Local zoning · Tehama

Tehama — Development Standards

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

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes the development-standards rules in the City of Tehama zoning ordinance (Title 17). It covers the local zoning districts, the measurable controls you will use when planning a project (setbacks, height, lot coverage, unit counts, and special rules for ADUs, wind/solar, fences and manufactured homes), and practical guidance for applicants. Where the ordinance gives no explicit rule (for example FAR numbers), I note that the text is not found in the retrieved materials and recommend verification with the city. See the referenced code sections for authoritative text.

Note: the Tehama code is codified in Title 17 — Zoning; the ordinance establishes a small set of base districts (primarily Residential and Open‑Space) and a Business Overlay Zone (BOZ) that sits on top of the base zone designations. See the official Tehama Zoning page for the municipal context.

Key local rules (high level)

  • District map / area rule: all platted lots/blocks are designated Residential; all unplatted land is Open‑Space (§ 17.08.010) .
  • The ordinance’s measurable development standards for housing—front/side/rear setbacks, lot coverage, building height, and minimum lot division size—are concentrated in the Residential chapter (§ 17.12.050, § 17.12.070) .
  • Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) have a dedicated chapter (Chapter 17.60) with parcel‑coverage, height, parking, and unit‑size rules that modify or supersede some base‑zone limits; ADU rules also cross‑reference the California Building Standards Code. See Chapter 17.60 for the specifics.
  • Energy systems (small wind and solar) and fences/manufactured homes have their own chapters with special height/setback/placement rules (Ch. 17.83, 17.84, 17.20, 17.24).

Practical links you may need while planning: the Tehama Zoning page (first place to confirm map/zoning); check parking rules early because ADU and special uses reference required off‑street parking; consult the ADUs page when designing secondary units; refer to the California Building Standards Code for building/safety requirements that local zoning does not address. Also consult the Business Overlay Districts page if your parcel is on C Street, and review historic preservation if your property is in an historic area (historic status affects ADU/parking exceptions).

District-by-district breakdown

Residential (R)

  • Purpose & where it applies: The Residential district implements the general plan “Residential (R)” and covers all platted lots and blocks inside the city (§ 17.12.020, § 17.08.010) .
  • Typical permitted uses: Single‑family dwellings, multifamily housing, accessory dwelling units (ADUs/JADUs), small community care, child day care homes, transitional/supportive housing, and similar residential uses. See the permitted uses list at § 17.12.030. .
  • Key dimensional standards (decision‑critical):
    • Maximum main building coverage (single‑family): 35% of lot area (§ 17.12.050(A)(1)) .
    • Minimum front yard: 15 ft (§ 17.12.050(A)(2)) .
    • Side yard: total not less than 20% of lot width; no side yard less than 6 ft; street‑side corner lot side yard not less than 10 ft (§ 17.12.050(A)(3)) .
    • Minimum rear yard for main residence: 20 ft (other buildings: 6 ft) (§ 17.12.050(A)(5)) .
    • Maximum height (single‑family): two stories; (multifamily: up to 2–3 stories / 35 ft) (§ 17.12.050(A)(4); 17.12.050(B)(4)) .
    • Multifamily maximum main building coverage: 65% (§ 17.12.050(B)(1)) .
    • Minimum lot area when subdividing (residential): 12,800 sq ft (§ 17.12.070) .
  • Where to check: full permitted‑uses and development standards are consolidated under Chapter 17.12 (§ 17.12.030–050, § 17.12.070) .

Practical note: the code explicitly permits by‑right multifamily housing in compliance with state streamlining rules (SB 35) subject to the Chapter 17.12 development standards and flood/FEMA requirements — see § 17.12.080.

Open‑Space (OS)

  • Purpose & where it applies: All unplatted land is designated Open‑Space (§ 17.08.010). The Open‑Space chapter establishes allowed agricultural/recreation/river access and wildlife preservation uses (§ 17.16.010) .
  • Typical permitted uses: production of food and fiber, parks, river bank access/control, wildlife preservation and similar public‑oriented open space uses (§ 17.16.010) .
  • Key dimensional / procedural notes: major physical improvements (streets, sewers, public buildings) in OS require planning commission referral and a finding of conformity with the open‑space plan (§ 17.16.010(B)) .
  • Practical effect: very limited construction is allowed; solar and small energy systems are treated permissively in many cases but larger facilities require use permits (see Ch. 17.83/17.84) .

Business Overlay Zone (BOZ)

  • Purpose: The Business Overlay Zone (BOZ) is an overlay applied to selected parcels (primarily along C Street) to allow commercial uses while retaining compatibility with the underlying Residential base zone (§ 17.14.020) .
  • Typical permitted uses: all residential district uses plus banks, equipment sales/rental, hotel/motel, office, restaurants, retail, outdoor dining, personal service, and SROs (§ 17.14.030) .
  • Development standards: BOZ development must comply with the development standards of the underlying base zone (the Residential standards in most cases) — see § 17.14.050. .
  • Practical guidance: when a property is in the BOZ, treat it first as an R‑zoned parcel for setbacks/coverage/height and then layer commercial use questions on top; special conditional uses (e.g., light industrial, alcohol sales) are listed in § 17.14.040 and may require discretionary approval.

Quick decision table — most relevant numeric standards

Item / District Front setback Side setback Rear setback Max height Max coverage / density Code Reference
Residential — Single‑family 15 ft Total ≥ 20% of lot width; min 6 ft; corner street side 10 ft 20 ft (main) / 6 ft (other) Two stories Maximum main building coverage 35% § 17.12.050(A)
Residential — Multifamily 15 ft Total ≥ 20% of lot width; min 6 ft; corner 10 ft 20 ft / 6 ft 2–3 stories; 35 ft Maximum main building coverage 65% § 17.12.050(B)
Open‑Space Varies / subject to plan referral Varies Varies Varies; limited development Uses limited to parks/agriculture/recreation § 17.16.010; § 17.08.010
ADUs (attached/detached) ADU may be subject to front‑yard standards but ordinance allows smaller parcel coverage exceptions (see note) State ADU rules and Chapter 17.60 apply; side/rear setbacks may be reduced to 4 ft in line with state limits; conversions may require no setbacks See § 17.60.080–090 Detached ADU base: 16 ft; exceptions to 18–25 ft Parcel coverage rule: must comply with district, but one ADU (≤ 800 sf) must be allowed if coverage would otherwise preclude it; unit size caps in § 17.60.090(A) Chapter 17.60 (§ 17.60.080, 17.60.090)
Wind / Solar (small) Must meet zone setbacks; wind towers have additional setbacks (1.2× height) and 1,000 ft spacing rules See wind/solar chapters See wind/solar chapters Small wind: 80 ft max (unless use permit) See Ch. 17.83/17.84 § 17.83.050–070; § 17.84.030–060

Notes: The code uses “maximum main building coverage” rather than an expressed FAR in most places; I could not find an explicit city FAR standard in the retrieved materials (see Information Gaps). ADU rules in Chapter 17.60 include explicit unit‑size caps, parking exceptions and minimum parcel/coverage exceptions — see § 17.60.080–090.

Standards that commonly affect proposals (how they interact)

  • Setbacks and coverage: base R‑zone setbacks in § 17.12.050 govern most building siting; ADU chapter provides carve‑outs so an 800‑sq‑ft ADU with 4‑ft side/rear setbacks must be permitted in most cases (§ 17.60.080(B) and § 17.60.090) . Link to the city land use page for setback policy context.
  • Height: residential heights are numeric (two stories for single family; up to 35 ft for multifamily). Special structures (wind towers, ADU‑above‑garage) have dedicated height rules (§ 17.12.050, § 17.83.050, § 17.60.090(B)).
  • Parking: ADUs generally require one off‑street space in addition to the primary unit, but numerous exceptions apply (e.g., within ½‑mile of transit, historic properties, conversions) — see Chapter 17.60 and the city parking guidance.
  • Overlay rules: the BOZ allows additional commercial uses but requires compliance with the underlying development standards (§ 17.14.050) — consult the overlay rules early because uses such as outdoor dining or restaurants may trigger additional sign/landscaping/parking requirements and possible revocable use permits. See the overlay page for parcel‑level info.
  • Historic & sensitive resources: the code bars certain wind/solar locations near properties on historic registers and treats historic properties specially for ADU parking/design — check the city historic preservation page and § 17.83.070 / § 17.60 where those exceptions appear.

Checklist (what an applicant must satisfy, at minimum)

  • Confirm parcel zoning and overlay status on the official zoning map (BOZ / OS / R). (§ 17.08.010)
  • Apply the Residential dimensional standards if parcel is platted (front/side/rear setbacks; coverage; height) (§ 17.12.050)
  • If proposing an ADU: confirm Chapter 17.60 unit‑size, height and parking rules and ADU exceptions (800 sf carve‑out, 4‑ft side/rear setbacks, parking exceptions) (§ 17.60.080, 17.60.090)
  • Check fences and lot division limits (fence heights § 17.20.010; min parcel split § 17.12.070)
  • For wind/solar, confirm the allowed district list, specific setbacks, height caps and special spacing rules (§ 17.83, 17.84)
  • Confirm parking required (and whether ADU parking exception applies) and plan parking accordingly; consult the city parking guidance and § 17.60.
  • If in BOZ, confirm whether the proposed use is permitted or conditional and whether additional discretionary approvals are needed (§ 17.14.030–040, 17.14.050)
  • Verify whether property is in a FEMA flood zone and any special multifamily rules (referenced by § 17.12.080)
  • Prepare to meet the California Building Standards Code (Title 24) for all structural/safety matters — consult the California Building Standards Code.
  • If any requirement is unclear or parcel‑specific, contact City of Tehama planning staff to verify (many standards reference site‑specific findings or require a use permit).

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
FAR (floor‑area ratio) not stated in Title 17 City code emphasizes coverage, not an explicit FAR number; applicants may assume an FAR that does not exist locally Confirm with planning whether any parcels or overlays use a FAR standard; the retrieved materials do not show a city FAR (§ Not found in retrieved materials)
Density numbers (units/acre) Multifamily density affects feasibility and entitlement Chapter 17.12 lists permitted multifamily but does not state a units/acre standard in retrieved text — verify density rules or the general plan numeric standards with staff (§ Not found in retrieved materials)
Applicability of BOZ standards BOZ defers to underlying zone for development standards; this can be misread as allowing commercial dimensional flexibility Confirm whether the BOZ parcel has site‑specific conditions or an adopted site plan that changes setbacks/coverage (§ 17.14.050)
ADU interplay with local coverage/front setbacks State ADU rules limit how local standards may be used to deny ADUs; local ADU chapter has exceptions but procedural interplay can be complex Verify which ADU exceptions apply (e.g., 800‑sf carve‑out; 4‑ft side/rear) and whether any local overlay (historic) modifies them (§ 17.60.080–090)
Flood / FEMA requirements for multifamily § 17.12.080 requires FEMA/flood‑zone compliance for by‑right multifamily; this may add extra constraints Confirm flood zone mapping and applicable engineering/reporting requirements with the city and FEMA (§ 17.12.080)
Wind/solar setbacks & historic sites Wind systems may be barred near historic properties; solar/dual systems must meet zone setbacks Verify proximity to register‑listed properties before proceeding with wind/solar siting (§ 17.83.070, § 17.84.060)

Plain‑English Summary

If your lot is inside Tehama’s platted area it is almost always in the Residential zone; expect 15‑ft front setbacks, side‑yards that add up to 20% of the lot width (no side less than 6 ft, corner side 10 ft), 20‑ft rear setback for the main house, 35% coverage for single‑family (up to 65% for multifamily), and two‑story (or up to 35‑ft) height limits — all in § 17.12.050. ADUs are controlled by Chapter 17.60 and include unit‑size caps, a required one parking space with common exceptions, and an 800‑sq‑ft carve‑out when parcel coverage would otherwise preclude an ADU; wind and solar have their own setback/height rules in Chapters 17.83/17.84. Always verify parcel map/overlay status, FEMA flood constraints and ADU exceptions with planning before buying or designing.

Information Gaps

  • No explicit City FAR (floor‑area ratio) number found in the retrieved Title 17 text: Not found in retrieved materials. (The code uses maximum building coverage percentages instead.)
  • No explicit general‑purpose "density (units/acre)" table in the retrieved Title 17: Not found in retrieved materials. Verify with the general plan or planning staff.
  • Detailed site plan or parcel‑specific BOZ modifications (if any) are not in the title text — check the official zoning map and staff records (verify with the jurisdiction).

Source References

  • Title 17 — ZONING (City of Tehama), Chapter 17.04 (General provisions and definitions) — adoption, definitions and basic rules.
  • Chapter 17.08 — Zoning districts designated (platted = Residential; unplatted = Open‑Space) — § 17.08.010.
  • Chapter 17.12 — RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT: permitted uses, conditional uses, and development standards (setbacks, height, coverage) — § 17.12.030, § 17.12.050, § 17.12.070, § 17.12.080.
  • Chapter 17.14 — BUSINESS OVERLAY ZONE (BOZ): purpose, permitted/conditional uses, and reliance on the underlying base zone for development standards — § 17.14.020–050.
  • Chapter 17.16 — OPEN‑SPACE DISTRICT: permitted uses and plan‑referral requirements for improvements — § 17.16.010.
  • Chapter 17.20 — Fences (height limits and use permits) — § 17.20.010.
  • Chapter 17.24 — Manufactured homes (placement and standards) — § 17.24.010.
  • Chapter 17.60 — Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): parcel coverage exceptions, unit sizes, parking, height and other ADU rules — § 17.60.080–100.
  • Chapter 17.83 — Wind energy systems: permitted districts, height, setbacks (1.2× height), and spacing / proximity rules — § 17.83.030–070.
  • Chapter 17.84 — Solar energy systems: uses allowed by district and height/setback treatment — § 17.84.030–060.

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Tehama Zoning Code (section is) High relevance
  • Tehama Zoning Code (Section 65660.) High relevance
  • Tehama Zoning Code High relevance
  • CBC § 66314 (§ 66314) High relevance
  • CBC § 198 (Chapter 17.16) Medium relevance
  • Tehama Zoning Code (Chapter 8.08) Medium relevance
  • Tehama Zoning Code (§ 66314) Medium relevance
  • CBC § 65852.26 (chapter shall) Medium relevance
  • Tehama Zoning Code (§ 66317) Medium relevance
  • Tehama Zoning Code (Title 17) Medium relevance
  • Tehama Zoning Code (title of) Medium relevance
  • CWUIC § 65850.6 (Title 24) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

What can I build on a typical R‑zoned lot in Tehama?

You can build a one‑ or two‑story single‑family dwelling (minimum 20 ft width / 800 sq ft floor area), accessory structures, ADUs compliant with Chapter 17.60, and certain small community uses listed in § 17.12.030. The base dimensional limits (front 15 ft, side yards totaling 20% of lot width, rear 20 ft for the main home) and coverage rules apply; see § 17.12.030 and § 17.12.050 for specifics.

What are Tehama setback requirements for residential lots?

For the Residential district the code sets a 15‑ft front yard, side yards that together equal at least 20% of the lot width (no single side less than 6 ft, corner street‑side 10 ft), and 20‑ft rear yard for the main residence (6 ft for other structures) — see § 17.12.050. If you're adding an ADU, Chapter 17.60 includes ADU‑specific setback exceptions (e.g., 4‑ft side/rear in certain ADU cases).

Do ADUs have different height or coverage limits in Tehama?

Yes. Chapter 17.60 limits detached ADU height to 16 ft with specified exceptions to 18–20 ft or 25 ft for ADUs above garages; parcel coverage rules still apply but the code requires that one ADU up to 800 sf must be allowed if district coverage would otherwise preclude it (§ 17.60.080–090). Always check ADU unit‑size caps in § 17.60.090(A).

Does Tehama use FAR to limit building size?

The retrieved Title 17 text emphasizes maximum building coverage percentages rather than an explicit FAR number for the Residential district (35% single‑family; 65% multifamily). An explicit municipal FAR was not found in the retrieved materials — verify with the city if your project depends on a FAR calculation.

Are there parking requirements for ADUs in Tehama?

Chapter 17.60 requires one off‑street parking space for an ADU in addition to the primary dwelling, but lists multiple state‑aligned exceptions (e.g., within ½ mile of transit, historic properties, conversions) where parking is not required (§ 17.60.090(C)). See the city parking rules and § 17.60 before designing parking.

Is there a minimum lot size to build in Residential?

There is no blanket minimum parcel size to build a single dwelling, but the code restricts subdivision in the Residential district: no lot or group of lots may be divided into areas smaller than 12,800 sq ft (§ 17.12.070). For ADUs, Chapter 17.60 states “no minimum parcel size” for ADU creation but includes other coverage/size rules.

Do I need to meet special rules for solar or wind installations?

Yes. Small solar is generally permitted but must meet the zone’s setbacks and height standards (Ch. 17.84); small wind systems have special spacing, setback (including distance from parcel boundaries and residences) and height rules (e.g., 80 ft cap for small systems) in Ch. 17.83. See § 17.83.030–070 and § 17.84.030–060.

Will the Business Overlay change my development standards?

No — the BOZ allows additional uses but requires that development meet the standards of the underlying base zone (the Residential standards in most cases). Conditional uses in the BOZ (e.g., light industrial) may require discretionary permits (§ 17.14.050). Confirm any parcel‑specific BOZ rules with the city.

What about fences and lot‑line fences?

Fences in side and rear yards may not exceed 6 ft; fences in front yard setbacks are limited to 4 ft unless they do not block vision; exceptions need a use permit (§ 17.20.010).

Does Tehama regulate manufactured homes?

Yes. Chapter 17.24 permits single‑family manufactured homes in the Residential area but requires they be placed on a permanent foundation, meet minimum size and age criteria, and bear the required approval insignia (§ 17.24.010).

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