Tehama — Zoning

Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

Tehama's zoning is codified in Title 17 — ZONING (Ord. No. 198, 2023) and implements the city's General Plan by dividing the incorporated area into a small set of primary districts and targeted overlays. The Code emphasizes preserving Tehama's predominantly residential and agricultural/open-space character while allowing limited commercial use along a focused corridor. Always confirm parcel-specific designations on the official zoning map with the city; the ordinance declares a districting plan is adopted for all incorporated land § 17.04.010.

Practical note: when you read dimensional rules, also check the Tehama Development Standards and Tehama Parking guidance because Title 17 ties permitted uses to both zone standards and these cross-cutting rules.

Residential district (R)

Purpose and where it applies

• The Residential district (referred to in the Code simply as R) covers all platted lots and blocks inside the incorporated area; unplatted areas are treated separately as Open-space (§ 17.08.010). The district's purpose is to provide for a variety of housing types and related neighborhood uses.

Typical permitted uses (high‑value items)

• Single‑family dwellings (one- or two-story) with two off‑street parking spaces and minimum dwelling dimensions: 20 ft width and 800 sq ft floor area for the dwelling (§ 17.12.030 A).
• Multifamily housing, child day care homes, community care (small), transitional/supportive housing, ADUs/JADUs (see the ADU chapter) (§ 17.12.030).

Key dimensional standards (what will drive site layout)

• For single‑family buildings: maximum coverage 35%, minimum front setback 15 ft, side yards totaling at least 20% of lot width (no side < 6 ft; corner street side ≥ 10 ft), maximum height two stories, rear yard 20 ft for main residence / 6 ft for other buildings (§ 17.12.050 A).
• For multifamily: maximum coverage 65%, front 15 ft, same side‑yard formula, max height up to 35 ft / 2–3 stories, rear 20 ft / 6 ft for secondary structures (§ 17.12.050 B).

Other rules and constraints

• Minimum lot size for subdivision inside R: lots may not be re‑subdivided to less than 12,800 sq ft (§ 17.12.070) — important if you plan lot splits or duplex infill.
• Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are allowed by right in any zone that allows residential uses; ADU-specific standards and ministerial approval timing are in Chapter 17.60 (see the ADU chapter and the state rules) (§ 17.60.040 - 17.60.050). For ADU design/foundation and sprinkler rules, consult the California Building Standards Code as the Code requires compliance with state building standards in the ADU chapter (§ 17.60.030, § 17.60.080).

Where to check

• Confirm the parcel is actually mapped R on the official zoning map (Title 17 adopts a districting plan but the ordinance text does not reproduce the map file). § 17.04.010.

Relevant Code citations: §§ 17.08.010, 17.12.030, 17.12.050, 17.12.070, 17.60.030–080.

Business Overlay Zone (BOZ)

Purpose and where it applies

• The Business Overlay Zone (BOZ) is an overlay applied to select parcels (notably along C Street) to allow commercial uses while retaining the underlying residential base zone standards; it implements the general plan's business overlay land use (§ 17.14.020).

Permitted uses (decision‑relevant list)

• At the discretion of the City Administrator (absent a revocable use permit) the BOZ allows: all residential district uses plus banks/ATM, equipment sales/rental, hotel/motel, offices, personal services, outdoor dining, restaurants, retail (general), single‑room occupancy (SRO) (§ 17.14.030).

Conditional uses

• Light industrial, alcohol sales, bars, restricted personal/retail services, veterinary clinic, and community care (large) are conditional uses that require a revocable or conditional permit (§ 17.14.040).

Standards and limits

• The overlay defers to the underlying base zone's development standards (setbacks, coverage, height) and keeps the same lot subdivision limit as the residential district (12,800 sq ft minimum for BOZ lot splits) (§ 17.14.050, 17.14.070).

Design review and signage

• Sign rules in the BOZ reference the same sign limits used elsewhere in the Code; consult the Tehama Signage page and § 17.14.060 for business‑sign size restrictions and prohibited signs.

Open‑space district (Open-space)

Purpose and where it applies

• Open-space covers unplatted lands and riverfront frontage inside the incorporated boundary; the district is reserved for parks, river access, wildlife preservation, recreation, and agriculture (production of food and fiber) (§ 17.08.010–020, § 17.16.010).

Permitted uses and limits

• Typical permitted uses are agricultural production, parks, and public recreation (river bank access/control). Improvements (streets, sewers, public buildings) in Open‑space require planning commission referral and a finding of conformity with the open‑space plan prior to construction (§ 17.16.010 B).

Renewable energy and special uses

• The Code implements narrower rules for energy systems: small solar and small wind are allowed in the Residential and Open‑space districts under specific conditions, while larger solar/wind facilities are restricted and may require a conditional use permit (§ 17.84.030, § 17.83.030). Check Chapters 17.83–17.84 for the full allowances and siting/height setbacks.

Quick Reference Table — Key standards & common permitted uses

Checklist

• Verify the parcel's zoning designation on the official zoning map (Title 17 adopts a districting plan) — § 17.04.010.
• Confirm the applicable district (R, BOZ, Open‑space) and applicable chapter(s) (§ 17.12, 17.14, 17.16) and read permitted vs. conditional uses.
• Check dimensional standards: coverage, setbacks, height from § 17.12.050 A–B (single‑family vs. multifamily) and subdivision limits § 17.12.070.
• For commercial projects in the BOZ, confirm whether the use is permitted or conditional under § 17.14.030–040.
• If adding an ADU, follow Chapter 17.60 and the ministerial permitting timeline; check Tehama ADUs and state ADU law for exceptions.
• For variances, use permits, or revocable permits, follow Chapter 17.28 application, hearing, findings and notice rules. Verify the application materials and fee. § 17.28.010–060.
• Check overlay districts (BOZ, any historic overlay) under Tehama Overlay Districts and consult Tehama Design Review when design guidelines apply.

Risks & Ambiguities

Plain‑English Summary

Tehama's Title 17 zones almost all platted, built‑lot areas as Residential (R) with predictable setbacks and coverage rules (e.g., 15 ft front, 35% coverage, 6 ft minimum side), applies a limited Business Overlay Zone (BOZ) to a few parcels (C Street corridor) to allow neighborhood commercial uses, and treats the rest as Open‑space for parks/agriculture — check the official zoning map before you act and follow Chapter 17.60 for ADU rules.

Source References

• Tehama Municipal Code, Title 17 — ZONING (Ord. No. 198, 6‑13‑23): General provisions and district adoption, § 17.04.010 – 17.04.060.
• Zoning districts designated: § 17.08.010 – 17.08.020 (districting plan; platted = Residential; unplatted = Open‑space).
• Residential district: permitted uses and requirements § 17.12.010 – 17.12.080 (permitted uses § 17.12.030; development standards § 17.12.050; lot division § 17.12.070).
• Business Overlay Zone: purpose, permitted and conditional uses, standards § 17.14.010 – 17.14.080.
• Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): Chapter 17.60 (where allowed, ministerial processing, unit limits, standards) — see § 17.60.030–080.
• Use permits and variances: Chapter 17.28 (application, hearing, findings, revocation) § 17.28.010–060.
• Wind and solar energy rules: Chapters 17.83 and 17.84 (uses, siting, height, setbacks and Williamson Act limitations).

Internal help pages referenced inline:

• Tehama Development Standards
• Tehama Parking
• Tehama ADUs
• Tehama Overlay Districts
• Tehama Design Review
• Tehama Signage
• Tehama Nonconforming Uses
• Tehama Variances and Exceptions
• California Building Standards Code
  (These internal links were used above where each topic first appeared in the text.)

Retrieved passages

• Tehama Zoning Code (Chapter 8.08) High relevance show source text
• Tehama Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance show source text
• Tehama Zoning Code (Title 17) High relevance show source text
• Tehama Zoning Code (title of) Medium relevance show source text
• Tehama Zoning Code (Title 17) Medium relevance show source text
• Tehama Zoning Code (Section 17.12.030) Medium relevance show source text
• Tehama Zoning Code (Title 17) Medium relevance show source text
• Tehama Zoning Code (Title 17) Medium relevance show source text
• Tehama Zoning Code (section is) High relevance show source text
• CBC § 66314 (§ 66314) Medium relevance show source text
• CBC § 198 (Chapter 17.16) Medium relevance show source text

Cited sections

• Tehama Municipal Code, Title 17 — ZONING (Ord. No. 198, 6‑13‑23): General provisions and district adoption, **§ 17.04.010 – 17.04.060**. (Title 17)
• Zoning districts designated: **§ 17.08.010 – 17.08.020** (districting plan; platted = Residential; unplatted = Open‑space). (§ 17.08.010)
• Residential district: permitted uses and requirements **§ 17.12.010 – 17.12.080** (permitted uses § 17.12.030; development standards § 17.12.050; lot division § 17.12.070). (§ 17.12.010)
• Business Overlay Zone: purpose, permitted and conditional uses, standards **§ 17.14.010 – 17.14.080**. (§ 17.14.010)
• Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): Chapter **17.60** (where allowed, ministerial processing, unit limits, standards) — see **§ 17.60.030–080**. (§ 17.60.030)
• Use permits and variances: Chapter **17.28** (application, hearing, findings, revocation) **§ 17.28.010–060**. (§ 17.28.010)
• Wind and solar energy rules: Chapters **17.83** and **17.84** (uses, siting, height, setbacks and Williamson Act limitations).
• Tehama Development Standards
• Tehama Parking
• Tehama ADUs
• Tehama Overlay Districts
• Tehama Design Review
• Tehama Signage
• Tehama Nonconforming Uses
• Tehama Variances and Exceptions
• California Building Standards Code
• Tehama_ZoningCode.md

• Official Tehama code library