Local zoning · Tulare County

Tulare County — Zoning

Zoning under the Tulare County local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.

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Last reviewed: July 3, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the Tulare County Zoning/Planning ordinance (commonly referenced as Ordinance No. 352, the County Zoning Ordinance) says about zoning in the unincorporated areas of Tulare County — who adopts zones, how the Supplemental Zoning Map works, and the special zones/overlays the County enforces. The County code adopts classes of zones, keeps a Supplemental Zoning Map, and applies overlay rules (airport, flood, foothill) that modify base-zone rules. The basic authority and map adoption rules are in the County code that implements Ordinance No. 352 (§ 7-11-1010, § 7-11-1025) .

(Links: first time each related topic appears it is linked to GoCodebook pages)

All rules on this page refer to the County ordinance and implementing code excerpts retrieved from the Tulare County Ordinance Code (Ordinance No. 352 as adopted/implemented in the County Code). Where the uploaded materials do not include a specific numeric standard or a district name, the page explicitly states "Not found in retrieved materials" and tells you what to verify with the County.

How Tulare County organizes zoning (key code points)

  • The County adopts classes of zones via Ordinance No. 352; those classes are shown on a Supplemental Zoning Map that the County maintains and amends by ordinance (§ 7-11-1010) .
  • The Supplemental Zoning Map is not printed into the body of the general County Code text; map boundary ambiguity is resolved using the map scale and other map rules (§ 7-11-1020, § 7-11-1025) .
  • Many County administrative rules (site plan review, design conference for subdivisions, review bodies) are implemented through other chapters of the County Code and by reference to sections of Ordinance No. 352 (see § 7-01-1630 on the design conference and Site Plan Review Committee) .
  • The County frequently references internal Ordinance No. 352 subsection numbers for use permits, site plan review, and special filings (for example, Section 16.2 for Site Plan Review as referenced in the Subdivision/Map rules) .

District-by-district breakdown (what the retrieved materials establish)

Note: The Tulare County code excerpts available in the materials explicitly define and discuss several agricultural and overlay / special zones. The full list of base residential, commercial, industrial district labels and their numeric dimensional tables (for example a municipal-style R‑1, C‑1 table of setbacks, lot coverage and FAR) are located inside Ordinance No. 352 itself but the numerical detail for those base zones was Not found in retrieved materials. Where a district’s details were available in the retrieved material I list them below and cite the controlling §. For districts where the uploaded materials do not contain the text of the base-zone regulations, I mark that as Not found in retrieved materials and advise verification with the jurisdiction.

AE / AE-10 / AE-20 / AE-40 / AE-80 — Exclusive Agricultural series

  • Purpose: Preserve agricultural land and regulate agricultural operations and conflicts with non-agricultural uses (Right-to-Farm policies). The County code lists the AE (Exclusive Agricultural) series and treats these as agricultural zones for the Right-to-Farm chapter (§ 7-29-1000) .
  • Typical permitted uses: commercial agricultural operations and accessory agricultural structures; the Right-to-Farm chapter explicitly treats lands zoned AE, AE-10, AE-20, AE-40, AE-80, as “agricultural land” for statutory protections (§ 7-29-1000) .
  • Key dimensional standards: Not found in retrieved materials for numeric setbacks, lot coverage, or minimum dwelling unit size — these are detailed in Ordinance No. 352 (the Zoning Ordinance) itself. Verify with the Resource Management Agency and the map.
  • Where it applies: County agricultural areas shown on the Supplemental Zoning Map; protection/notice rules are in the Right-to-Farm chapter (§ 7-29-1000) .

A-1 — Agricultural (general)

  • Purpose & permitted uses: The County code groups A-1 as agricultural in the Right-to-Farm definitions; typical permitted uses are agricultural production and related accessory uses (§ 7-29-1000) .
  • Dimensional standards and exact use-lists for A-1: Not found in retrieved materials (these specifics are in Ordinance No. 352). Verify with the County zoning map and Ordinance No. 352.

AF — Foothill Agricultural

  • Purpose: A foothill agricultural class; the code references a "F" Foothill Combining Zone (used as an overlay/combining zone to impose extra site/filing requirements on certain uses in foothill areas) and ties final site-plan/grading/filing requirements to Section 18.7 of Ordinance No. 352 and County Site Plan Review (§ 7-15-1360) .
  • Typical permitted uses: agricultural and limited rural residential consistent with foothill conservation policies — exact permitted use list Not found in retrieved materials (verify with Ordinance No. 352).
  • Key additional standards: Grading and slope stabilization plans for sites in the Foothill Combining Zone are referenced — see the County grading and site-plan rules (§ 7-15-1360) .

TPZ — Timber Preserve (timber production zones)

  • Purpose: The code lists TPZ in the definition of agricultural lands for Right-to-Farm protections (timber preserve classification under County zoning) (§ 7-29-1000) .
  • Uses/standards: Timber production and associated uses; numeric standards Not found in retrieved materials.

Airport-related zones (county Airport Zoning)

  • The County has a separate Airport Zoning Chapter establishing overlay zones and a separate Airport Zoning Map (§ 7-13-1015, § 7-13-1020) .
  • Types / purpose: the code explicitly defines six airport-related zone types (e.g., Landing Zone “L”, Approach Zone “AA”, and others) and imposes height restrictions and other limitations to prevent airport hazards (§ 7-13-1015) .
  • Key standards: Height limits and the geometry of approach / landing zones are established in the airport chapter and shown on the Airport Zoning Map; the Planning Commission is the enforcement/administrative agency for airport zoning and building permits in these zones are withheld if they would conflict with airport zone restrictions (§ 7-13-1025) .

Floodplain / Flood hazard zones (overlay)

  • The County enforces floodplain rules and designates flood hazard zones (Zones A1–30, AE, AH, etc.). The flood chapter restricts new construction, fill, and mobilehomes in floodways and requires elevation, anchoring and floodproofing where allowed (§ 7-27-1195, § 7-27-1210, § 7-27-1211) .
  • Key practical effects: Subdivision design, elevation certificates, and specific mitigation plans are required for development in Special Flood Hazard Areas; variances are tightly constrained in floodway contexts (§ 7-27-1195, § 7-27-1265) .

Combining/overlay zones and special filing rules (examples)

  • The code references combining overlays such as the "F" Foothill Combining Zone (special grading & filing requirements referenced to Section 18.7 of Ordinance No. 352) and separate Airport Zoning and Floodplain chapters that act as overlays — these overlay rules can add special site-plan, grading, or height limitations and are administered separately (§ 7-15-1360, § 7-13-1015, § 7-27-1195) .
  • Site Plan Review / Design Review: the County requires site plans and a Site Plan Review Committee (design conference, agency referrals) for subdivisions and for uses that the Zoning Ordinance flags for site plan review (§ 7-01-1630, § 7-01-1635) .

Other base zones (residential, commercial, industrial, manufacturing, etc.)

  • The County Code frequently refers to base-zone use categories (residential, commercial, industrial) and says parcel/subdivision design must conform to the requirements of the Zoning Ordinance; however, the detailed numeric standards and the specific named district table entries (for example an R-1 district's exact setbacks, maximum lot coverage, and maximum height) were Not found in retrieved materials. The County’s Zoning Ordinance (Ordinance No. 352) contains the full lists and tables; verify specifics with the Resource Management Agency and the Supplemental Zoning Map (§ 7-01-1450, § 7-01-1455) .

Quick decision-relevant table (selected items that are present in the retrieved materials)

Topic / District Decision‑relevant rule or summary Code Reference
Adoption of zone classes & map County adopts zone classes in Ordinance No. 352; classes shown on Supplemental Zoning Map; map amendments done by ordinance (§ 7-11-1010) § 7-11-1010
Supplemental Zoning Map boundaries Boundary rules: if map follows street/lot lines they are boundaries; undimensioned lot splits use map scale (§ 7-11-1025) § 7-11-1025
Exclusive Agricultural (AE, AE-10, AE-20, AE-40, AE-80) Counted as agricultural lands for Right‑to‑Farm protections; orchard/row crop/animal production treated as permitted in those zones (exact use lists in Ordinance No. 352) § 7-29-1000
Foothill Combining / F Foothill Combining Zone triggers special grading and site-plan rules (see Section 18.7 references) and is tied to County grading exemptions/requirements (§ 7-15-1360) § 7-15-1360
Airport zones (L, AA, etc.) Airport overlay zones created with geometry and height limits; separate Airport Zoning Map adopted; Planning Commission administers (§ 7-13-1015, § 7-13-1020, § 7-13-1025) § 7-13-1015; § 7-13-1020
Floodplain (Zones A1–30, AE) New construction and fills restricted in floodways; elevation and anchoring standards apply; variances tightly limited (§ 7-27-1195, § 7-27-1210) § 7-27-1195; § 7-27-1210
Site Plan Review / Design conference Design conference and Site Plan Review Committee required for many subdivision/site plan filings; interagency review is mandatory (§ 7-01-1630, § 7-01-1635) § 7-01-1630; § 7-01-1635
Use permits / variances Variances and use permits are processed per the Zoning Ordinance (tight rules for floods and historic properties); variances require public hearing and findings (§ 7-27-1265, § 7-27-1300) § 7-27-1265; § 7-27-1300

Checklist (what an applicant must do in unincorporated Tulare County zoning)

  • Confirm the parcel’s base zone and overlays on the County’s Supplemental Zoning Map (Ordinance No. 352 map adoption rules apply) — see § 7-11-1010 .
  • Check whether parcel is in a Special Flood Hazard Area (Zones A/AE) and comply with § 7-27-1195 / § 7-27-1210 (elevation, floodproofing) .
  • Check Airport Zoning Map if near County airports; if so verify height and setback restrictions in § 7-13-1015 / § 7-13-1020 .
  • Determine if Site Plan Review / a design conference is required (subdivision, certain commercial and industrial uses) — see § 7-01-1630 and Section 16.2 references to the Zoning Ordinance . See Tulare County Design Review.
  • Confirm parking requirements per Tulare County Parking and the Zoning Ordinance; make sure off‑street parking and loading meet Zoning Ordinance rules (§ 7-01-1450, § 7-01-1455) .
  • If in agricultural or Right-to-Farm areas, review Right-to-Farm notice provisions (§ 7-29-1000) .
  • If project includes grading in foothills, prepare a grading and slope stabilization plan as required by Foothill Combining Zone rules (§ 7-15-1360) .
  • For building permits, confirm compliance with the Zoning Ordinance and other County chapters before applying for building permits (§ 7-15-1040) and the state California Building Standards Code .
  • If proposing an ADU: follow State ADU law (California ADU law) and verify local implementing provisions (local ADU specifics Not found in retrieved materials; verify with County).

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Base‑zone numeric standards (R‑1 setbacks, lot coverage, FAR) These numbers drive what you can build and whether you need a variance Not found in retrieved materials — Verify with the County’s Ordinance No. 352 zoning tables and the Resource Management Agency
Supplemental Zoning Map boundary ambiguity Map scale/line interpretations affect whether a parcel is in a zone or overlay (§ 7-11-1025) Check the Supplemental Zoning Map and request a formal determination from the County (§ 7-11-1025)
Foothill Combining Zone trigger for grading plans Unexpected grading plan requirements can add time/cost (§ 7-15-1360) Confirm whether the parcel is in an F Combining Zone and what Section 18.7 filing steps apply; verify with the County planner
Flood variance standards and insurance cost Variances in floodways are narrowly granted and may raise insurance costs (§ 7-27-1300) Verify floodplain mapping, base flood elevation, and variance criteria with County Floodplain Administrator
ADU local implementation State law sets basic ADU entitlements, but local development standards and utility connections still matter Local ADU provisions Not found in retrieved materials — verify County ADU rules and utility/connection requirements; see California ADU law and the County planning office

Plain-English Summary

Unincorporated Tulare County applies Ordinance No. 352 and a Supplemental Zoning Map to regulate land use; agricultural categories (AE, A‑1, AF, TPZ) and overlays (airport, flood, foothill) are explicitly treated in the County Code, but the specific numeric tables for standard base zones (exact R‑1 setbacks, lot coverage, etc.) were not included in the retrieved materials — confirm those directly with the County before designing a project (§ 7-11-1010, § 7-29-1000) .

Source References

  • Tulare County Code: Chapter 11 (General Zoning Regulations) — adoption and map rules (§ 7-11-1010, § 7-11-1025) . (Downloaded from https://ecode360.com/TU4850)
  • Tulare County Code: Right to Farm — definitions and agricultural zone categories including AE, AE‑10, AE‑20, AE‑40, AE‑80, A‑1, AF, TPZ (§ 7-29-1000) .
  • Tulare County Code: Airport Zoning — types/height limits and Airport Zoning Map (§ 7-13-1015, § 7-13-1020, § 7-13-1025) .
  • Tulare County Code: Floodplain / flood hazard standards (development limitations, elevation requirements) (§ 7-27-1195, § 7-27-1210) .
  • Tulare County Code: Design conferences / Site Plan Review (subdivision and site plan procedures) (§ 7-01-1630, § 7-01-1635) .
  • Tulare County Code: Grading and exceptions (Foothill Combining Zone reference) (§ 7-15-1360) .
  • Tulare County Code general building-permit review and cross‑references to Ordinance No. 352 (§ 7-15-1040) .
  • Copy/source host used for retrieval: Tulare County Code (ecode360): https://ecode360.com/TU4850 (downloaded material snippets used above) .

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Tulare County Zoning Code (§ 7-11-1010.) High relevance
  • Tulare County Zoning Code (§ 7-01-1455) Medium relevance
  • Tulare County Zoning Code (§ 7-01-1535) Medium relevance
  • Tulare County Zoning Code (§ 7-09-1375.) Medium relevance
  • Tulare County Zoning Code (§ 7-01-1445) Medium relevance
  • Tulare County Zoning Code (§ 7-13-1020.) Medium relevance
  • Tulare County Zoning Code (§ 7-01-1630.) Medium relevance
  • Tulare County Zoning Code (section 66412.1) Medium relevance
  • Tulare County Zoning Code (Chapter 19) Medium relevance
  • Tulare County Zoning Code (§ 7-11-1040.) Medium relevance
  • CBC § 7 (Section 18.7.B.2) Medium relevance
  • Tulare County Zoning Code (section 7-19-1010) Medium relevance
  • Tulare County Zoning Code (§ 7-27-1305.) Medium relevance
  • Tulare County Zoning Code (§ 7-11-1025) High relevance
  • Tulare County Zoning Code (§ 7-15-1036.) Medium relevance
  • Tulare County Zoning Code (§ 7-25-1115) Medium relevance
  • Tulare County Zoning Code (§ 7-09-1315.) Medium relevance
  • CBC § 7 (§ 7-15-1940) Medium relevance

Cited sections

  • Tulare County Code: Chapter 11 (General Zoning Regulations) — adoption and map rules (§ **7-11-1010**, § **7-11-1025**) . (Downloaded from ) (Chapter 11)
  • Tulare County Code: Right to Farm — definitions and agricultural zone categories including **AE**, **AE‑10**, **AE‑20**, **AE‑40**, **AE‑80**, **A‑1**, **AF**, **TPZ** (§ **7-29-1000**) .
  • Tulare County Code: Airport Zoning — types/height limits and Airport Zoning Map (§ **7-13-1015**, § **7-13-1020**, § **7-13-1025**) .
  • Tulare County Code: Floodplain / flood hazard standards (development limitations, elevation requirements) (§ **7-27-1195**, § **7-27-1210**) .
  • Tulare County Code: Design conferences / Site Plan Review (subdivision and site plan procedures) (§ **7-01-1630**, § **7-01-1635**) .
  • Tulare County Code: Grading and exceptions (Foothill Combining Zone reference) (§ **7-15-1360**) .
  • Tulare County Code general building-permit review and cross‑references to Ordinance No. 352 (§ **7-15-1040**) .
  • TulareCounty_ZoningCode.md

Frequently asked questions

What can I build on an R‑1 lot in Tulare County?

The detailed permitted uses and numeric standards for an R‑1 or any specific base zone are defined in Ordinance No. 352 and shown on the Supplemental Zoning Map. The County Code explains that no use or building may be established that is not listed in the Zoning Ordinance for the zone in which the land is located (§ 7-11-1035) — but the R‑1 table itself was Not found in retrieved materials. Verify the specific R‑1 permitted uses and setbacks with the Resource Management Agency or the Ordinance No. 352 tables (§ 7-11-1035) .

What are Tulare County setback requirements?

The County code establishes building line/setback rules in the development standards chapter (e.g., 25 ft building-line examples for standard lots and corner-lot rules appear in the County code), but specific setbacks for a named zoning district (for example R‑1 front/rear/side) are maintained in the Zoning Ordinance. Example county general front‑setback language (residences: 25 ft from edge of right‑of‑way unless the Zoning Ordinance requires more) is in the code (§ 7-19-1005 and related subsections) — verify the district-specific table in Ordinance No. 352 and Tulare County Development Standards (§ 7-19-1005) .

Do I need design review in Tulare County?

Many subdivisions and projects require a design conference and Site Plan Review Committee input; the County’s subdivision and site plan rules mandate interagency design conferences for tentative maps and site plans (§ 7-01-1630, § 7-01-1635) . See Tulare County Design Review and confirm whether your specific base zone or overlay (e.g., Foothill Combining Zone) triggers site plan review.

What if my property is inside a flood zone?

Flood overlays (Zones A1–30, AE, etc.) impose elevation, anchoring and floodproofing requirements and in many cases prohibit mobilehomes in floodways; variances are tightly limited (§ 7-27-1195, § 7-27-1210, § 7-27-1300) . Confirm the Flood Insurance Rate Map designation with the County Floodplain Administrator and follow the subdivision/permit requirements in the flood chapter.

Are agricultural operations protected?

Yes — the County’s Right‑to‑Farm chapter recognizes a set of agricultural zones (including AE, AE‑10, A‑1, AF, TPZ) and states the County policy to conserve agricultural operations and limit nuisance-based restrictions on established agricultural operations (§ 7-29-1000) .

Does the Foothill Combining Zone affect grading?

Yes — the code points to special grading and slope stabilization plan requirements where the Foothill Combining Zone (or F zone) applies and refers to Section 18.7 of Ordinance No. 352 and County grading rules; grading exemptions/requirements are listed in § 7-15-1360 and related sections — verify in Ordinance No. 352 and with County planning staff before grading work .

Where do parking rules come from for a new store or warehouse?

Off‑street parking/loading requirements are established in the Zoning Ordinance and applied to subdivisions and site plans; the County’s Subdivision/Commercial guidance requires accommodating required off‑street parking and loading in plan layout (§ 7-01-1450, § 7-01-1455) — consult the Zoning Ordinance tables and Tulare County Parking for district-specific counts .

What are the airport height limits near county airports?

Airport approaches and related height limits are set by the County’s Airport Zoning Chapter; it defines approach/landing zones and applies height planes and limits based on runway geometry (§ 7-13-1015) and shows them on a separate Airport Zoning Map (§ 7-13-1020) .

Can I get a variance if my lot is nonconforming?

Variances may be granted where strict application creates practical difficulties or hardship, but there are explicit findings required (e.g., minimum necessary relief, no increased flood heights for flood areas). The Zoning Administrator or Planning Commission handles variances and appeals per the County code (§ 7-27-1265, § 7-27-1275) .

Where do I find the full list of permitted uses and dimensional tables?

The full lists and numeric dimensional tables are in Ordinance No. 352 (the Tulare County Zoning Ordinance) and on the County’s Supplemental Zoning Map. Those full tables were Not found in the retrieved materials here — verify directly with the Resource Management Agency or consult the County’s official copy of Ordinance No. 352 and the Supplemental Zoning Map (§ 7-11-1010) . ---

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