Local zoning · Tehama

Tehama — Land Use

Q: What can I build on an R‑zoned lot in Tehama?

In the Residential (R) district you may build one‑ or two‑story single‑family homes (min 20 ft width and 800 sq ft ), multifamily housing , small community care, child day care homes, supportive/transitional housing, and ADUs/JADUs subject to Chapter 17.60 . Check § 17.12.030 for the full permitted list and § 17.12.050 for dimensional standards.

Q: Can I put a retail business on C Street?

Many parcels along C Street are in the Business Overlay Zone (BOZ) , which explicitly permits retail, restaurants and other commercial activity (and SROs) where allowed; some uses remain conditional (e.g., bars, alcohol sales). BOZ development must meet the underlying development standards; check § 17.14.030–050 .

Q: Are accessory dwelling units allowed and what restrictions apply?

Yes. ADUs and junior ADUs are allowed under Chapter 17.60 ; there is no minimum parcel size, JADUs are limited to 500 sq ft , and ADU coverage/size rules are tied to the applicable zoning but an 800 sq ft ADU is allowed where coverage would otherwise preclude an ADU. JADUs require a recorded deed restriction. See § 17.60.080 and related ADU sections.

Q: What special rules affect riverfront parcels?

Title 17 limits certain areas lying within 100 feet (west) of the Sacramento River to recreational use if not otherwise designated residential or BOZ. Also, open‑space rules prioritize river access and preservation; improvements in open‑space require Planning Commission referral and findings of conformity. See § 17.12.030(G) and § 17.16.010(B) .

Land Use under the Tehama local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page explains how Tehama’s local zoning ordinance (Title 17) controls what activities are allowed on land inside the city limits. It focuses only on land‑use rules — permitted uses, conditional (use) permits, district rules and the key development standards that gate whether a proposed use is allowed. All quoted requirements are grounded in the Tehama zoning ordinance; citations point to the controlling § and the ordinance extract provided.

For related procedural or technical topics see the city pages for parking, development standards, design review, overlay districts, ADUs, California Building Standards Code, variances and exceptions, and nonconforming uses.

District-by-district breakdown

Notes: Title 17 in the current ordinance explicitly establishes a Residential district (short: R), an Open‑Space district, and a Business Overlay Zone (BOZ) applied to selected parcels (not a full separate base commercial district). Other named uses (e.g., “light industrial”) are treated as conditional uses in these chapters rather than as a fully articulated separate base zone in the retrieved materials. Verify with the city for other district labels — not all zone names appear in the retrieved text.

Residential (R)

Purpose: Provide a variety of housing types (single‑family, multifamily, employee, transitional, supportive) consistent with the General Plan residential designation. § 17.12.020.
Typical permitted uses: Single‑ or two‑story single‑family dwellings (with minimum width 20 ft and minimum floor area 800 sq ft), multifamily housing, supportive/transitional housing, small community care, child day care homes, ADUs / JADUs (subject to Chapter 17.60), limited emergency shelters (with numeric limits and operating conditions). See § 17.12.030.
Conditional (revocable use permit) uses: light industrial, large community care facilities (7+ residents), single room occupancy (SRO), low barrier navigation center (per Gov. Code § 65660). § 17.12.040.
Key dimensional standards (single‑family): maximum main building coverage 35%, minimum front yard 15 ft, minimum side yards that total 20% of lot width with no side less than 6 ft (corner side yard 10 ft), maximum height 2 stories, minimum rear yard 20 ft (main residence). For multifamily the coverage rises to 65% and height up to 2–3 stories / 35 ft. See § 17.12.050.
Special rules: Lots within the platted area are generally designated residential; division/re‑subdivision of lots in the residential district is restricted to not create lots smaller than 12,800 sq ft (see § 17.12.070). § 17.08.010 and § 17.12.070.

Practical note: multifamily housing is allowed “by‑right” under the City’s streamlining provision (SB 35 style) for uses listed in § 17.12.030, subject to the development standards in § 17.12.050B and FEMA/flood rules; the city states it does not regulate building design for such developments. § 17.12.080.

Business Overlay Zone (BOZ)

Purpose: An overlay to enable a range of commercial uses on selected parcels (primarily along C Street), compatible with the General Plan “Business Overlay (B)” designation. § 17.14.010–020.
Permitted uses (by administrative discretion without a revocable use permit): all uses permitted in the Residential district plus banks, equipment sales/rental, hotel/motel, office, general personal services, outdoor dining, restaurants, general retail, and Single Room Occupancy (SRO). See § 17.14.030.
Conditional uses: light industrial, alcohol sales, bars, restricted personal services (e.g., tattoo), restricted retail, veterinary clinics, large community care facilities (7+). § 17.14.040.
Development standards: BOZ development must comply with the development standards of the underlying base zone/general plan designation (i.e., you look to § 17.12.050 or other applicable standards). § 17.14.050.
Special constraints: Lot division within business overlay is limited so resulting parcels do not fall below 12,800 sq ft. § 17.14.070.

Practical note: BOZ is an overlay, not a separate set of independent dimensional rules; it relies on the “underlying” standards, so project applicants must cross-check with the development standards and may need a revocable use permit where the BOZ or city administrator does not allow a use by‑right. § 17.14.050–030.

Open‑Space (OS)

Purpose and permitted uses: preserves riverfront, parks, recreation areas, wildlife preservation, scenic beauty and the production of food and fiber. Permitted uses include parks, river bank access and control, wildlife preservation and similar public/open uses. § 17.16.010.
Improvement limitations: No street, sewer, public building or similar improvements shall be constructed in the open‑space district without referral to the Planning Commission and an explicit finding of conformity to the open‑space plan. § 17.16.010(B).

Practical note: the ordinance reserves all river frontage (unplatted river frontage) for open‑space uses; watch for the 100‑foot‑from‑high‑water‑mark provisions that limit some riverfront parcels to recreational use when not otherwise designated. § 17.12.030(G), § 17.14.030(K).

Quick reference table — most decision‑relevant land‑use rules

Zone / Topic	Typical permitted uses (high level)	Key dimensional/limit values	Code reference
Residential (R)	Single‑family, multifamily, ADUs/JADUs, small community care, child day care, transitional/supportive housing	Max coverage 35% (SF); 65% (MF); front 15 ft; side yards total 20% lot width; min side 6 ft; height 2 stories (SF) / up to 35 ft (MF)	§ 17.12.030, § 17.12.050
Business Overlay (BOZ)	All R uses plus retail, restaurants, office, hotel/motel, banks, SRO	Uses follow underlying district standards; lot re‑division min 12,800 sq ft in BOZ	§ 17.14.030–050, § 17.14.070
Open‑Space (OS)	Parks, river access, food & fiber production, wildlife preservation	Improvements restricted; Planning Commission referral required for new streets/sewers	§ 17.16.010
ADUs / JADUs (applies in R & MF zones)	ADUs allowed per Chapter rules; JADU allowed with size limits	No minimum parcel size for ADU; JADU max 500 sq ft; ADU parcel coverage rules tied to zone but minimum ADU allowed when coverage would otherwise preclude it: up to 800 sq ft allowed	§ 17.60.080, § 17.60.030–080
Use Permits / Revocable Permits	Required for conditional uses listed in each district	Application, filing fee, public hearing; findings required before issuance	§ 17.28.010–060

Checklist

An applicant proposing a use in Tehama should, at minimum, be ready to satisfy:

Confirm parcel zoning (platted vs unplatted) and which district (Residential, Open‑Space, BOZ) applies — § 17.08.010.
Confirm the proposed use is listed as a permitted use or conditional use in the applicable district (e.g., § 17.12.030, § 17.14.030–040, § 17.16.010).
Verify dimensional and development‑standard compliance (coverage, setbacks, heights) under § 17.12.050 or relevant underlying standards and check the development standards.
If proposing an ADU or JADU, comply with Chapter 17.60 ADU standards (size, parking, foundations, deed restrictions for JADU, separate access). § 17.60.080. See the city ADU page.
If use is conditional, prepare a use permit application with plans/specs, filing fee, and public‑hearing materials per § 17.28.020–030.
For riverfront parcels, check 100‑foot recreational limitation language in § 17.12.030(G) and § 17.14.030(K).
Check signage rules if retail/office (see signage and zone sign limits; Residential/business sign size limits are stated in § 17.12.060, § 17.14.060).
If proposing solar, wind, or energy systems, review Chapter 17.84 (allowed zones, setbacks, height limits).

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Which district actually applies (platted vs unplatted)	Title 17 designates “platted” area as residential and remaining unplatted as open‑space; incorrect assumption changes permitted uses and trigger approvals. § 17.08.010.	Verify parcel status and official zoning map with the city planning counter.
Riverfront 100‑ft rule	Some parcels within 100 ft of the Sacramento River are limited to recreational use unless otherwise designated — may block commercial/residential development. § 17.12.030(G), § 17.14.030(K).	Confirm floodplain and riverfront designation; check FEMA maps and city designations. Verify with the jurisdiction.
BOZ = overlay, not full commercial zone	BOZ relies on underlying development standards; assumed commercial dimensional standards may not exist — could affect setbacks/coverage. § 17.14.050.	Confirm which underlying standards apply to the specific BOZ parcel.
Missing base commercial or industrial chapters in retrieved text	The code references conditional “light industrial” but a standalone Light Industrial district chapter is not found in the materials reviewed.	Not found in retrieved materials — Verify whether a separate industrial base zone exists or whether industrial uses are handled solely by conditional permits.
ADU / JADU deed‑restriction and construction details	JADU requires recorded deed restriction and JADU size/parking rules differ; failure to follow Chapter 17.60 triggers enforcement. § 17.60.	Follow ADU chapter strictly; confirm any state ADU law overlay requirements (see California ADU law).
Parcel subdivision minimums for BOZ/residential	Both residential and BOZ include a 12,800 sq ft minimum for created parcels in some cases; this can block lot splits. § 17.12.070 and § 17.14.070.	Verify allowed lot divisions with city planning and check if any variances are feasible.

Plain‑English summary

Tehama’s Title 17 says most of the platted town area is zoned Residential where single‑family and multifamily housing (and ADUs) are the primary allowed uses with specific setbacks, lot coverage and height rules (see § 17.12.030–050); a Business Overlay Zone on selected parcels allows commercial uses on top of those residential rules with some conditional uses, and much of the unplatted riverfront/open land is reserved for open‑space and recreation (see § 17.14.030, § 17.16.010). Always confirm the parcel’s exact zoning, riverfront/flood designation and whether a use needs a revocable use permit before spending on design or permits.

Source References

Tehama Municipal Code, Title 17 — General adoption, purpose and definitions; adoption short title. § 17.04.010–050.
Zoning districts designated (platted vs unplatted): § 17.08.010–020.
Residential district: permitted uses § 17.12.030, conditional uses § 17.12.040, development standards § 17.12.050, division restriction § 17.12.070, streamlining housing § 17.12.080.
Business Overlay Zone (BOZ): purpose, permitted and conditional uses, development standards, division restriction: § 17.14.010–080.
Open‑Space district permitted uses and referral for improvements: § 17.16.010.
ADU and JADU rules, standards and deed restrictions: Chapter 17.60, esp. § 17.60.080.
Use permits and variances: Chapter 17.28, application and hearing rules. § 17.28.010–060.
Solar / energy system rules (allowed zones, setbacks): Chapter 17.84. § 17.84.030–080.

(These materials were provided as an extract/print export of the Tehama Title 17 zoning code.)

Sources

Retrieved passages

Tehama Zoning Code (Section 17.12.030) High relevance
Tehama Zoning Code (Section 1597.465.) High relevance
Tehama Zoning Code (Section 17.12.030) High relevance
CBC § 198 (Chapter 17.16) High relevance
Tehama Zoning Code (Chapter 8.08) Medium relevance
Tehama Zoning Code (Title 17) Medium relevance
Tehama Zoning Code (title of) Medium relevance
Tehama Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official Tehama code library

Frequently asked questions

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

In the Residential (R) district you may build one‑ or two‑story single‑family homes (min 20 ft width and 800 sq ft), multifamily housing, small community care, child day care homes, supportive/transitional housing, and ADUs/JADUs subject to Chapter 17.60. Check § 17.12.030 for the full permitted list and § 17.12.050 for dimensional standards.

What are Tehama’s residential setback and coverage requirements?

Single‑family homes in the Residential district have a maximum main building coverage of 35%, minimum front yard 15 ft, side yards totaling 20% of lot width (no side less than 6 ft, corner side 10 ft), and a two‑story maximum; multifamily coverage is 65% with heights to 35 ft in some cases. See § 17.12.050.

Do I need a use permit to start a light industrial use in town?

Light industrial is listed as a conditional use in the Residential district and in the BOZ, meaning a revocable use permit (public hearing, findings) is required before operation. See § 17.12.040 and § 17.14.040, and follow the use‑permit application process in § 17.28.020–030.

Can I put a retail business on C Street?

Many parcels along C Street are in the Business Overlay Zone (BOZ), which explicitly permits retail, restaurants and other commercial activity (and SROs) where allowed; some uses remain conditional (e.g., bars, alcohol sales). BOZ development must meet the underlying development standards; check § 17.14.030–050.

Are accessory dwelling units allowed and what restrictions apply?

Yes. ADUs and junior ADUs are allowed under Chapter 17.60; there is no minimum parcel size, JADUs are limited to 500 sq ft, and ADU coverage/size rules are tied to the applicable zoning but an 800 sq ft ADU is allowed where coverage would otherwise preclude an ADU. JADUs require a recorded deed restriction. See § 17.60.080 and related ADU sections.

What special rules affect riverfront parcels?

Title 17 limits certain areas lying within 100 feet (west) of the Sacramento River to recreational use if not otherwise designated residential or BOZ. Also, open‑space rules prioritize river access and preservation; improvements in open‑space require Planning Commission referral and findings of conformity. See § 17.12.030(G) and § 17.16.010(B).

How do I apply for a use permit in Tehama?

File a use permit application with the Planning Commission using the form prescribed by the City Council, pay the filing fee and provide plans/specs sufficient to show the proposed use; the Planning Commission holds a public hearing and prepares findings for the City Council. See § 17.28.020–040.

Are there parcel size minimums for lot splits inside BOZ or R?

Both the Residential district and the Business Overlay include restrictions preventing subdivision into lots smaller than 12,800 sq ft in the cited provisions; check § 17.12.070 and § 17.14.070 for specific limits. Confirm whether exceptions or variances are possible.

If my proposed project meets the land‑use rules, do I still need building permits?

Meeting Title 17 land‑use requirements addresses allowable use and zoning standards; separate building permits (subject to the California Building Standards Code and local building permit process) are required for construction — check Chapter 17 and the building department for what documentation is necessary. The ordinance notes building code compliance in several places (e.g., manufactured homes). Verify with the jurisdiction.

Where are signs regulated for businesses in residential or BOZ areas?

Sign limits for business signs located in residential areas and prohibited sign types in BOZ are specified in the respective district sign sections (e.g., § 17.12.060, § 17.14.060); check those subsections and the city signage guidance.

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