Local zoning · Yolo County

Yolo County — Zoning

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

Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

Overview

Yolo County’s zoning rules live in the Yolo County Code, Title 8, Chapter 2 — the “Zoning Regulations” — and apply only in the unincorporated areas (the County’s towns and rural lands outside incorporated cities). § 8-2.101; § 8-2.103 . Zoning must be consistent with the County’s General Plan, and the County maintains the official zoning maps and updates them with each amendment. § 8-2.107; § 8-2.108 . If an overlay and a base zone conflict, the overlay controls. § 8-2.901 .

Key takeaway: Always identify both your base zone and any overlays on the County’s zoning map before designing a project — overlay rules prevail over the base zone. § 8-2.901; § 8-2.108

Use this page alongside the County pages for Land Use, Development Standards, Parking, Design Review, and Overlay Districts.

Zoning maps and boundaries (how to read them)

The Planning, Public Works & Environmental Services Department maintains the “Zoning Maps of the County of Yolo.” § 8-2.108 .
Boundary rules: when two zones are separated by a street or alley, the line is the street/alley centerline; if a riverbank is the line, it follows the ordinary low-water mark. § 8-2.109(a)–(g) .
General Plan–zoning consistency: Table 8-2.107 shows which zoning districts implement which land-use designations (e.g., A‑N/A‑X implement Agriculture; R‑L implements Residential Low; C‑L implements Commercial Local). § 8-2.107 (Table 8-2.107) .

Base Zoning Districts — Agricultural

A-N — Agricultural Intensive

Purpose: Preserve lands best suited for intensive agriculture on prime soils with reliable water. § 8-2.302(a)
Typical permitted uses: Agricultural production and compatible ag-support uses (see Use Types). § 8-2.303(a)
Key dimensional standards: New parcels must meet 40 acres (irrigated permanent crops), 80 acres (irrigated cultivated), or 160 acres (uncultivated/not irrigated). § 8-2.302(a); Table 8-2.305 (setbacks/height)
Where it applies: Countywide on prime ag lands in unincorporated areas; confirm on the zoning map. § 8-2.108

A-X — Agricultural Extensive

Purpose: Preserve rangeland/dry-land farming areas requiring larger parcels. § 8-2.302(b)
Typical permitted uses: Extensive agriculture (grazing, ranching) and compatible open-space functions. § 8-2.302(b)
Key dimensional standards: 160 acres (dry-land farming) or 320 acres (rangeland) for newly created parcels. § 8-2.302(b)
Where it applies: Countywide in foothill/wetland settings; verify on map. § 8-2.108

A-C — Agricultural Commercial

Purpose: Sites for commercial activities that support/enhance agriculture. § 8-2.302(c)
Typical permitted uses: Ag commercial and rural-recreation Use Types; rezoning to A‑C used when the primary use is significant ag-commercial. § 8-2.302(c); § 8-2.303(c)
Key dimensional standards: 1–20 acre parcels sized to the use. § 8-2.302(c)

A-I — Agricultural Industrial

Purpose: Rural locations for more intensive processing/industrial uses directly related to agriculture. § 8-2.302(d)
Key dimensional standards: Minimum new parcel size 5 acres (adequate to support the use). § 8-2.302(d)

A-R — Agricultural Residential

Purpose: Lots created by the County’s clustered agricultural housing program. § 8-2.302(e); § 8-2.403 (referenced)
Key dimensional standards: 2.5-acre minimum; may increase up to 4 acres for buffers/farmworker housing. § 8-2.302(e)
Where it applies: Only on home-site lots created per the cluster standards (e.g., within the Clarksburg Agricultural District program). § 8-2.401; § 8-2.302(e)

Notes for agricultural sites:

Specific use standards govern feedlots, dairies, reservoirs, oil/gas, etc. § 8-2.306(c)–(s) .
New homes in A‑N/A‑X must meet agricultural home-siting and stream/levee buffers. § 8-2.402(d)(vi) (100‑ft from streams) and related siting criteria; see cross-references also in residential notes below.

Base Zoning Districts — Residential

RR-5 — Rural Residential (5-acre minimum)

Purpose: Recognizes existing large-lot rural homes where no public water/sewer (e.g., Monument Hills). § 8-2.502(a)
Typical permitted uses: One primary home plus ancillary/second unit; certain farmworker housing. § 8-2.502(a); § 8-2.504(a)
Key dimensional standards: See Table 8-2.505; typical fronts are measured from property line or from roadway centerline (whichever greater). § 8-2.505 (notes)

RR-2 — Rural Residential (2-acre minimum)

Purpose: Existing low-density areas without public services (notably the Hardwoods area of Dunnigan). § 8-2.502(b)
Typical permitted uses: Rural homes with limited agricultural uses and animal keeping scaled to lot size. § 8-2.502(b)
Key dimensional standards: See Table 8-2.505 for setbacks/height; 2-acre minimum lot area. § 8-2.502(b); § 8-2.505

R-L — Low Density Residential

Purpose: Traditional low-density neighborhoods in unincorporated towns (e.g., Esparto, Knights Landing). § 8-2.502(c)
Typical permitted uses: Single-family, duplexes, small multifamily (3–4 units by Site Plan Review), and ADUs per County standards. § 8-2.504(a); § 8-2.506(b), (c)
Key dimensional standards: Minimum lot may be 1,200 sf where served by water/sewer; where services are limited, lots must be at least 2 acres; typical setbacks 10 ft front/20 ft rear/5 ft side; 35 ft height (up to three stories with Use Permit). § 8-2.502(c); § 8-2.505

R-M — Medium Density Residential

Purpose: Town neighborhoods with a mix of housing types; requires some public water/sewer. § 8-2.502(d)
Typical permitted uses: Multifamily; some neighborhood-serving nonresidential as “mixed use residential.” § 8-2.502(d)
Key dimensional standards: Typical setbacks 10/15/5; 40–50 ft height depending on permit; densities 10–20 du/ac. § 8-2.505

R-H — High Density Residential

Purpose: Higher-density apartments/townhomes in towns with full public services. § 8-2.502(e)
Typical permitted uses: Higher-intensity multifamily and a broader set of neighborhood-serving uses. § 8-2.502(e)
Key dimensional standards: Typical front 10 ft; side 10 ft; 50–60 ft height with Use Permit; ≥20 du/ac. § 8-2.505 (notes)

Notes for residential sites:

Residential use/permit tables are in § 8-2.504; ADUs/JADUs are addressed in § 8-2.506(b). Cross-check California housing laws where relevant.

Base Zoning Districts — Commercial

C-L — Local Commercial

Purpose: Neighborhood-serving retail/services; upper-floor residential ancillary allowed. § 8-2.602(a)
Key dimensional standards: Minimum lot 3,500 sf; no front setback; FAR 0.5 (1.0 if mixed use). § 8-2.605; § 8-2.602(a)

C-G — General Commercial

Purpose: Full range of retail/services/offices for rural communities; some heavier commercial by Use Permit. § 8-2.602(b)
Key dimensional standards: Minimum lot 5,000 sf; typical height up to 50 ft/4 stories; FAR 1.0 (2.0 mixed). § 8-2.605

DMX — Downtown Mixed Use (Esparto)

Purpose: Pedestrian-oriented main street with commercial at ground floor and housing/live-work above. § 8-2.602(c); § 8-2.606(a)
Key dimensional standards: Build to within 10 ft of front along Yolo/Woodland Avenues; minimum building height 22 ft on key frontages; max 50 ft/4 stories; residential density 10–20 du/ac; FAR up to 1.0 (2.0 mixed). § 8-2.605 (notes); § 8-2.606(a)(2)–(3)
Other: Additional notice/design standards and tailored signage regulations apply. § 8-2.606; § 8-2.1200s (DMX sign standards)

C-H — Highway Services Commercial

Purpose: Highway-oriented retail, lodging, fuel, and related services at major corridors. § 8-2.602(d)
Key dimensional standards: Minimum lot 10,000 sf; front 15 ft; typical height 40 ft; FAR 1.0. § 8-2.605

Base Zoning Districts — Industrial

I-L — Light Industrial

Purpose: Light manufacturing/processing, warehousing/distribution with limited impacts. § 8-2.702(a)
Key dimensional standards: Height up to 45 ft/4 stories; FAR 0.5; setbacks increase when abutting residential. § 8-2.705; § 8-2.702(a)

I-H — Heavy Industrial

Purpose: Heavier manufacturing/industrial that may involve noise, odor, vibration, or hazardous materials. § 8-2.702(b)
Key dimensional standards: FAR 0.5; height and yard standards per Table 8-2.705 (larger setbacks near residential). § 8-2.705; § 8-2.702(b)

OPRD — Office Park / Research & Development

Purpose: Campus-style employment and R&D centers with high design standards; often via a PD. § 8-2.702(c)
Key dimensional standards: FAR 1.0; typical height up to 65 ft/5 stories; minimum lot 1.5 acres. § 8-2.705; § 8-2.702(c)

Base Zoning Districts — Public & Open Space

P‑R — Parks & Recreation

Purpose: Existing/future County parks; certain recreation-supporting ancillaries allowed. § 8-2.802(a)
Development standards: No minimum lot; height 35 ft; very low FAR (0.025). Table 8-2.805

POS — Public Open Space

Purpose: Publicly-owned open space, water bodies, buffers, habitat preserves. § 8-2.802(b)
Development standards: Height 35 ft; FAR 0.001. Table 8-2.805

PQP — Public/Quasi-Public

Purpose: Civic/institutional uses (e.g., schools, libraries, airports, utilities). § 8-2.802(c)
Development standards: Front 5 ft (or match prevailing), 10–20 ft rear/side where abutting residential; height up to 50 ft/4 stories; FAR 0.5. Table 8-2.805 (notes)

Base Zoning District — Specific Plan

S‑P — Specific Plan

Purpose: Holds urbanizing areas until a specific plan is adopted; allows limited interim ag uses. § 8-2.902; § 8-2.904–905
Where applied: Covell/Pole Line Road area (north Davis) is identified. § 8-2.902 (Table 8-2.902-1)

Overlay Districts (apply in addition to base zoning)

Natural Heritage Overlay — NH‑O: Conservation areas under the Yolo Natural Heritage Program; uses must fit the adopted plan. § 8-2.903(a)
Agricultural District Overlay — AD‑O: Clarksburg Agricultural District standards; includes provisions for agricultural home-site parcels. § 8-2.401; § 8-2.903(b)
Delta Protection Overlay — DP‑O: Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta “primary zone”; uses must align with the Delta Protection Commission’s plan. § 8-2.903(c)
Sand & Gravel Overlays — SG‑O / SGR‑O: State MRZ‑2 mineral areas and reserves. § 8-2.903(d)
Tribal Trust Overlay — TT‑O: Federal tribal trust lands (note: outside County zoning jurisdiction for permitted uses). § 8-2.903(e)
Airport Overlay — A‑O: Within 10,000 ft of Yolo County Airport; restricts uses/heights per the CLUP and state law. § 8-2.903(f)
Planned Development — PD: Custom performance/design standards tied to a rezoning (e.g., PD‑45 Wild Wings; PD‑56 Dunnigan Truck & Travel Center). § 8-2.903(g) and Table 8-2.903‑2
Special Building “B” Overlay — B (B87): For areas without public water/sewer; sets a 2‑acre minimum for newly created residential lots/building permits; denoted “B87” on maps. § 8-2.903(h) and § 8-2.904(b) notes

At‑a‑Glance: Common Zoning Standards and Uses

Zone	Typical uses	Minimum new parcel size / intensity	Selected dimensional standards	Code reference
A‑N	Intensive agriculture; ag‑support	40/80/160 acres (by irrigation/crop); 1 primary dwelling + ancillary under siting rules	Front 20 ft or 50 ft from road centerline; residential height 40 ft; ag uses largely unrestricted height	§ 8-2.302(a); Table 8-2.305
A‑X	Extensive ag, grazing	160 acres (dry‑land) or 320 acres (rangeland)	Setbacks per Table 8-2.305; buffers increase near agriculture/levees	§ 8-2.302(b); Table 8-2.305 (notes)
RR‑2	Rural homes; limited ag	2 acres	See Table 8‑2.505 for setbacks/height	§ 8-2.502(b); § 8-2.505
R‑L	SF/duplex/small MF; ADUs	Density 1–10 du/ac; 1,200 sf min lot where served (≥2 ac if limited services)	10 ft front; 20 ft rear; 5 ft side; 35 ft height (up to 3 stories w/UP)	§ 8-2.502(c); § 8-2.505
DMX	Main-street mixed use	10–20 du/ac; FAR 1.0 (2.0 mixed)	Build-to ≤10 ft front; 22–50 ft height along key frontages	§ 8-2.606(a); § 8-2.605 (notes)
C‑L	Neighborhood retail/services	FAR 0.5 (1.0 mixed)	No front setback; height 35 ft	§ 8-2.602(a); § 8-2.605
I‑L	Light industrial	FAR 0.5	Height up to 45 ft/4 stories; buffers when near R zones	§ 8-2.702(a); § 8-2.705

Tip: Parking ratios and location rules (especially in DMX) are in Article 13; start with Table 8‑2.1306 and § 8‑2.1305 for DMX flexibility, then confirm in Parking. § 8-2.1305–1306

Checklist

Confirm parcel location is in unincorporated Yolo County (County, not a city). § 8-2.103
Identify base zone on the official zoning map and note any overlays (e.g., A‑O, B, PD). § 8-2.108; § 8-2.903
Check allowed uses and permit path in the applicable “Tables of Allowed Uses” (ag: § 8‑2.304; res: § 8‑2.504; com: § 8‑2.604; ind: § 8‑2.704; SP/overlays: § 8‑2.905).
Apply development standards (setbacks, height, FAR, density) for your zone. See Tables 8‑2.305, 8‑2.505, 8‑2.605, 8‑2.705, 8‑2.805.
If in DMX or a PD, confirm added design/notice standards and design review triggers. § 8-2.606; § 8-2.903(g)
Check floodplain/levee and stream buffer notes embedded in tables (and any landscaping/screening conditions). Table notes referencing § 8‑2.306(ad), (ae)
For ADUs/JADUs, follow § 8‑2.506(b) and consider California ADU law. § 8-2.506(b)
If a proposed use/structure doesn’t comply, review Variances and Exceptions and Nonconforming Uses. Verify with the jurisdiction.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Overlay vs. base zone conflicts	Overlay standards control and can change setbacks/uses (e.g., A‑O, B, PD)	Confirm all overlays on the map; apply § 8‑2.901 first.
“B87” Special Building overlay	Triggers a 2‑acre minimum for new rural lots without services	Look for “B87” on the map; apply § 8‑2.903(h) details.
Road/river boundary quirks	Setbacks often measured from property line or roadway centerline; river lines follow low water	Use § 8‑2.109 and table notes about centerline/arterials.
Floodplain/levee constraints	Extra findings and siting limits for projects in flood hazard areas or near levee toes	Table notes referencing § 8‑2.306(ad), (ae).
DMX design and notice rules	Adds height minimums, build-to lines, signage, and neighbor notice for use changes	Apply § 8‑2.606(a) and DMX sign rules; [Design Review] steps.
PD districts are project-specific	PDs carry custom standards and maps	Find your PD number in Table 8‑2.903‑2 and its ordinance.
Airport overlay height/use	A‑O can cap heights and limit uses	Cross-check CLUP compliance per § 8‑2.903(f).

Plain-English Summary

Unincorporated Yolo County divides land into agricultural, residential, commercial, industrial, public/open-space, and specific-plan zones, with overlays that can tighten or customize rules. Check your map designation, then use the zone’s tables for allowed uses and the development standards for setbacks, heights, FAR, and densities; overlays like the B (2‑acre minimum) or Airport areas can add extra limits. § 8-2.108; § 8-2.305/505/605/705/805; § 8-2.903

Source References

Title, scope, and consistency: § 8-2.101; § 8-2.103; § 8-2.107; § 8-2.108; § 8-2.109 (Table 8‑2.107)
Agricultural zones: § 8-2.301–302; Tables 8‑2.304, 8‑2.305; § 8‑2.306; § 8‑2.402–403
Residential zones: § 8-2.501–506; Tables 8‑2.504–505
Commercial zones: § 8-2.601–606; Tables 8‑2.604–605; DMX signage § 8‑2.1200s; Parking § 8‑2.1305–1306
Industrial zones: § 8-2.701–705 (Table 8‑2.705)
Public/open-space: § 8-2.801–806; Table 8‑2.805
Specific Plan and overlays: § 8-2.901–905 (including Table 8‑2.903‑2)

Also see: Yolo County zoning & planning overview, California Building Standards Code.

Sources

Retrieved passages

Yolo County Zoning Code High relevance
Yolo County Zoning Code High relevance
Yolo County Zoning Code High relevance
Yolo County Zoning Code (Article 11.) High relevance
CFC § 6 (Section 8-2.1002) High relevance
Yolo County Zoning Code (Section 8-2.401) High relevance
Yolo County Zoning Code (Section 8-2.225.) High relevance
Yolo County Zoning Code (chapter with) Medium relevance
Yolo County Zoning Code (Section 8-2.403) High relevance
Yolo County Zoning Code (Section 8-) Medium relevance
Yolo County Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
Yolo County Zoning Code (Section 8-2.403) Medium relevance
Yolo County Zoning Code (Section 8-2.1002) High relevance
Yolo County Zoning Code (Article 2) High relevance
Yolo County Zoning Code (Article 8) High relevance
Yolo County Zoning Code (Article 9) High relevance
Yolo County Zoning Code (§ 6) Medium relevance
Yolo County Zoning Code (Article 7) Medium relevance
Yolo County Zoning Code (Section 8-2.1002) High relevance
Yolo County Zoning Code High relevance
Yolo County Zoning Code (Section 8-2.606) High relevance
Yolo County Zoning Code (Article 11) High relevance
Yolo County Zoning Code Medium relevance
Yolo County Zoning Code (Article 14.) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official Yolo County code library

Frequently asked questions

What can I build on an A‑N (Agricultural Intensive) parcel?

Primarily agriculture and compatible support uses; new parcels must be at least 40/80/160 acres depending on irrigation and crop type. One primary dwelling is allowed per parcel, with siting standards and stream buffers applicable. See § 8-2.302(a) and Table 8‑2.305 for acreage and setbacks.

What’s the minimum lot size in RR‑2, and where does it apply?

RR‑2 requires 2 acres and recognizes existing very‑low‑density areas without public services, notably the Hardwoods area of Dunnigan. Apply Table 8‑2.505 for setbacks/height. § 8-2.502(b); § 8-2.505

Are duplexes and small multifamily allowed in R‑L?

Yes. Duplexes are allowed, and small multifamily (3–4 units) can be approved by Site Plan Review if standards are met. See Table 8‑2.504(a) and § 8‑2.506(c).

Do I need design review or special standards in the DMX zone (Esparto)?

Projects must meet DMX design/notice standards (build‑to lines, ground‑floor retail along key streets, height minimums) and signage rules tailored to the district; some projects also go through Design Review. See § 8‑2.606(a) and DMX sign standards.

What is the “B87” overlay and how does it affect me?

The Special Building “B” overlay sets a 2‑acre minimum for newly created lots and for home building permits where parcels lack public water/sewer; it appears on maps as “B87.” Existing (already created) lots are not subject to the 2‑acre threshold. § 8‑2.903(h); § 8‑2.904(b)

How are heights and FAR handled in commercial zones?

C‑L allows up to 35 ft and FAR 0.5 (1.0 mixed), C‑G up to 50 ft/4 stories and FAR 1.0 (2.0 mixed), DMX up to 50 ft/4 stories with minimum heights on key frontages, and C‑H up to 40 ft and FAR 1.0. Table 8‑2.605 and § 8‑2.606(a).

Are ADUs allowed in unincorporated residential areas?

Yes, ADUs/JADUs are allowed per County standards in § 8‑2.506(b). State ADU rules may also apply; see California ADU law for context. § 8‑2.506(b)

What extra rules apply near the Yolo County Airport?

Parcels within the Airport Overlay (A‑O) must meet height and use restrictions consistent with airport CLUPs and state law. Check § 8‑2.903(f) and confirm on the zoning map.

How are zone boundaries measured along streets and water?

If zones are split by a street or alley, the boundary is at the centerline; along the Sacramento River/Putah Creek, the line follows the ordinary low-water mark. § 8‑2.109(a)–(g)

Do floodplains or levees change the standard setbacks?

Yes. Projects in floodplains require specific findings, and development near levee toes is restricted; tables throughout the code flag these conditions. See notes referencing § 8‑2.306(ae) and § 8‑2.306(ad).

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