Local zoning · Westminster

Westminster — Land Use

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

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Last reviewed: July 3, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes how the City of Westminster's zoning ordinance controls what uses are allowed on land, how those uses are classified (permitted, Administrative Use Permit, Conditional Use Permit), and the key district-specific standards that determine whether a project is allowed. The City organizes permitted uses into tables by district and requires compliance with the land‑use permit rules and district development standards in this Title. See the ordinance for complete lists and definitions: § 17.200.020.B .

The remainder of this page stays strictly with the Westminster zoning/planning ordinance (Title 17) and summarizes the actual districts, typical permitted uses, and the decision‑relevant numeric standards (with code citations). Where the code points to another Article or a table, that is cited so you can verify the line‑item rule.

How the ordinance organizes uses (quick)

  • The ordinance lists uses as P (permitted), AUP (Administrative Use Permit), or CUP (Conditional Use Permit) in district tables (Tables 2‑2, 2‑4, 2‑6, 2‑8). See § 17.200.020.B and related table notes for the meaning and where to find the tables § 17.200.020.B .
  • All commercial/industrial activities (except parking) must be indoors unless the Title specifically allows otherwise § 17.200.020.C .
  • When a site sits in multiple zones, each portion must meet its district rules § 17.200.020.D .

District-by-district breakdown (purpose, typical uses, key dimensional standards, where it applies)

NOTE: The ordinance lists full, line-by-line permitted uses in the Tables referenced below. The following are focused summaries and the most frequently‑used numeric standards you will need at the entitlement stage.

Residential districts — R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5

  • Purpose: Establish single‑ and multi‑family residential development patterns and densities consistent with the General Plan § 17.210.015 .
  • Typical permitted uses: One‑family dwellings, accessory dwellings (ADUs / JADUs permitted), small home‑based businesses (P), family day care (P/AUP depending on size). More specialized residential uses (group care, boarding, larger day‑care, conversions) often require CUP. See the residential use table Table 2‑2 and development standards Table 2‑3 § 17.210.010 and § 17.210.015 .
  • Key dimensional standards (summary from Table 2‑3 / district text):
    • R-1 minimum lot size: 6,500 SF (corner) / 6,000 SF (other). Maximum height: 2 stories / 35 ft. See § 17.210.015 .
    • R-2 through R-5 densities scale upward: e.g., R-2 ≈ 1 unit / 3,600 SF, R-3 ≈ 1 / 3,000 SF, R-4 ≈ 1 / 2,400 SF, R-5 ≈ 1 / 1,800 SF; see Table 2‑3 and § 17.210.015 .
    • Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and junior ADUs are specifically permitted in residential zones (see § 17.400.135 referenced from the tables) .
  • Where it applies: All parcels mapped R‑1 through R‑5 on the City Zoning Map; refer to Table 2‑2 for use allowances § 17.210.010 .

(First mention: the ADU rules are summarized here — see the Westminster ADUs page for applied guidance.) Westminster ADUs

Commercial districts — CR, C-1, C-2, C-M (and related commercial classifications)

  • Purpose: Range from low‑intensity office and neighborhood retail (CR, C‑1) up to regional, freeway‑oriented retail and office (C‑2) § 17.220.005 .
  • Typical permitted uses: Retail, restaurants (limited types may need CUP), offices, personal services, professional services. Some uses (e.g., hotels, large entertainment, auto uses) carry CUP or special notes in Table 2‑4 § 17.220.005 and Table notes (see Table 2‑4) .
  • Key standards: Commercial development standards are set in Article 3 and the commercial district tables (setbacks, heights, FAR where applicable); see Table 2‑4 for use‑by‑district permissions and § 17.220.005 .
  • Where it applies: Districts mapped on the Zoning Map; commercial tables identify specific uses with P/AUP/CUP shown for each district § 17.220.005 .

(First mention: the municipal code requires that commercial parking and loading comply with the city's parking rules; see the Westminster Parking page.) Westminster Parking

Mixed‑Use districts — MU36, MU40

  • Purpose: Provide for integrated residential and commercial development at higher densities: MU36 = up to 36 du/acre, MU40 = up to 40 du/acre. The code allows vertical or horizontal mixtures and even single‑use projects within these zones § 17.260.005 .
  • Typical permitted uses: Residential, retail, offices, limited R&D; specific use table Table 2‑8 shows permitted vs CUP items § 17.260.010 .
  • Key dimensional standards (Table 2‑9, summarized):
    • MU36: maximum residential density 36 du/ac, mixed‑use max height 5 stories / up to 75 ft (mixed-use projects) § 17.260.015 .
    • MU40: maximum density 40 du/ac, mixed‑use max height 6 stories / up to 95 ft for mixed residential/nonresidential components § 17.260.015 .
    • FAR and specific setbacks differ for residential vs nonresidential components; see Table 2‑9 and § 17.260.015 .
  • Where it applies: Areas mapped MU36 or MU40; if project mixes uses, the code directs which development standards apply and refers back to R5 or C2 standards for missing items § 17.260.015 .

(First mention: mixed‑use projects typically must satisfy the city's Westminster Development Standards.)

Industrial districts — M-1 (Light Industrial), M-2 (Medium Industrial), CM

  • Purpose: Provide for light to medium industrial manufacturing, R&D, wholesaling, and limited warehousing; M-1 is lower intensity, M-2 broader manufacturing/distribution uses § 17.230.005 .
  • Typical permitted uses: Light manufacturing, research & development (R&D may be CUP), small warehouses; the industrial uses and whether they need CUP/AUP are listed in Table 2‑6 § 17.230.010 .
  • Key standards: Specific use permissions and development standards are in Table 2‑6 and applicable Article 3 standards; industrial yards and outdoor storage restrictions appear in the industrial chapter § 17.230.010 .
  • Where it applies: Parcels shown M‑1 / M‑2 on the Zoning Map § 17.230.005 .

Special Purpose districts — P/SP (Public/Semi‑Public), P/OS (Park/Open Space), SP (Specific Plan) and other special zones

  • Purpose and typical uses:
    • P/SP permits public buildings, police, fire, public schools, utilities and parks as P; some assembly/retail uses are allowed only with CUP; prohibited certain commercial storage and residential uses § 17.240.015 .
    • P/OS sets rules for parks/open space uses (see § 17.240.020) .
    • SP (Specific Plan) or PD (Planned Development) Overlay: site‑specific standards established via a Specific Plan or comprehensive plan; the PD Overlay sets density, undergrounding of utilities, and site‑specific standards determined at rezoning § 17.250.030 and § 17.240.030 .
  • Where it applies: Parcels mapped with these special designations and to the extent those chapters reference specific plans or overlay rules (e.g., PD or H Overlay) § 17.250.010 .

(First mention: overlays are discussed in detail on the Westminster Overlay Districts page.) Westminster Overlay Districts

Overlay highlights — Planned Development (PD) and Housing (H) Overlay

  • PD Overlay: Applied to large sites (minimum ½ acre) and permits Council to set the permitted uses and standards by comprehensive plan; requires underground utilities and ties height to street width § 17.250.030 .
  • H Overlay (Housing): Applied to sites identified in the Housing Element; mandates a minimum 30 du/net acre for new residential development and allows density bonus per Gov. Code 65915 § 17.250.035 .

(First mention: design or aesthetic reviews are often required for larger residential or nonresidential projects; check the city's Westminster Design Review rules.) Westminster Design Review

Quick reference table — decision‑relevant standards and where to read them

Topic Short standard / example Code reference
R‑1 minimum lot size 6,500 SF (corner); 6,000 SF (other) § 17.210.015
R‑1 height limit 2 stories / 35 ft § 17.210.015
R‑5 density ~19–25 du/ac (R5 district purpose) § 17.210.012 (district purpose)
MU36 / MU40 max density 36 du/ac (MU36); 40 du/ac (MU40); heights 5–6 stories as specified § 17.260.015 and Table 2‑9
Uses table mechanism Uses listed as P / AUP / CUP in Tables 2‑2, 2‑4, 2‑6 (use tables govern) § 17.200.020.B and Tables 2‑2/2‑4/2‑6
PD Overlay minimum site area ½ acre for PD overlay rezoning § 17.250.030.B.1
Housing (H) Overlay minimum density 30 du/net acre minimum for new residential § 17.250.035.B.1.a
Public/Semi‑Public allowed uses Police, fire, public schools, parks (some retail requires CUP) § 17.240.015

Checklist (what an applicant must satisfy before a use is established)

  • Confirm parcel zoning and any overlay(s) on the City Zoning Map and confirm which district table (Table 2‑2, 2‑4, 2‑6, or 2‑8) applies § 17.200.020.B .
  • Verify that your proposed land use appears as P, AUP, or CUP in the applicable Table; if not listed, the use is not permitted except by narrow exemptions § 17.200.020.B .
  • If AUP/ CUP required, prepare materials for Administrative or Conditional Use Permit per Chapter 17.550 and follow the review authority in Table 5‑1 § 17.600.015 and § 17.500.010 (review authority) .
  • Demonstrate compliance with district development standards (setbacks, lot size, height, density) in Tables such as Table 2‑3 or Table 2‑9 and Article 3 development standards § 17.210.015, § 17.260.015 .
  • Confirm parking and loading requirements under the city parking rules and provide required spaces § 17.260.015 (and Article 3 references) . (First mention: see Westminster Parking.) Westminster Parking
  • Check if project triggers Design Review thresholds (e.g., nonresidential ≥3,000 SF or residential ≥7 units) § 17.600.020 . (First mention: see Westminster Design Review.) Westminster Design Review
  • Confirm overlay rules (PD, H, Little Saigon, Civic Center overlays) that may modify permitted uses or standards § 17.250.010 and related overlay sections . (First mention: see Westminster Overlay Districts.) Westminster Overlay Districts
  • If proposing ADUs, follow ADU rules and exemptions in the code and applicable ADU section § 17.400.135 and local/state ADU rules (see Westminster ADUs and California ADU law). (First mention: Westminster ADUs.) Westminster ADUs California ADU law
  • For any conflict between district rules and Article 3 standards, note that Article 3 may govern per the conflict rules § 17.200.020.E .
  • Verify whether the property is historic or in a historic district (special restrictions) § 17.400.122 (SB9 exclusions) .
  • Secure building permits (Title 24 / California Building Standards Code) only after zoning entitlements; the code requires compliance with other legal requirements § 17.100.020.C (First mention: California Building Standards Code.) California Building Standards Code .

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Use not listed in tables Uses not expressly listed are generally not permitted; this can stop an application at intake Check the applicable table (Table 2‑2/2‑4/2‑6/2‑8) and consult the Director for interpretation § 17.200.020.B and § 17.120.015
Overlays modify or supplant rules Overlay provisions may override base zone rules (e.g., H Overlay min density) § 17.250.010 Verify overlay map label (e.g., C2‑LS‑PD) and read the overlay text § 17.250.010
Parcel split by zones Each portion must meet its district rules; development across lines requires careful entitlement Confirm lot lines vs zoning map layers and follow § 17.200.020.D
Subjective “similar uses” or interpretation Director is given interpretive authority; outcomes can vary Request a Director interpretation per § 17.120.015 and expect discretionary review if ambiguous
Historic or Housing Element constraints Historic listings can block ministerial approvals (e.g., SB9), H overlay imposes minimum densities Verify historic status and H‑overlay mapping; consult § 17.400.122 and § 17.250.035

Plain‑English Summary

Westminster's zoning code (Title 17) shows every district's allowed uses in tables — a use is allowed only if the table shows P (permitted) or you secure the listed permit (AUP/CUP). Each district (e.g., R‑1, MU36, M‑1) carries numeric rules for lot size, density, height and setbacks that projects must meet; overlays (like the H Overlay or PD) can add or change those rules. Verify the exact table entry and overlay before spending on plans; where the code is silent, seek an official interpretation. See the cited sections for the specific table line items § 17.200.020.B, § 17.210.015, § 17.260.015 .

Source References

  • Westminster Municipal Code, Title 17 (Zoning) — general rules about permitted uses and tables: § 17.200.020.B .
  • Residential Districts — Tables and development standards: § 17.210.010, § 17.210.015 (Table 2‑2, Table 2‑3) .
  • Mixed‑Use Districts and development standards (MU36 / MU40, Table 2‑8 / Table 2‑9): § 17.260.005, § 17.260.010, § 17.260.015 .
  • Industrial districts (M‑1 / M‑2) and use tables: § 17.230.005, § 17.230.010, Table 2‑6 .
  • Public/Semi‑Public and Park/Open Space districts: § 17.240.015, § 17.240.020 .
  • Overlay zones (PD, H Overlay, Civic Center): § 17.250.010, § 17.250.030, § 17.250.035 .
  • Procedure and land‑use permit prerequisites (what must be satisfied before construction permits): § 17.110.005, § 17.110.010 (Exemptions) .
  • Design Review Board thresholds and review authority: § 17.600.020 and administrative responsibilities § 17.600.015 .
  • SB9 two‑unit ministerial rules in R‑1 and related standards: § 17.400.122 .
  • Westminster pages referenced for applied topics (internal links used above):

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Westminster Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
  • Westminster Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
  • Westminster Zoning Code (Title in) High relevance
  • Westminster Zoning Code High relevance
  • Westminster Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
  • Westminster Zoning Code (Title after) High relevance
  • Westminster Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
  • Westminster Zoning Code (Title are) High relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

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

Most typical single‑family homes and accessory dwelling units are permitted in R‑1; accessory residential uses, small home businesses, and family day care (small) are allowed P. Larger or non‑listed uses (e.g., boarding houses, conversions) usually require a CUP. See the residential use table and development standards § 17.210.010 and § 17.210.015 .

What are Westminster setback and height requirements for single‑family lots?

Residential setbacks and the basic height limit (typically 2 stories / 35 ft in R‑1) and lot size minima are in Table 2‑3 and the R‑district development standards § 17.210.015; consult those table rows for side, front, and rear setbacks and special exceptions (eaves, porches) § 17.210.015 .

Are ADUs allowed in Westminster residential zones?

Yes. Accessory dwelling units and junior ADUs are shown as permitted in the residential district tables (referenced in the tables) and are subject to the ADU rules in the code (see the ADU section referenced from the tables § 17.400.135). Verify code section and any overlay restrictions § 17.210.015 and § 17.400.135 .

Do I need Design Review for my commercial or residential project?

Design Review thresholds are set by the Design Review Board: e.g., new residential projects of 7 or more units or nonresidential buildings 3,000 SF or larger generally require Design Review per § 17.600.020 .

What does P / AUP / CUP mean in the Westminster use tables?

The code defines permitted uses as P (permitted subject to code compliance and clearances), AUP (Administrative Use Permit required), and CUP (Conditional Use Permit required). The use tables (Tables 2‑2, 2‑4, 2‑6, 2‑8) show these symbols and the Director interprets ambiguities § 17.200.020.B and § 17.120.015 .

How do overlays (like PD or H) change permitted uses?

Overlay zones attach as suffixes (e.g., C2‑LS‑PD) and their text augments or supersedes base zone rules where conflicts exist. PD Overlay establishes site‑specific permitted uses/standards via a comprehensive plan; H Overlay can mandate minimum residential densities (e.g., 30 du/net acre) § 17.250.010, § 17.250.030, § 17.250.035 .

If my use is not listed in the tables, can the City approve it?

Generally no — unlisted uses are not permitted unless specifically exempted. The Director has interpretation authority for ambiguous cases; otherwise consider a rezoning or a discretionary permit route § 17.200.020.B and § 17.120.015 .

Are parking and loading rules separate from the use tables?

Yes — the use tables control whether a use is permitted and the applicable permit, but off‑street parking and loading requirements come from the development standards and parking rules in Article 3. Confirm required spaces per the parking standards § 17.260.015 and Article 3 references . (See Westminster Parking.) Westminster Parking

How does SB9 (two‑unit law) work in Westminster's R‑1 zone?

Westminster adopted objective standards for SB9 two‑unit housing in § 17.400.122; ministerial approval is possible if state and local objective requirements are met and the parcel is not excluded (e.g., historic property) § 17.400.122 .

When does an industrial use need a CUP?

Specific industrial uses and whether they are permitted or require CUP (e.g., R&D often CUP) are listed in Table 2‑6 and the industrial chapter § 17.230.010; consult the table and notes for conditional thresholds and special provisions § 17.230.010 . ---

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