Local zoning · Westmorland

Westmorland — Land Use

Q: Can I put a duplex or triplex on my property?

Yes, in R-2 duplexes and triplexes are permitted by right if you meet density and site standards; four or more units (under fifteen) require a conditional use permit. Minimums include 2,000 sf of lot area per unit, 20 ft front setback, and 35 ft height limit (§ 3.02(b)–(d) ).

Q: Are apartments allowed in R-4?

Yes, but multi-family dwellings in R-4 are listed as conditional uses, so you’ll need a CUP. Standards include 1,500 sf of lot area per unit, 15 ft front setback, and 35 ft max height (§ 3.03(c)–(d) ).

Q: Can I develop a mobile home park?

Mobile home parks are allowed in R-4 if they meet the Mobile Home Park Development Standards; RV parks require the -RV overlay and a CUP. Both have detailed site, recreation area, and sanitation requirements (§ 3.03(b); § 4.10; § 3.04(d) ).

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

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

Overview

Westmorland regulates land use through the City of Westmorland Zoning Ordinance (Ordinance No. 13-01), which establishes base districts and an RV overlay, and controls where specific uses are allowed by right or with a conditional use permit. Land may be used only as the ordinance permits, so your first step is to confirm the parcel’s base zoning and any overlays on the official zoning map (§ 1.04; § 2.03 ). Newly annexed land defaults to the Single Family zone unless and until rezoned (§ 2.05 ). For a broader context, see the city’s zoning and development standards guides.

Plain-English rule of thumb: if a use is not listed as permitted or conditionally permitted in your district, you can’t do it on that site (§ 1.04 ).

Where uses are allowed at a glance

The table below synthesizes the ordinance’s district-by-district permissions and the most decision-relevant dimensional standards.

District	Typical By-Right Uses	Typical Conditional Uses	Key Dimensional Standards	Code Reference
R-1 Single Family	Single-family homes; accessory structures	Second units/“ADUs” with conditions; churches; schools; public facilities; parks; utilities; home occupations	Min lot area: 6,000 sf; front: 20 ft; side: 5 ft (street side 8 ft); rear: 20 ft; height: 35 ft; lot coverage: 50%; carport may encroach with Planning Commission approval	§ 3.01
R-2 Low/Med MF	Any R-1 use; duplexes and triplexes	4+ unit MF (less than 15); churches; schools; public facilities; parks; utilities; home occupations	Density: 1 unit/2,000 sf; min lot: 7,000 sf; front: 20 ft; side: 5 ft (street side 8 ft); rear: 20 ft; height: 35 ft; lot coverage: 50%	§ 3.02
R-4 High-Density MF	Single-family; mobile home parks (per § 4.10)	Multi-family (any unit count); churches; schools; public facilities; parks; utilities; home occupations	Density: 1 unit/1,500 sf; min lot: 7,500 sf; front: 15 ft; side: 5 ft (street side 8 ft); rear: 20 ft; height: 35 ft; lot coverage: 50%	§ 3.03; § 4.10
C Commercial	Retail; offices/clinics; commercial recreation; private nonprofit uses; hotels/motels; parking lots; transportation terminals	Auto-related services; churches; schools; ag equipment sales/rental; public facilities; parks; utilities; wholesale distributors; storage of empty beehives	Min lot: 7,500 sf; front: 10 ft; side: none (street side 10 ft; 15 ft if adjoining “R”); rear: none (but 10 ft if abutting/across from “R”); height: 35 ft; coverage: 80%	§ 3.05
I Industrial	Warehousing/wholesale; manufacturing/processing; beehive storage; truck/tractor repair	Large assembly venues; commercial storage of petroleum products	Front: 15 ft; side: street side 10 ft, and 15 ft if adjoining “R”; rear: 25 ft if abutting/across from “R”; height: 50 ft	§ 3.06
OS Open Space	Agriculture; habitat/resource preservation; hazard-prone areas; outdoor recreation including parks and utility easements	Commercial recreation; residential on parcels ≥10 acres; utilities; City Hall/Fire/Police	Dimensional standards not specified in retrieved excerpts (see “Information Gaps”)	§ 3.07
-RV Overlay	Recreational vehicle parks and related accessory/manager uses (CUP required); commercial activity ancillary to park operations (no public-facing signs)	Overlay applies “in addition to” base zone; more stringent rule controls	Min site: 1.5 acres; site width: 150 ft; pad separation: 10 ft; front: 15 ft; landscaped side/rear buffers (20 ft) where adjoining “R”; height: 35 ft; coverage: 80%; min rec area: 5,000 sf; sanitation facilities required	§ 3.04

District-by-district guidance

R-1 — Single Family (R-1)

Purpose: Low-density single-family homes on lots of at least 6,000 sf, protected from incompatible uses (§ 3.01(a) ).
By-right uses: Single-family dwellings and accessory structures; detached second units on lots over 15,000 sf if they meet separation and other provisions (§ 3.01(b) ).
Conditional uses: “Second dwelling units” with size/parking/ownership limits; churches; educational institutions; public services; parks; utilities; home occupations (§ 3.01(c) ).
Key standards: 20 ft front; 5 ft sides (8 ft on street side); 20 ft rear; 35 ft height; 50% lot coverage; Planning Commission may allow an open-frame carport to encroach into the front setback (§ 3.01(d) ). See parking ratios in § 4.05 for required spaces (§ 3.01(d)(ix); § 4.05 ).
Where it applies: Citywide single-family areas; all newly annexed land defaults to R-1 until rezoned (§ 2.05 ).

R-2 — Low/Medium Density Multi-Family (R-2)

Purpose: Allows small multi-family formats while protecting neighborhood character (§ 3.02(a) ).
By-right uses: Any R-1 use; two- and three-family dwellings (§ 3.02(b) ).
Conditional uses: Four or more units (less than 15); churches; schools; public facilities; parks; utilities; home occupations (§ 3.02(c) ).
Key standards: Density minimum 2,000 sf per unit; min lot 7,000 sf; 20 ft front; 5/8 ft side (interior/street); 20 ft rear; 35 ft height; 50% coverage (§ 3.02(d) ).

R-4 — High-Density Multi-Family (R-4)

Purpose: High-density multi-family, including mobile home parks, at appropriate sites (§ 3.03(a) ).
By-right uses: Single-family dwellings and mobile home parks (must meet Mobile Home Park Development Standards, § 4.10) (§ 3.03(b); § 4.10 ).
Conditional uses: Multi-family (any unit count), churches, schools, public facilities, parks, utilities, home occupations (§ 3.03(c) ).
Key standards: 1,500 sf per dwelling unit minimum lot area; min lot 7,500 sf; 15 ft front; 5/8 ft side (interior/street); 20 ft rear; 35 ft height; 50% coverage (§ 3.03(d) ).

C — Commercial (C)

Purpose: City-serving general commercial and office uses, with some transportation-oriented services (§ 3.05(a) ).
By-right uses: Retail; financial and professional offices/clinics; commercial recreation; private nonprofits; hotels/motels; parking lots; transportation terminals (§ 3.05(b) ).
Conditional uses: Auto repair/painting/washing; churches; schools; heavy ag equipment sales/rentals; public facilities; parks; utilities; wholesale distributors; storage of empty beehives (§ 3.05(c) ).
Key standards: Min lot 7,500 sf; 10 ft front; sides/rear: none except additional buffers near “R” zones; 35 ft height; 80% coverage (§ 3.05(d) ). Commercial parking is typically 1 space/250 sf (§ 4.05(b) ).

I — Industrial (I)

Purpose: Accommodates wholesale, manufacturing, assembly, processing, and large storage (§ 3.06(a) ).
By-right uses: Wholesale/warehouse; manufacturing/processing; storage of empty beehives; tractor/truck repair and related uses (§ 3.06(b) ).
Conditional uses: Large-assembly venues; commercial storage of petroleum products (§ 3.06(c) ).
Key standards: No min lot size; 15 ft front; 10 ft street-side; 15 ft where adjoining “R”; 25 ft rear if abutting/across from “R”; 50 ft height (§ 3.06(d) ).

OS — Open Space (OS)

Purpose: Preserve resources, manage production, provide outdoor recreation, and protect public health/safety (§ 3.07(a) ).
By-right uses: Agriculture; resource preservation; hazard-area open space; outdoor recreation including parks and utility easements (§ 3.07(b) ).
Conditional uses: Commercial recreation; residential on parcels ≥10 acres; utilities; City Hall/Fire/Police (§ 3.07(c) ).
Key standards: Not found in retrieved materials.

-RV — Recreational Vehicle Park Overlay

How it works: Applied as a suffix to a base zone (e.g., C-RV); overlay rules apply in addition to base-zone rules, and the more stringent standard controls (§ 3.04(a)–(c) ).
Uses: RV parks and tightly limited accessory/manager uses; all subject to a CUP (§ 3.04(c) ).
Key standards: Min site 1.5 acres; width 150 ft; pad separation 10 ft; 15 ft front; 20 ft landscaped buffers along sides/rear adjoining “R”; 35 ft height; 80% coverage; required 5,000 sf recreation area and specified sanitation facilities (§ 3.04(d) ).

Supplementary provisions that affect land use decisions

Map and boundaries: The adopted zoning map governs, and the City Council resolves boundary uncertainties (§ 2.03; § 2.04 ).
Access: Every building must have safe access from a public street and provide service access and required parking (§ 4.02; § 4.05 ).
Yard/height exceptions: Front yard averaging is allowed; certain vertical projections aren’t subject to height limits (§ 4.03 ).
Parking/loading: Selected minimums include commercial at 1 space/250 sf, hotels/motels 1 per unit, and assembly uses 1 per 3 seats; off‑street loading required for uses distributing goods (§ 4.05; § 4.06 ).
Screening/fences: Front-yard fences max 4 ft; side/rear 6 ft; industrial uses next to residential require a 6 ft solid masonry wall; minor deviations may be approved (§ 4.07 ). See also landscaping and screening.
Conditional Use Permits: Process, findings, appeals, and revocation standards are in § 5.02 (§ 5.02 ). Consider whether design review also applies; Verify with the jurisdiction.
Nonconforming uses: May not expand; lapse after 180 days of discontinuance; replacement uses must conform (§ 5.03 ). See nonconforming uses.
Density bonus: Up to 35% bonus with incentives for qualifying affordable/senior projects (§ 6.04 ).
Second units/ADUs: R-1 references “second dwelling units” with local limits (§ 3.01(c); § 6.01 ). State law may preempt some local restrictions—see Westmorland ADUs and California ADU law. For broader state preemption topics, see California housing laws.

Checklist

Look up the parcel’s base district and any overlays on the official zoning map (§ 2.03 ).
Confirm the proposed use is listed as permitted or conditional in the district (§§ 3.01–3.07 ).
If conditional, prepare a CUP application that addresses required findings and potential conditions (§ 5.02 ) and consider variances and exceptions only for relief from standards—not to permit a prohibited use.
Verify the site meets minimum lot size/width/depth and plan for required setbacks, height, and lot coverage (§§ 3.01–3.06 ).
Check parking and loading requirements (§ 4.05; § 4.06 ).
Add any adjacency buffers where a commercial/industrial use abuts “R” zones (see C/I standards, §§ 3.05–3.06 ).
If proposing an RV park or mobile home park, meet the -RV overlay or § 4.10 standards as applicable (§ 3.04; § 4.10 ).
Ensure fencing/screening complies (§ 4.07 ); see signage separately (§ 4.08; Not found in retrieved materials).
If using older “second unit” provisions, reconcile with current ADU law (see § 6.01; Verify with the jurisdiction) and ADUs.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
R-1 “lot width minimum 120 ft” text	The R-1 standards list both a 50 ft lot width and “Lot Width minimum 120 ft,” which likely intends “Lot Depth”	Confirm the correct R-1 lot depth with Planning or the adopted code page (§ 3.01(d) )
R-4 multi-family by CUP	R-4 lists all multi-family as conditional, which is unusual for a high-density zone	Confirm local practice for MF approvals in R-4 and whether specific thresholds trigger CUP (§ 3.03(c) )
ADU/“Second unit” local limits	Older local limits (size, owner occupancy, parking) may be preempted by state ADU law	Coordinate with staff and apply current state ADU standards where they supersede (§ 3.01(c); § 6.01 )
OS standards	Dimensional standards for OS are not shown in the retrieved excerpts	Ask staff for OS development standards or confirm that projects are case-by-case (§ 3.07 )
C/I adjacency buffers	Extra setbacks/landscaping kick in where commercial/industrial sites adjoin “R” zones	Map adjacency early and size your site plan accordingly (§ 3.05(d); § 3.06(d) )
Off-site parking	Some uses allow parking within 500 ft; agreements may be needed	Document legal access/rights to off-site stalls (§ 4.05(b), (e) )
Design review triggers	Not specified in retrieved materials	Check if your project requires design review. Verify with the jurisdiction

Plain-English Summary

Figure out your site’s zone, then look up what the ordinance allows there. Homes go in R-1, small multi-family in R-2, higher-density or mobile home parks in R-4, shops/offices in C, and manufacturing in I. If your use needs a CUP, plan for a hearing and conditions. Make sure your plan meets the basics: minimum lot size, setbacks, height, coverage, and the right number of parking spaces—and add buffers if you’re next to homes.

Information Gaps

Detailed OS dimensional standards: Not found in retrieved materials.
Full text of § 4.08 Signage and § 6.01 Second Dwelling Units: Not found in retrieved materials.
R-2-T and R-3 zones are listed in classifications but not detailed: Not found in retrieved materials.

Source References

§ 1.04 (Compliance with the Ordinance)
§ 2.03 (Zoning Map); § 2.04 (Zone Boundaries); § 2.05 (Newly Annexed Territory)
§ 3.01 (R-1 Single Family)
§ 3.02 (R-2 Low/Medium Density Multi-Family)
§ 3.03 (R-4 High Density Multi-Family)
§ 3.04 (Recreational Vehicle Park Overlay)
§ 3.05 (Commercial)
§ 3.06 (Industrial)
§ 3.07 (Open Space)
§ 4.02 (Access); § 4.03 (Exceptions/Modifications)
§ 4.05 (Off-Street Parking); § 4.06 (Loading); § 4.07 (Fences/Walls/Hedges)
§ 4.10 (Mobile Home Park Development Standards)
§ 5.02 (Conditional Use Permits); § 5.03 (Nonconforming Uses)
§ 6.04 (Density Bonus and Incentives)

Sources

Retrieved passages

CBC § 5.02 (section 5.02) High relevance
Westmorland Zoning Code (SECTION 5.02) High relevance
Westmorland Zoning Code (SECTION 2.03) High relevance
Westmorland Zoning Code (Section 4.7) High relevance
Westmorland Zoning Code (Section 3.01) High relevance
Westmorland Zoning Code (Section 4.5) High relevance
Westmorland Zoning Code (Section 4.5) High relevance
Westmorland Zoning Code (Section 5.02) High relevance

Cited sections

§ 1.04 (Compliance with the Ordinance) (§ 1.04)
§ 2.03 (Zoning Map); § 2.04 (Zone Boundaries); § 2.05 (Newly Annexed Territory) (§ 2.03)
§ 3.01 (R-1 Single Family) (§ 3.01)
§ 3.02 (R-2 Low/Medium Density Multi-Family) (§ 3.02)
§ 3.03 (R-4 High Density Multi-Family) (§ 3.03)
§ 3.04 (Recreational Vehicle Park Overlay) (§ 3.04)
§ 3.05 (Commercial) (§ 3.05)
§ 3.06 (Industrial) (§ 3.06)
§ 3.07 (Open Space) (§ 3.07)
§ 4.02 (Access); § 4.03 (Exceptions/Modifications) (§ 4.02)
§ 4.05 (Off-Street Parking); § 4.06 (Loading); § 4.07 (Fences/Walls/Hedges) (§ 4.05)
§ 4.10 (Mobile Home Park Development Standards) (§ 4.10)
§ 5.02 (Conditional Use Permits); § 5.03 (Nonconforming Uses) (§ 5.02)
§ 6.04 (Density Bonus and Incentives) (§ 6.04)
Westmorland_ZoningCode.md

Frequently asked questions

What can I build on an R-1 lot in Westmorland?

A single-family home and typical accessory structures are allowed by right. “Second dwelling units” can be allowed but subject to specific conditions (size, separation, parking, and ownership/affordability provisions); confirm applicability in light of current ADU law (§ 3.01(b)–(c) ).

Can I put a duplex or triplex on my property?

Yes, in R-2 duplexes and triplexes are permitted by right if you meet density and site standards; four or more units (under fifteen) require a conditional use permit. Minimums include 2,000 sf of lot area per unit, 20 ft front setback, and 35 ft height limit (§ 3.02(b)–(d) ).

Are apartments allowed in R-4?

Yes, but multi-family dwellings in R-4 are listed as conditional uses, so you’ll need a CUP. Standards include 1,500 sf of lot area per unit, 15 ft front setback, and 35 ft max height (§ 3.03(c)–(d) ).

Can I develop a mobile home park?

Mobile home parks are allowed in R-4 if they meet the Mobile Home Park Development Standards; RV parks require the -RV overlay and a CUP. Both have detailed site, recreation area, and sanitation requirements (§ 3.03(b); § 4.10; § 3.04(d) ).

What businesses are allowed in the Commercial (C) zone?

Retail stores, offices/clinics, hotels/motels, parking lots, and transportation terminals are typical by-right uses. Auto repair, schools/churches, ag equipment sales/rentals, public facilities, utilities, wholesale distributors, and storage of empty beehives require a CUP (§ 3.05(b)–(c) ).

What are the setbacks for a commercial building?

Generally: 10 ft front; no interior side or rear setback unless near residential, where added buffers apply (e.g., 15 ft side, 10 ft rear when abutting or across from “R”). Height is capped at 35 ft and lot coverage at 80% (§ 3.05(d) ).

Are warehouses and light manufacturing allowed in Industrial (I)?

Yes. Warehousing/wholesale and manufacturing/processing are permitted, with special standards if the site adjoins residential (e.g., increased side/rear setbacks). Petroleum storage and large assembly venues require a CUP (§ 3.06(b)–(d) ).

How much parking do I need for a store or hotel?

Commercial uses typically require 1 space per 250 sf; hotels/motels require 1 space per living/sleeping unit. Some uses may place parking within 500 ft of the building with appropriate arrangements (§ 4.05(b), (d)–(e) ).

Do I need design review in Westmorland?

Design review procedures are not specified in the retrieved ordinance excerpts. Some projects may be subject to local review policies in addition to zoning; Verify with the jurisdiction.

My use predates the code—can I keep it?

Possibly, as a legal nonconforming use. If it ceases for 180 days or is replaced by another use, the new use must comply; expansions aren’t allowed unless they bring the site closer to conformity (§ 5.03(b) ).

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