Issue | Why it matters | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Williamson Act/FS contracts in AG/NR | Changes minimum parcel sizes and allowable uses; Board approval may be needed for some permits | Contract status and § 17.11.080; § 17.13.080; Chapter 17.65 (FS) |
| Combining districts (-A, -B, -H, etc.) | They override base standards (lot size, height, animals) | Map symbol suffixes and § 17.48; § 17.50; § 17.54; content for -P and -MH Not found in retrieved materials |
| Floodplain (PF) or Airport (AV) | Adds hazards/noise constraints and height caps | § 17.42 and § 17.40; consult overlay maps and airport plans |
| TPZ eligibility and splits | Timberland criteria are specific; wrong split may be invalid | § 17.66.040–.050 and forester plan requirements |
| Yard exceptions and fences | Small projections allowed; R-district fence limits can affect designs | § 17.08.030; check district yards too |
| Communications facilities | Siting/height and stealthing conditions apply across districts | Chapter 17.71 tiers/height max 199 ft (§ 17.71.090) |
| Nonconforming status | Limits expansions/rebuilds; affects setbacks | § 17.74.010–.050; get Planning’s determination |
Plain-English Summary
For unincorporated Tehama County, your zoning district sets what you can build and where it fits on the lot. Find your district on the official map, then apply the district’s permitted uses and basic rules like minimum lot size, setbacks from the property line, and height limits. Special overlays like floodplain, airport zones, or timber production can layer on more rules. If it isn’t listed as allowed, assume it’s not — and ask Planning before you spend money on plans.
Source References
- Title 17 adoption, applicability, permissive code, and General Plan consistency: § 17.02.010–.080
- District list and zoning map, boundary rules: § 17.06.010–.030
- Yard rules and height exceptions (general): § 17.08.030–.040
- ADUs: § 17.08.050
- AG-1: § 17.10.010–.080
- AG-2: § 17.11.010–.080
- AG-3: § 17.12.010–.070
- AG-4: § 17.13.040–.080
- TPZ: § 17.66.020–.050
- RE: § 17.14.020–.070
- R-1: § 17.16.010–.070
- R-2: § 17.18.010–.080
- R-3: § 17.20.010–.090
- R-4: § 17.22.010–.100
- C-1: § 17.24.010–.070
- C-2: § 17.26.010–.070
- C-3 and C-4 repealed (Editor’s notes)
- G-R: § 17.32.010–.060
- M-1: § 17.34.010–.080
- M-2: § 17.36.010–.080
- PD: § 17.38.010–.080
- AV: § 17.40.010–.040
- PF: § 17.42.010–.030
- NR: § 17.44.010–.050
- PA: § 17.46.010–.040
- -A Animal Raising: § 17.48.010–.040
- -B, -H combining: § 17.50; § 17.54
- Communications facilities (cross-district): § 17.71.040–.090
- Nonconforming uses: § 17.74.010–.050
Information Gaps
- AG-4 district purpose statement and full permitted-use list: Not found in retrieved materials.
- Special Parking (-P) and Special Mobile Home (-MH) combining district standards: Not found in retrieved materials.
Sources
Retrieved passages
- Tehama County Zoning Code (chapter and) High relevance
- Tehama County Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
- Tehama County Zoning Code (Section 17.08.012.) High relevance
- CBC § 1 (Title 17) High relevance
- Tehama County Zoning Code (§ 6) High relevance
- Tehama County Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
- Tehama County Zoning Code (Section 17.04.280.) High relevance
- Tehama County Zoning Code (Section 17.10.030.) High relevance
- Tehama County Zoning Code (§ 6) Medium relevance
- Tehama County Zoning Code (chapter is) Medium relevance
- Tehama County Zoning Code (§ 17) Medium relevance
- CBC § 2 (§2) Medium relevance
- Tehama County Zoning Code (title shall) High relevance
- Tehama County Zoning Code (§1) High relevance
- Tehama County Zoning Code (§2) High relevance
- Tehama County Zoning Code (Chapter 17.82.) Medium relevance
- CBC § 7 (§ 7) High relevance
- Tehama County Zoning Code (§2) High relevance
- Tehama County Zoning Code (§ 6) Medium relevance
- Tehama County Zoning Code (§2) High relevance
- Tehama County Zoning Code (§2) High relevance
- Tehama County Zoning Code (§2) High relevance
- Tehama County Zoning Code (§2) High relevance
- Tehama County Zoning Code (chapter and) High relevance
- Tehama County Zoning Code (§2) High relevance
- Tehama County Zoning Code (§2) High relevance
- Tehama County Zoning Code (§2) Medium relevance
- Tehama County Zoning Code (§ 28) Medium relevance
- Tehama County Zoning Code (§2) Medium relevance
- CBC § 2 (§2) High relevance
- Tehama County Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
- Tehama County Zoning Code (§2) High relevance
- Tehama County Zoning Code (§2) High relevance
- CBC § 2 (§2) Medium relevance
- CBC § 2 (§2) Medium relevance
- CBC § 2 (chapter and) Medium relevance
Cited sections
- Title 17 adoption, applicability, permissive code, and General Plan consistency: § 17.02.010–.080 (Title 17)
- District list and zoning map, boundary rules: § 17.06.010–.030 (§ 17.06.010)
- Yard rules and height exceptions (general): § 17.08.030–.040 (§ 17.08.030)
- ADUs: § 17.08.050 (§ 17.08.050)
- AG-1: § 17.10.010–.080 (§ 17.10.010)
- AG-2: § 17.11.010–.080 (§ 17.11.010)
- AG-3: § 17.12.010–.070 (§ 17.12.010)
- AG-4: § 17.13.040–.080 (§ 17.13.040)
- TPZ: § 17.66.020–.050 (§ 17.66.020)
- RE: § 17.14.020–.070 (§ 17.14.020)
- R-1: § 17.16.010–.070 (§ 17.16.010)
- R-2: § 17.18.010–.080 (§ 17.18.010)
- R-3: § 17.20.010–.090 (§ 17.20.010)
- R-4: § 17.22.010–.100 (§ 17.22.010)
- C-1: § 17.24.010–.070 (§ 17.24.010)
- C-2: § 17.26.010–.070 (§ 17.26.010)
- C-3 and C-4 repealed (Editor’s notes)
- G-R: § 17.32.010–.060 (§ 17.32.010)
- M-1: § 17.34.010–.080 (§ 17.34.010)
- M-2: § 17.36.010–.080 (§ 17.36.010)
- PD: § 17.38.010–.080 (§ 17.38.010)
- AV: § 17.40.010–.040 (§ 17.40.010)
- PF: § 17.42.010–.030 (§ 17.42.010)
- NR: § 17.44.010–.050 (§ 17.44.010)
- PA: § 17.46.010–.040 (§ 17.46.010)
- -A Animal Raising: § 17.48.010–.040 (§ 17.48.010)
- -B, -H combining: § 17.50; § 17.54 (§ 17.50)
- Communications facilities (cross-district): § 17.71.040–.090 (§ 17.71.040)
- Nonconforming uses: § 17.74.010–.050 (§ 17.74.010)
- TehamaCounty_ZoningCode.md
Frequently asked questions
What can I build on an R-1 lot in Tehama County?
R-1 is for single-family homes. You can build one-family dwellings with accessory structures and home occupations; limited crop/tree farming is allowed. Apply the R-1 dimensional rules (min lot 5,000 sq ft/60 ft width; front 50 ft CL/20 ft PL; sides total 20% width, min 6 ft; rear 20 ft; 35 ft height) per § 17.16.020 and § 17.16.040–.060. For ADUs, see § 17.08.050.
What are the basic setback rules for homes in unincorporated areas?
Most R and AG districts use a “50 ft from roadway centerline or 20 ft from property line, whichever is greater” front yard, with side and rear yards set by the district. See § 17.08.030 for countywide yard rules and each district’s yard section (e.g., R-1 § 17.16.040; AG-2 § 17.11.040).
Are ADUs allowed in rural zones like AG-2 or NR?
Yes. ADUs are allowed in R-1, RE, AG-1, AG-2, AG-3, AG-4, and NR, subject to § 17.08.050 (size, setbacks for conversions, utilities). State rules also apply; see our California ADU law.
I’m in AG-3 near El Camino Irrigation District — what’s the intent?
AG-3 targets rural living and small-farm/hobby-farm operations with limited keeping of animals. One rural single-family dwelling per legal parcel is typical; minimum lot size is 5 acres, with standard ag-style setbacks and a 35 ft height limit (§§ 17.12.010–.070). Expanded agritourism or heavy ag may require a use permit (§ 17.12.030).
What does TPZ zoning allow and how big must my parcel be?
TPZ is for timber production and related resource uses (roads/landings, habitat management, grazing). Parcels are typically very large; splits under 160 acres require stringent conditions and a forester-prepared plan. Front/side/rear yards are 100/50/100 feet (§§ 17.66.020, .040–.050).
Do I need to worry about airport or floodplain overlays?
Yes. The Airport (AV) district caps heights and limits certain uses in and near airport noise zones; PF (Primary Floodplain) limits structures/fill and requires flood-safe siting via use permit. Check § 17.40 and § 17.42 and confirm overlays on the zoning map (§ 17.06.020).
Are marijuana dispensaries allowed anywhere in unincorporated Tehama County?
No. Dispensaries are prohibited in all zoning districts by § 17.09.040.
How are nonconforming buildings handled if damaged?
If a nonconforming building is destroyed beyond one-half of its value, it must comply with current zoning upon rebuild (with a one-year allowance for dwellings) under § 17.74.040. Maintenance/expansion limits also apply (§ 17.74.010). See Nonconforming Uses.
What parking rules apply to a new commercial building?
Follow the general Parking and loading design standards (§ 17.08.080); district chapters often cross-reference these (e.g., C-2 § 17.26.070; C-1 § 17.24.070).
Where do I confirm my parcel’s zoning?
The County’s official zoning map is the controlling source and is maintained by the Planning Director’s office (§ 17.06.020). Ask Planning for the latest map sheet for your area.
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