Winters Zoning, Planning & Building Codes

Last reviewed: July 3, 2026

Overview

Winters’s land-use rules are codified in Title 17 — Zoning of the municipal code; the title sets the zoning map, district rules, and the permit and review procedures that implement the General Plan (short title and scope at § 17.04.010 and § 17.04.030) . This page orients developers, property owners and residents to where the principal rules live: the introductory chapters (definitions and map adoption), district standards and matrices (including Tables referenced in Chapters 17.52 and 17.56), the downtown form‑based code (the D‑A and D‑B districts), the planned development overlay (P‑D), and the city’s permit paths (ministerial building permits vs discretionary use permits and variances) as implemented through the community development director, the zoning administrator, the planning commission and the city council (§ 17.04.050, § 17.58.015, § 17.48.010, § 17.16.050) .

(If you want to jump to the local code’s zoning menu, see Winters Zoning.)

How Winters's code is organized

• Title: the zoning rules are collected in Title 17 — Zoning (short title) § 17.04.010 .
• Introductory chapters: Definitions, purpose and components of the zoning ordinance are in Chapter 17.04 (notably § 17.04.050 on the ordinance components and § 17.04.060 on the zoning map) .
• Matrices and tables: permitted uses and numerical standards are included as integrated matrices and tables (the code says these matrices are adopted as part of the title; development standards and use lists are called out in the tables in Chapters 17.52 and 17.56) § 17.04.080 and the district pages that point to Tables 2–4 .
• Entitlements and procedures are grouped into thematic chapters: Use permits (Chapter 17.20, e.g. § 17.20.030), Variances (Chapter 17.24), Design review (Chapter 17.36), Planned Development overlay (Chapter 17.48), the Form‑Based Downtown rules (Chapter 17.58) and the ADU rules (Chapter 17.98) — each chapter contains the findings, noticing, and decision‑maker roles you’ll need to follow .

Navigation tip: start at Chapter 17.04 (overview and maps) and then open the district matrix tables in Chapters 17.52/17.56 to read the numeric standards that apply to a parcel; if a property is in the downtown regulating plan, use Chapter 17.58 for the form‑based standards and build‑to/setback rules § 17.58.015 .

Zoning district families

Winters uses conventional residential, commercial, industrial, open‑space and special downtown districts as shown in the code’s matrices (Table 5 and related tables). Key families and how they appear in the code:

• Residential: A‑1 (Agriculture), R‑R (Rural Residential), R‑1 (Low Density), R‑2 (Medium), R‑3 (Medium‑High), R‑4 (High). Table 5 lists density ranges for each (for example R‑1: 1.1–7.3 units/acre, R‑4: 10.1–20.0 units/acre) § 17.60.010 – Table 5 .
• Commercial / Office: C‑1 (Neighborhood Commercial), CBD (Central Business District), O‑F (Office/Function). Table 5 ties these to residential density ranges where applicable § 17.60.010 – Table 5 .
• Overlays & downtown: a formal downtown form‑based code divides downtown into D‑A and D‑B districts (regulating plan, frontage types and downtown height/setback rules are in Chapter 17.58) § 17.58.015 . The city also uses a P‑D (Planned Development) overlay for site‑specific flexible standards (Chapter 17.48, purpose and application § 17.48.010–020) .
• Parks/Open Space: P‑R (parks and recreation) and O‑S (public open space) refer readers to the standard tables in Chapters 17.52/17.56 for allowed uses and numeric standards (§ 17.44.150 and § 17.44.160) .

Where the code points you to specific tables, those tables are the authoritative place for permitted uses and numerical limits for that district (see the references to Tables 2–4 in the district sections) § 17.44.150 .

Citywide development standards (high level)

Winters splits “where to look” (base rules) and downtown form‑based rules (which override some base‑zone rules in the downtown plan area).

• Setbacks, encroachments and exceptions: the code lists standard yard and setback rules and explicit exceptions (bay windows, eaves, cornices, trellises, garage setbacks, and creek‑bank setbacks such as 50 ft or 100 ft around Putah/Dry Creek) — see § 17.56.020 and the creek setback rules § 17.56.020 and § 17.56. excerpts for creek setbacks § 17.56.XXX (creek setbacks called out in the code) . Example numeric items: a 20 ft minimum front setback for garages is codified in the setback exceptions § 17.56.020(B)(2) .
• Heights and exceptions: general height exceptions and limited height increases for certain architectural features are covered in § 17.56.020(A); downtown height caps are explicit in the downtown chapter (typical maximum 45 ft in many downtown frontages; some secondary streets 35 ft) § 17.56.020(A) and § 17.58.060 .
• FAR / lot coverage: the code references floor area ratio and lot coverage standards in the development tables and requires tabular FAR summaries for PD permit applications (§ 17.48.050(B)(3) and tables in Chapters 17.52/17.56) .
• Parking & loading: off‑street parking, loading dimensions and bicycle parking standards are in the parking chapter; bicycle parking is required at 1 space per 10 auto spaces and loading‑space dimensions are listed (minimum loading dimensions: 10 ft × 35 ft, 14 ft clear height) § 17.72.080 and the loading standards excerpt in the code (see the loading dimensions block) . For practical rules about on‑site vehicle parking, see the Winters Parking page.
• Landscaping and screening: required landscape and irrigation plans and the requirement to meet state Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance are in Chapter 17.76 § 17.76.010–020 .

(If you need the numeric auto‑parking table for a specific use, start with the district’s matrix in Chapters 17.52/17.56 and then the parking chapter; first reference the Winters Development Standards and Winters Parking pages.)

Design and discretionary review

• Design review is a formal chapter: Chapter 17.36 sets when design review is required (for example: any new single‑family home; multifamily new construction; nonresidential buildings ≥ 500 sq ft) and gives the planning commission the design criteria (mass, materials, screening, landscaping) § 17.36.020–040 . (See also the downtown chapter that makes downtown form‑based standards mandatory for qualifying projects § 17.58.060(A)(1)) .
• Use permits and variances: discretionary entitlements follow Chapters 17.20 (use permits; findings and who decides in § 17.20.030–040) and 17.24 (variances; findings and appeal periods in § 17.24.040–070) . Zoning administrator authority to handle certain permits and minor modifications (including some use permits, variances to setbacks/height, temporary permits, small lot splits) is explicitly described in the code (see the list of projects the zoning administrator may approve) § 17.24.050 and the detailed “projects subject to zoning administrator review” block .
• Downtown form‑based code: projects in D‑A and D‑B are subject to mandatory standards and to design review before building permits are issued; downtown sets maximum residential density in the downtown core (20 du/acre) and downtown heights (typically 45 ft) § 17.58.060 and § 17.58.015 .

(Quick link: the city’s rules on design review are summarized on the Winters Design Review page.)

Specific plans & overlays

• Planned development overlay (P‑D): the code includes a P‑D overlay with its own permit process — PD overlays may be applied to any base zone to allow flexible regulations when a special site design is justified (§ 17.48.010–020). PD applications must include detailed plans, topography, FAR/tabular summaries, parking and proposed public dedications and the PD overlay is shown on the zoning map as “‑PD” (§ 17.48.050 and § 17.48.080) . The council must make findings that the PD is consistent with the General Plan and that utilities and public services will be adequate (§ 17.48.060) .
• Downtown specific plan / form‑based: Chapter 17.58 implements the downtown master/regulating plan through D‑A and D‑B districts, assigns street typologies, frontage types and build‑to lines, and makes many of the downtown standards mandatory for qualifying projects § 17.58.010–040 .
• Historic preservation: Winters maintains a cultural resources/historic chapter (Chapter 17.108) with permit criteria for historic resources; where a property is in a historic district, additional design constraints apply § 17.108.060–070 .

(For the map‑level overlays in Winters, consult the official zoning map referenced in § 17.04.060 and the Winters Overlay Districts page.)

Building permits & review — practical permit path

• Ministerial (building permit / plan check) path: chapter 17.16.050 lists ministerial projects that the Community Development Director (and city engineer where applicable) can approve without discretionary public hearing — that list explicitly includes building permits and tenant improvements (when no discretionary review is triggered), demolition, grading, site plans tied to a building permit, certificates of occupancy, lot line adjustments, and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) as ministerial items § 17.16.050 . ADUs are handled by the ministerial ADU chapter (Chapter 17.98) and have a 60‑day statutorily required processing timeline when the application is complete § 17.98.020(B)(3) .
• Discretionary path (public hearing): if an application requires a use permit, variance, planned development approval or design review at the planning commission, the application will follow the noticing and public hearing timelines in Chapters 17.16 / 17.20 / 17.24 / 17.48 (e.g., findings and hearings for use permits § 17.20.030 and variances § 17.24.040) . The code also requires CEQA review where applicable § 17.20.020 .
• Decision makers & appeals: routine ministerial permits are signed by the community development director; the zoning administrator handles some use permits, variances and temporary activities (§ 17.24.050, § 17.32.020); the planning commission is the usual body for discretionary approval and appeals proceed as set in § 17.16.070 and Chapter 2.44 of the Municipal Code § 17.16.070 .
• Enforcement & revocation: the Community Development Director enforces Title 17 (functioning as zoning administrator) and the code provides revocation provisions for PDs, use permits and variances where conditions are not met (§ 17.40.010, PD revocation/expiration § 17.48.090–100) .

For building‑code technical compliance, the Winters code explicitly references the California Building Standards (Title 24) when describing ADU height, conversions and some technical requirements; see ADU provisions that cross‑reference Title 24 § 17.98.030(D),(I) and the general statement that Title 24 applies to structural/technical code requirements (see ADU chapter) . For the state building code text, consult the California Building Standards Code.

State housing law in Winters

Winters’s Title 17 incorporates and implements multiple state housing laws in the local procedure; below are the key, Winters‑specific code references and the practical effect.

• Accessory dwelling units (ADUs & JADUs): Winters maintains Chapter 17.98 (Accessory Dwelling Units). The chapter: (a) adopts ministerial ADU approval consistent with state law and requires ministerial processing and a 60‑day completeness/decision timeline § 17.98.020(B)(3); (b) sets local development standards (max 1,200 sq ft cap, minimum detached ADU 150 sq ft, and reduced side/rear setbacks for detached ADUs 4 ft where the ADU is ≤ 800 sq ft and ≤ 16 ft tall) § 17.98.030(A–D); (c) clarifies parking and FAR treatment (ADU size not counted toward site FAR; no additional off‑street parking required for ADUs; replacement parking rules when garages are converted) § 17.98.030(E),(I) . These provisions reflect Winters’s local implementation of state ADU policy; see the Winters ADUs page for a practitioner checklist.
• Density bonus and affordable housing: the code references density bonus provisions and affordable housing chapters — the PD rules explicitly say “density bonus provisions of §§ 17.60.010–17.60.030 apply” and Chapter 17.200 contains inclusionary housing particulars for larger projects (inclusionary plans and agreements) § 17.48.040(B) and § 17.200.040 .
• SB 9 / ministerial duplex and lot‑split rules: Winters’s code lists ministerial project types and authorizes small lot splits and ministerial approvals for certain lot adjustments (lot splits on parcels under one‑half acre may be approved by the zoning administrator when consistent with the title and Subdivision Map Act) § 17.16.050(B)(4) and the zoning administrator powers list § 17.24.050 / projects subject to zoning administrator review . The code text supplied does not explicitly name “SB 9” or recite SB 9 ministerial procedures; developers should verify current local practice with the community development department. If you are using state SB 9 authority (ministerial lot splits/duplexes), confirm whether Winters has local implementing rules or check with staff for an SB 9 checklist (not explicitly found in the retrieved Winters excerpts).
• Rent control / eviction limits: Winters’s Title 17 (zoning) does not contain rent stabilization or tenant‑protection rules in the zoning excerpts retrieved; the presence of city rent‑control or eviction‑limit ordinances is Not found in the retrieved materials — verify with the city clerk or municipal code outside Title 17 for any local rent regulations.
• ADU building‑code cross references: the ADU chapter references Title 24 for structural and technical compliance (e.g., conversion of garages, mechanical code compliance) § 17.98.030(D) . For the state technical rules, see the California Building Standards Code.

Summary: Winters has a dedicated ADU chapter implementing state ADU law ministerially and refers developers to density bonus and inclusionary housing chapters; explicit SB 9 text was not located in the supplied excerpts — confirm with the community development director.

Information Gaps

• The uploaded excerpts provide the core of Title 17, but I did not find an explicit, up‑to‑date SB 9 implementing ordinance or explicit SB 9 chapter text in the materials retrieved. Verify current SB 9 processing (ministerial lot split / duplex ministerial approval) with the city staff.
• A consolidated parking table for every use and the complete Tables 2–4 (the code instructs you to consult Chapters 17.52/17.56 tables) were referenced but the full numeric matrices were not pasted here; consult Chapters 17.52 and 17.56 in the municipal code for the exact auto‑parking ratios and the full use matrices.
• I did not find a municipal rent‑control ordinance within the Title 17 excerpts provided — verify with the full municipal code and city clerk.

Source References

• Title 17, Zoning — Intro, components, zoning map: § 17.04.010, § 17.04.050, § 17.04.060 .
• Ministerial permits and list of ministerial projects (including ADUs): § 17.16.050 (Ministerial permits) .
• Design review requirements and criteria: § 17.36.010–040 (Design review chapter) .
• Form‑based downtown code (D‑A, D‑B), downtown heights and density: § 17.58.010–060 (including § 17.58.015, § 17.58.060) .
• Planned Development overlay (P‑D) purpose, application, findings, map designation: § 17.48.010–080 .
• Residential density matrix (Table 5 listing A‑1, R‑R, R‑1, R‑2, R‑3, R‑4, C‑1, CBD, O‑F, P‑D) and density ranges: § 17.60.010 and Table 5 .
• Setbacks, height exceptions, creek setbacks and accessory structure rules: § 17.56.020–030 and related subsections (setback exceptions, garage setbacks, creek setbacks) .
• Parking, loading and bicycle parking: parking chapter references including bicycle parking § 17.72.080 and loading dimensions (see parking/loading excerpts) .
• Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) chapter: Chapter 17.98 — §§ 17.98.010–030 (ministerial processing, sizes, setbacks, parking and Title 24 cross‑references) .
• Zoning administrator powers, discretionary review roles, revocation/expiration rules: § 17.24.050, § 17.48.090–100, § 17.40.010 (enforcement duties) .