Waterford · Land use · Single-family home
Where is a single-family home allowed in Waterford?
In Waterford, a single-family home is allowed in 5 base zones (AG, RE, PS, RS and RM, all with a condition), needs an administrative use permit in 2 (OS and RH, all with a condition) and not allowed in 4 (Waterford use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: AG, RE, PS, RS and RM
- Needs a permit: OS and RH
- Not allowed: CC, CH, CG and CR
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Waterford Municipal Code use tables (read October 2026). Base zones only. General information, not legal advice — check with the city before you apply.
Zones where a single-family home can go
Waterford's code calls this use “Single-family residential unit”. Each row links to the use table it comes from. A zone marked “see note” has a condition in the code, for example upper floors only or a larger lot.
| Zone | Status | Code |
|---|---|---|
| AG Agricultural General | Allowed — see note Note Special regulations: On more than 3-acre parcel | § 17.08.030 |
| RE Rural Estates | Allowed — see note Note Special regulations: on 3 acres or more The code attaches note C to this zone. This page does not show it; read the code. The code attaches note D to this zone. This page does not show it; read the code. The code attaches note F to this zone. This page does not show it; read the code. The code attaches note G to this zone. This page does not show it; read the code. The code attaches note H to this zone. This page does not show it; read the code. The code attaches note J to this zone. This page does not show it; read the code. The code attaches note X to this zone. This page does not show it; read the code. | § 17.10.030 |
| PS Public and Semipublic | Allowed — see note Note **: Permitted only when accessory to a primary PS district use. Limited to one primary dwelling unit and one accessory dwelling unit per site, subject to the requirements of Section 17.70.060 , Accessory dwelling units. | § 17.18.020 |
| RS | Allowed — see note Note A: Rooms in a dwelling unit may be rented for occupancy by not more than three persons who are not members of a single housekeeping unit; provided that not more than two bedrooms shall be rented in each unit. Note 2: See Section 17.40.120, Mobile Homes and Travel Trailers. | § 17.20.030 |
| RM | Allowed — see note Note A: Rooms in a dwelling unit may be rented for occupancy by not more than three persons who are not members of a single housekeeping unit; provided that not more than two bedrooms shall be rented in each unit. Note 2: See Section 17.40.120, Mobile Homes and Travel Trailers. | § 17.20.030 |
| OS Open Space | Needs an administrative use permit — see note Note A: Permitted only when accessory to a primary open space use. Limited to one primary dwelling unit and one accessory dwelling unit per site, subject to the requirements of Section 17.70.060, Accessory dwelling units. | § 17.14.030 |
| RH | Needs an administrative use permit — see note Note A: Rooms in a dwelling unit may be rented for occupancy by not more than three persons who are not members of a single housekeeping unit; provided that not more than two bedrooms shall be rented in each unit. Note 2: See Section 17.40.120, Mobile Homes and Travel Trailers. | § 17.20.030 |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- Row is named 'Single-family residence' in AG and RE, 'Single-family residential' in OS, PS and commercial districts, 'Single-family residential unit' in RS/RM/RH.
- State law: State law lets most single-family lots add an ADU and a JADU (California ADU law) and a second home or a lot split under SB 9 (Gov. Code § 65852.21).
- Not covered here: PC district (no use table); Chapter 17.22 mobile home park district RM (S11, not used).. Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in Waterford
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a single-family home in the OS zone in Waterford?
Only with an administrative use permit. Waterford's use table lists it that way in OS (Open Space) (§ 17.14.030). The code adds a condition: “Permitted only when accessory to a primary open space use. Limited to one primary dwelling unit and one accessory dwelling unit per site, subject to the requirements of Section 17.70.060, Accessory dwelling units.”
Can I have a single-family home in the CC zone in Waterford?
No. Waterford's use table does not allow it in CC (§ 17.24.030).
Can I have a single-family home in the AG zone in Waterford?
Yes, with a condition. Waterford's use table lists it as allowed in AG (Agricultural General) (§ 17.08.030). The code adds a condition: “On more than 3-acre parcel”
General information, not legal advice.
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