Yountville — Development Standards

Last reviewed: July 3, 2026

Overview

This page extracts and explains Yountville’s local development standards found in the Town Zoning Code (Title 17). It focuses on dimensional controls (setbacks, heights, lot coverage, density, FAR) and how those vary by zone and special program. For general procedural topics such as permitting timelines or building-code details, see the linked planning and building resources below. For the town’s zoning map and district list, see the Yountville zoning & planning overview and the Town’s zoning pages. (/us/california/yountville) (/us/california/yountville/zoning)

Note on sources and scope: every requirement below is tied to the Town of Yountville Zoning Code (Title 17). Citations use the code section (§) and the file excerpt that contains it. If a specific item could not be read in the provided materials, the text explicitly says "Not found in retrieved materials" or "Verify with the jurisdiction."

Key rules that apply everywhere

• Setback measurement and allowable encroachments are governed by § 17.108 (Setback encroachments) .
• Floor Area Ratio rules and calculation, exemptions, and bonuses are in Chapter 17.100 (FAR) — see § 17.100.010–040 for method, exemptions, and bonuses (referenced where zones list FAR limits) .
• Height exceptions for architectural/mechanical features and rooftop uses: Chapter 17.104 (§ 17.104.010–020) .
• Rules for accessory structures and where they may be placed are in Chapter 17.112 (§ 17.112.020–050) .
• Off-street parking standards are in Chapter 17.116; see the town parking rules for application to each zone and special projects (/us/california/yountville/parking) .
• Design review requirements (where applicable) are administered under the town’s design-review chapter; see the Town’s design review page for process and applicability (/us/california/yountville/design-review) .
• Historic-review overlays and Old Town Historic rules are addressed in each zone’s chapter and in the historic chapter; see the Yountville historic preservation page for additional context (/us/california/yountville/historic-preservation) .
• ADU rules are regulated locally in Chapter 17.156 and must also conform to state ADU law; see the town ADU page (/us/california/yountville/adu) and California ADU law for required minimums (/us/california/california-adu-laws) .

District-by-district development standards

Below each district summary I list the code reference(s) and the most decision-relevant dimensional controls. Where the code delegates an element to a Master Development Plan or to other chapters, that is noted.

Notes on formatting: I bold each district name and the numeric standards readers scan for (setbacks, heights, FAR, lot coverage, density).

A — A, Agricultural

Purpose: Low‑density, agricultural/very low density residential uses. See § 17.16.010–060 for scope and standards.

• Typical permitted uses: agricultural uses, limited residential (employee housing exceptions exist) (§ 17.16.060) .
• Key standards:
  • Density: 1 unit per 10 gross acres (standard residential uses) — § 17.16.060 .
  • Minimum lot size: 10 acres — § 17.16.060 .
  • Maximum FAR: 0.05 — § 17.16.060 .
  • Maximum lot coverage: 5% — § 17.16.060 .
  • Setbacks: Front/Side/Rear = 20 ft (minimum) — § 17.16.060 .
  • Height: Residential 28 ft; nonresidential 30 ft (with smaller limits for agricultural auxiliaries near roads) — § 17.16.060 .

RS — RS, Single‑Family Residential

Purpose: Low‑density single‑family neighborhoods. See § 17.20.010–050.

• Typical permitted uses: single‑family dwelling, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), duplexes, limited home occupations — § 17.20.030 .
• Key standards (Table 17.20‑1 / § 17.20.050):
  • Maximum density: 7 units/acre — § 17.20.050 .
  • Lot size: Single‑family 4,000–8,000 sq ft (varies by housing type) — § 17.20.050 .
  • FAR: smaller lots (<8,000 sf) 0.30 living area / 0.35 total; larger lots lower FAR by table; duplex 0.40 — § 17.20.050 and Chapter 17.100 for calculation and exemptions .
  • Lot coverage: See zone rules (lot coverage definitions are uniform; many residential zones cap at 60% for multifamily/specific programs) — § 17.20.050 / Chapter 17.100 .
  • Minimum setbacks: Front 20 ft; Side 5 ft; Street‑side 10 ft; Rear 20 ft — § 17.20.050 .
  • Height: Two stories max; plate and peak limits given (one‑story: 15 ft plate / 20 ft peak; two‑story: 20 ft plate / 28 ft peak); additional block‑level limit that no more than 50% of parcels may exceed one story — § 17.20.050 .
• Practical note: setback encroachments (eaves, chimneys, porches) are handled under § 17.108; accessory structures have special placement rules under § 17.112 .

RM — RM, Multi‑Family Residential

Purpose: Moderate density multifamily housing. See § 17.24.010–050.

• Typical permitted uses: multifamily dwellings, duplexes, accessory residential uses — § 17.24.040 & table 17.24‑1 .
• Key standards:
  • Density: 8–10 units per gross acre (minimum/maximum ranges shown) — § 17.24.050 .
  • Lot sizes: single‑family 4,000–8,000 sf; multifamily 6,000 sf minimum — § 17.24.050 .
  • FAR: single‑family 0.25; duplex/multifamily up to 0.40 (subject to max square‑foot caps) — § 17.24.050 and Chapter 17.100 .
  • Setbacks: Front 20 ft; Side 5 ft; Street‑side 10 ft; Rear 20 ft — § 17.24.050 .
  • Height: two stories maximum; the same plate/peak numeric limits noted in RS apply — § 17.24.050 .

RM‑2 — RM‑2, Higher‑density Multi‑Family

Purpose: Higher-density multifamily options with minimum density targets (e.g., to encourage multifamily and affordable units). See § 17.26.010–050.

• Typical permitted uses: multifamily housing and related accessory uses — § 17.26.030–050 .
• Key standards (Table 17.26‑1):
  • Density: 10 units/acre (minimum); 20 units/acre (maximum) (with overlay/bonus mechanisms possible) — § 17.26.050 .
  • Lot size: single‑family/duplex/multifamily minimums typically 6,000 sf — § 17.26.050 .
  • Lot coverage: 60% maximum (definition of lot coverage spelled out) — § 17.26.050 .
  • FAR: single‑family 0.25; duplex/multifamily 0.40 (caps by square feet apply) — § 17.26.050 and Chapter 17.100 .
  • Setbacks / Height: setback pattern follows the general tables (front 20 ft, side 5 ft, rear 20 ft) and two‑story maximums apply with the same plate/peak measures — § 17.26.050 .

H — H, Old Town Historic

Purpose: Protect and manage development in the Old Town Historic district with context‑sensitive standards. See § 17.28.010–050 (Table 17.28‑1) and Historic chapter cross references.

• Typical permitted uses: residential types and compatible neighborhood uses; special historic review applies — see the historic preservation chapter (/us/california/yountville/historic-preservation) .
• Key standards (Table 17.28‑1 / § 17.28.050):
  • Density: Up to 8 units/acre (max shown) — § 17.28.050 .
  • Lot sizes, FAR: smaller‑lot rules and FAR caps similar to RS (with numeric caps and exemptions in Chapter 17.100) — § 17.28.050; Chapter 17.100 .
  • Setbacks: Front variable (10–20 ft depending on building height; setback can be reduced to block average but not <10 ft); Side 5 ft; Rear 20 ft — § 17.28.050 .
  • Height: two stories maximum; numeric plate/peak limits provided (one‑story 15 ft plate/20 ft peak; two‑story 20 ft plate/28 ft peak) and special block rules limiting how many parcels may exceed one story — § 17.28.050 .
• Additional: projects in H are often subject to design review and the Historic chapter; demolition triggers additional historic review and replacement‑project requirements — § 17.162.060 and § 17.158.010 for two dwelling residential developments within H .

OTC — OTC, Old Town Commercial

Purpose: Ground‑floor pedestrian‑oriented commercial along main streets (Washington Street) and mixed‑use downtown activity. See § 17.60.010–070.

• Typical permitted uses: retail, restaurants (with location limits), offices, mixed use, live/work, limited service uses — § 17.60.050–070 .
• Key standards (Table 17.60‑1 / § 17.60.070):
  • FAR: 0.25 base with possible +0.15 FAR bonus options for qualifying commercial alterations/uses (see § 17.178.040 for bonuses) — § 17.60.070; § 17.178.040 .
  • Minimum setbacks: front 10 ft (<15 ft high)** / **15 ft (15–18 ft)** / **20 ft (>18 ft); other setbacks often set by a Master Development Plan — § 17.60.070 .
  • Height: two stories maximum with numeric plate/peak limits and special top‑story floor area rules for massing control — § 17.60.070 .
  • Ground floor use: fronting Washington Street must be primarily pedestrian‑oriented — § 17.60.060 .

RC — RC, Regional/Commercial (commercial core)

Purpose: Commercial and mixed uses with design standards and possible FAR bonuses for housing conversions. See § 17.64.010–060 (Table 17.64‑1).

• Typical permitted uses: commercial, professional office, accessory commercial, and mixed‑use conversions — § 17.64.040–060 .
• Key standards:
  • Maximum lot size: 15,000 sf — § 17.64.060 .
  • FAR: base 0.25 with a potential +0.15 FAR bonus for qualifying conversions/uses — § 17.64.060; § 17.178.040 .
  • Setbacks & height: setbacks generally as determined by a Master Development Plan; general height limits are two stories with plate/peak numbers (single‑story plate/peak; two‑story 22 ft plate / 30 ft peak for RC) — § 17.64.060 .
  • Open space: minimum open space percentages apply by lot size in RC — § 17.64.060 .

PF — PF, Public Facilities

Purpose: Government, public utility, and related public education/service facilities. See § 17.48.010–060.

• Typical permitted uses: schools, utility facilities, public service buildings; most new uses require a Master Development Plan and/or use permits — § 17.48.020 .
• Key standards (Table 17.48‑1 / § 17.48.060):
  • FAR: base 0.25 with potential +0.15 FAR bonus by Master Plan — § 17.48.060; § 17.178.040 .
  • Setbacks: Front 15 ft; other setbacks as determined by Master Development Plan — § 17.48.060 .
  • Height: two stories maximum (plate/peak numbers similar to RC) — § 17.48.060 .
  • Master Development Plan process can modify many of these standards where the plan is explicit — § 17.48.060; § 17.192 (Master Development Plan) .

Quick reference table — selected decision‑critical standards

(Abbreviations: MDP = Master Development Plan. See Chapter 17.192 for how MDPs set or modify standards; see § 17.48.060 for PF examples.)

Selected stand‑alone rules and program specifics

• Two‑dwelling residential developments: a specific implemention of State Government Code 65852.21, allowed in H and RS, with numeric minimum and maximum unit sizes, FAR limited to the underlying zone, lot coverage capped at 60%, and maximum height for new detached two‑unit structures of 16 ft in some two‑unit configurations; see § 17.158.010 for the rules and submittal/permit requirements. Verify parcel eligibility and submittal checklist with Planning — § 17.158.010 .
• ADUs: the Town regulates ADUs in Chapter 17.156; local ADU rules must be consistent with state ADU law. See the town ADU page and the California ADU law for required minimums (e.g., 800 sf minimum unit size and minimum 4 ft side/rear setbacks per state law where not preempted). For how local setbacks and lot coverage interaction are applied check § 17.156 and state law — /us/california/yountville/adu and /us/california/california-adu-laws .
• FAR bonuses and exemptions: Chapter 17.100 governs FAR calculation, exemptions (e.g., certain non‑habitable areas), and bonuses (including affordable housing bonuses referenced in multiple zone tables) — § 17.100.010–040 .
• Setback encroachments (eaves, porches, bay windows, stoops) are specifically allowed in measured, limited ways under § 17.108.010 — consult that chapter for permitted projections and measurement methods .
• Auxiliary structures (garages, sheds) have their own setback and timing rules under Chapter 17.112 — see § 17.112.020–050 (including building‑code compliance and location rules) .
• Parking: required parking counts and special on‑street allowances (e.g., Old Town Historic on‑street shoulders) are in Chapter 17.116; parking may be relaxed for certain ADUs and affordable housing projects — see § 17.116.070–090 and each zone’s parking notation (/us/california/yountville/parking) .

Checklist (what an applicant must satisfy before applying)

• Confirm zoning for the parcel (which district: RS, RM, RM‑2, H, OTC, RC, PF, A) and applicable overlays (/us/california/yountville/zoning, /us/california/yountville/overlay-districts) .
• Calculate allowed FAR (Chapter 17.100) and any applicable FAR bonuses/exemptions (e.g., affordable housing bonuses) — § 17.100.010–040 .
• Confirm setbacks (front/side/rear) from the zone table (e.g., Front 20 ft / Side 5 ft / Rear 20 ft in RS/RM) and allowable encroachments under § 17.108.010 — § 17.20.050; § 17.108.010 .
• Confirm height limits (plate/peak numbers) and whether the project will exceed the block‑percentage one‑story rule — see § 17.20.050/17.24.050/17.28.050 .
• Verify lot coverage and impervious area rules (often 60% caps for multifamily/two‑dwelling programs) — zone table entries and Chapter 17.100 define lot coverage and related exceptions — § 17.26.050; § 17.100 .
• Determine parking requirements per Chapter 17.116 and confirm whether the project qualifies for parking reductions (ADU rules, affordable projects) (/us/california/yountville/parking) .
• Confirm whether design review and/or historic review applies (Old Town/Historic overlay often triggers design review) and prepare required materials (/us/california/yountville/design-review; /us/california/yountville/historic-preservation) .
• If a Master Development Plan exists or is required (PF/RC/OTC or specific parcels), obtain and follow that MDP — see Chapter 17.192 and zone MDP notes — § 17.192; verify if the MDP modifies setbacks, height, or FAR .
• For two‑unit projects using the Town’s two‑dwelling rules, assemble materials required by § 17.158.010 and the Planning Officer’s submittal policy (two dwelling unit permit) .
• Confirm how state laws (ADU law, state housing laws, and the California Building Standards Code) interact with local rules — see the Town’s ADU page and the California Building Standards Code page (/us/california/yountville/adu; /us/california/building-codes) .

Risks & Ambiguities

Plain‑English summary

If you own or plan to build in Yountville, first identify which local zone your property is in (for example RS, RM, OTC, H). Each zone spells out the basic rules: how many homes per acre, how big a house can be relative to the lot (FAR), how much of the yard the building can take (lot coverage), how far buildings must sit back from property lines (setbacks), and how tall they can be (two‑story limits and plate/peak numbers). Many of those rules are summarized in each zone’s development‑standards table (see e.g., § 17.20.050, § 17.24.050, § 17.26.050, § 17.60.070) and Chapters 17.100, 17.108, and 17.112 explain how FAR, setback encroachments, and accessory structure rules are calculated. Always verify with Planning whether a Master Development Plan or overlay modifies those numbers.

Information Gaps

• Parcel‑level Master Development Plans and the Zoning Map locations for every parcel (where an MDP modifies standards) — Not found in retrieved materials. Verify with the Town’s planning department and the zoning map.
• Full text of Chapter 17.156 (local ADU chapter) was referenced but not fully extracted in the retrieved snippets — see Town ADU page and confirm with Planning (/us/california/yountville/adu).
• Any administrative policies or checklists the Planning Officer issues for two‑dwelling permit submittals (the code refers to a separate policy) — Not found in retrieved materials; contact Planning to get the current submittal policy referenced in § 17.158.010.D.2.

Source References

• Town of Yountville Municipal Code, Title 17 (Zoning) — general index and Division/Chapter listings (ecode360 copy): https://ecode360.com/YO5040
• § 17.16.060 (A district development standards) — excerpted table and setbacks/height limits
• § 17.20.050 (RS district development standards; Table 17.20‑1) — setbacks, FAR, lot size, height limits
• § 17.24.050 (RM district development standards; Table 17.24‑1) — density, setbacks, FAR limits
• § 17.26.050 (RM‑2 district development standards; Table 17.26‑1) — density ranges, FAR, lot coverage
• § 17.28.050 (H — Old Town Historic development standards; Table 17.28‑1) — front setback options, height limits
• § 17.48.060 (PF district development standards; Table 17.48‑1) — FAR and MDP notes
• § 17.60.070 (OTC district development standards; Table 17.60‑1) — front setback by building height, FAR bonuses
• § 17.64.060 (RC district development standards; Table 17.64‑1) — FAR, size, and MDP references
• § 17.100.010–040 (Chapter 17.100 — Floor Area Ratio: calculation, exemptions, bonuses)
• § 17.108.010 (Setback encroachments rules) and Chapter 17.112 (Auxiliary structures) — measurement and projection rules
• § 17.158.010 (Two dwelling residential developments; special two‑unit rules) — includes unit size rules, 16‑ft height limit for some new detached units, lot coverage caps — § 17.158.010
• Town ADU guidance and state law references (for ADU minimums and setbacks): Town ADU page (/us/california/yountville/adu) and California ADU law (/us/california/california-adu-laws).

Retrieved passages

• Yountville Zoning Code (§ 17.158.010) High relevance show source text
• Yountville Zoning Code (Chapter 17.160) High relevance show source text
• CBC § 17.162.050 (§ 17.162.050) High relevance show source text
• Yountville Zoning Code (§ 9) High relevance show source text
• Yountville Zoning Code (§ 9) High relevance show source text
• Yountville Zoning Code (Chapter 17.160) High relevance show source text
• Yountville Zoning Code (Chapter 17.112) High relevance show source text
• Yountville Zoning Code (Chapter 17.192) High relevance show source text

Cited sections

• Town of Yountville Municipal Code, Title 17 (Zoning) — general index and Division/Chapter listings (ecode360 copy): (Title 17)
• **§ 17.16.060** (A district development standards) — excerpted table and setbacks/height limits (§ 17.16.060)
• **§ 17.20.050** (RS district development standards; Table 17.20‑1) — setbacks, FAR, lot size, height limits (§ 17.20.050)
• **§ 17.24.050** (RM district development standards; Table 17.24‑1) — density, setbacks, FAR limits (§ 17.24.050)
• **§ 17.26.050** (RM‑2 district development standards; Table 17.26‑1) — density ranges, FAR, lot coverage (§ 17.26.050)
• **§ 17.28.050** (H — Old Town Historic development standards; Table 17.28‑1) — front setback options, height limits (§ 17.28.050)
• **§ 17.48.060** (PF district development standards; Table 17.48‑1) — FAR and MDP notes (§ 17.48.060)
• **§ 17.60.070** (OTC district development standards; Table 17.60‑1) — front setback by building height, FAR bonuses (§ 17.60.070)
• **§ 17.64.060** (RC district development standards; Table 17.64‑1) — FAR, size, and MDP references (§ 17.64.060)
• **§ 17.100.010–040** (Chapter 17.100 — Floor Area Ratio: calculation, exemptions, bonuses) (§ 17.100.010)
• **§ 17.108.010** (Setback encroachments rules) and **Chapter 17.112** (Auxiliary structures) — measurement and projection rules (§ 17.108.010)
• **§ 17.158.010** (Two dwelling residential developments; special two‑unit rules) — includes unit size rules, 16‑ft height limit for some new detached units, lot coverage caps — **§ 17.158.010** (§ 17.158.010)
• Town ADU guidance and state law references (for ADU minimums and setbacks): Town ADU page (/us/california/yountville/adu) and California ADU law (/us/california/california-adu-laws). fileciteturn0file15turn0file13
• Yountville_ZoningCode.md

• Official Yountville code library