Title 9 — PLANNING AND ZONING›Article 3 — ZONES
Menifee Zoning Code Ch. 9.125 Agricultural and Rural Residential Zones
Menifee Zoning Code · 2026-10 edition · updated 2026-10-19 · Menifee
Cite as: Menifee Zoning Code Chapter 9.125 · Text as of 2026-10-19
Contents:
9.125.010 Purpose
9.125.020 Description and Intent of Zone
9.125.030 Allowed Uses and Approval Requirements
9.125.040 Development Standards
9.125.010 Purpose¶
The purpose of this chapter is to establish agricultural and rural zones that provide appropriate locations for agricultural, rural mountainous, rural residential uses. These zones are consistent with and implement the adopted General Plan.
9.125.020 Description and Intent of Zone¶
The following descriptions identify the characteristic uses, intensity of uses, and level of development intended for each zone:
- Agricultural (AG). Agricultural land including row crops, groves, nurseries, dairies, poultry farms, and other related uses. One single-family detached residence allowed per 10 acres except as otherwise specified by a policy or zoning.
- Rural Mountainous (RM). Single-family detached residences with a minimum lot size of 10 acres. Generally characterized as areas of at least 10 acres where there are extensive areas of steep slopes of 25% or greater. Allows limited animal keeping, agriculture, recreational uses, governmental uses.
- Rural Residential, 5-acre minimum (RR5). Single-family detached residences with a minimum lot size of 5 acres. Animal keeping, and agricultural uses are expected and encouraged; also allows recreational uses and governmental uses.
- Rural Residential, 2-acre minimum (RR2). Single-family detached residences on parcels of 2 to 5 acres. Limited agriculture and equestrian and animal keeping uses are expected and encouraged.
- Rural Residential, 1-acre minimum (RR1). Single-family detached residences on parcels of 1 to 2 acres. Limited agriculture, equestrian, and animal keeping uses are expected and encouraged.
- Rural Residential, ½-acre minimum (RR1/2). Single-family detached residences on parcels of ½ to 1 acre. Limited agriculture and animal keeping is permitted. Intensive animal keeping is discouraged.
9.125.030 Allowed Uses and Approval Requirements¶
- Allowed Use Table. Table 9.125.030-1 identifies allowed uses and corresponding approval requirements for the agricultural and rural zones subject to compliance with all other provisions of this Title. Descriptions/definitions of many of the land uses can be found in Article 6 of this title (Definitions). The list of land uses on Table 9.125.030-1 shall be permitted in one or more of the agricultural or rural residential as indicated in the columns corresponding to each zone.
- Approval Requirements. Where indicated with a letter “P” the use shall be a permitted use. A letter “C” indicates the use shall be conditionally permitted subject to the approval of a conditional use permit. Where indicated with a “--,” the use is prohibited within the zone. The Additional Requirements column in the table identifies additional use regulations for specific uses and/or the specific chapter or section where additional regulations for that use type are located within this title, where applicable. Uses for which additional requirements are listed shall be allowed only upon satisfaction of the specified additional requirements. Under no circumstances shall Table 9.125.030-1 authorize a use without satisfaction of such specified additional requirements
- Unlisted Uses. Uses not specifically listed in this table shall be considered not permitted in all of the listed zones. The Community Development Director may make a determination pursuant to Chapter 9.95 (Similar Use Determination that new uses not listed here that have substantially similar characteristics to specific listed permitted uses may be considered permitted as the similar use by right, or conditionally as appropriate.
Table 9.125.030-1 Agricultural and Rural Residential Zones - Allowed Uses and Approval Requirements
| Allowed Use | AG | RM | RR5 | RR2 | RR1 | RR1/2 | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RESIDENTIAL USES | RESIDENTIAL USES | RESIDENTIAL USES | RESIDENTIAL USES | RESIDENTIAL USES | RESIDENTIAL USES | RESIDENTIAL USES | RESIDENTIAL USES |
| Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) | P | P | P | P | P | P | Chapter 9.25 (Special Housing Types) |
| Bed & breakfast establishment | C | C | C | C | C | C | Chapter 9.245 (Bed & Breakfast Uses) |
| Congregate care facilities | — | — | — | — | C | C | Chapter 9.270 (Care Facilities) |
| Duplex (two-family dwelling) | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| Emergency shelters | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| Employee Housing 6 or fewer residents No more than 12 units or 36 beds | P P | P -- | P -- | P -- | P -- | P -- | |
| Family day care home, large | P | P | P | P | P | P | Chapter 9.60 (Large Family Day Care Permit) |
| Family day care home, small | P | P | P | P | P | P | |
| Farmworker Housing 6 or fewer residents No more than 12 units or 36 beds | P P | P -- | P -- | P -- | P -- | P -- | |
| Group Residential Facility 6 or fewer residents 7 or more residents | P C | P C | P C | P C | P C | P C | 9.270 (Community Care Facilities) |
| Guest house | P | P | P | P | P | P | Chapter 9.295 (Special Housing Types) |
| Home Occupation | P | P | P | P | P | P | Chapter 9.255 (Home Occupation and Home-Based Business) |
| Home-Based Businesses | P | P | P | P | P | P | Chapter 9.255 (Home Occupation and Home-Based Business) |
| Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU) | P | P | P | P | P | P | Chapter 9.295 (Special Housing Types) |
| Manufactured Home | P | P | P | P | P | P | |
| Mobile home park | — | — | — | — | -- | C | Chapter 9.295 (Special Housing Types) |
| Multiple family | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| Residential Care Facility | -- | -- | -- | -- | C | C | 9.270 (Community Care Facilities) |
| Short-term rentals (less than 30 days) | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| Single- family detached | P | P | P | P | P | P | |
| Single-room occupancy units/ |
— | — | — | — | — | — | Chapter 9.295 (Special Housing Types) |
| Supportive housing | P | P | P | P | P | P | |
| Transitional housing | P | P | P | P | P | P | |
| NON-RESIDENTIAL USES | NON-RESIDENTIAL USES | NON-RESIDENTIAL USES | NON-RESIDENTIAL USES | NON-RESIDENTIAL USES | NON-RESIDENTIAL USES | NON-RESIDENTIAL USES | NON-RESIDENTIAL USES |
| Animals, Small (e.g. hamsters, rabbits, chinchillas, and similar sized animals) Non-Commercial Commercial | P C | P C | P C | P C | P C | P C | Chapter 9.235 (Animal Keeping) |
| Animals, Medium (e.g. sheep, goats, pigs, and similar sized animals) Non-commercial Commercial | P C | P C | P C | P C | P -- | P -- | Chapter 9.235 (Animal Keeping) |
| Animals, Large (e.g. cows, horses, camels, llamas, and other similar sized animals) Non-commercial Commercial | P C | P -- | P C | P C | P -- | P -- | Chapter 9.235 (Animal Keeping) |
| Animal rescue | C | C | C | C | C | -- | Chapter 9.235 (Animal Keeping) |
| Apiary (non-commercial) | P | P | P | P | P | P | Chapter 9.235 (Animal Keeping) |
| Aquaculture (commercial raising of fish, frogs, shellfish, algae, etc.) | C | C | C | -- | -- | -- | Chapter 9.235 (Animal Keeping) |
| Aviary (non-commercial) Fewer than 50 birds. Greater than 50 birds | P C | P C | P C | P C | P C | P C | Chapter 9.235 (Animal Keeping) |
| Cemetery or Mausoleum | C | C | C | C | -- | -- | |
| Collection Containers | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | |
| Farms and agricultural operations Non-commercial Commercial | P C | C C | P C | P C | P C | C C | |
| Fowl, non-crowing (Non-commercial) | P | P | P | P | P | P | Chapter 9.235 (Animal Keeping) |
| Fowl, crowing (non-commercial) | P | P | P | P | P | -- | Chapter 9.235 (Animal Keeping) |
| Future Farmers of America and 4-H Educational Programs | P | P | P | P | P | P | Chapter 9.235 (Animal Keeping) |
| Educational Institution | C | C | C | C | C | C | |
| Event Facilities | — | — | C | C | — | — | |
| Golf Courses | C | C | C | C | C | C | |
| Governmental facilities | C | C | C | C | C | C | |
| Kennels and catteries | C | — | C | C | C | C | Chapter 9.235 (Animal Keeping) |
| Marijuana dispensaries, mobile marijuana dispensaries, marijuana cultivation, and marijuana processing | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| Nurseries (wholesale and open to the public) | P | -- | C | C | C | -- | Does not include cultivation of marijuana/ |
| Parks and recreation areas | P | P | P | P | P | P | |
| Petting Zoo | P | C | C | C | C | C | Chapter 9.235 (Animal Keeping |
| Public utility facilities | C | C | C | C | C | C | |
| Religious Facilities | C | C | C | C | C | C | |
| Shooting Ranges | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | |
| Stable, riding academy, large animal boarding | P | -- | C | C | C | C | Chapter 9.235 (Animal Keeping) |
| Vineyards and wineries | C | C | C | C | C | C | |
| Wireless Communication Facilities | C | C | C | C | C | C | Chapter 9.290 (Wireless Communication Facilities) |
(2024-384, 02/07/2024)
Effective on: 3/8/2024
9.125.040 Development Standards¶
The development standards listed below are the minimum standards for development within the respective zones.
Table 9.125.040-2 Agricultural and Rural Residential Zones - Development Standards
| Standard | AG | RM | RR5 | RR2 | RR1 | RR1/2 | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LOT DIMENSIONS (Minimum) | LOT DIMENSIONS (Minimum) | LOT DIMENSIONS (Minimum) | LOT DIMENSIONS (Minimum) | LOT DIMENSIONS (Minimum) | LOT DIMENSIONS (Minimum) | LOT DIMENSIONS (Minimum) | LOT DIMENSIONS (Minimum) |
| Goss Lot Area (Acres) 3 | 10 | 10 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 0.5 | |
| Lot Width (Feet) | 100 | 100 | 100 | 80 | 70 | 60 | |
| Lot Depth (Feet) | 150 | 150 | 120 | 100 | 100 | 90 | |
| Frontage (Feet) | 50 | 50 | 50 | 40 | 40 | 30 | |
| Frontage for a flag lot (Feet) | 40 | 40 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 25 | |
| SETBACKS (Minimum) 1 | SETBACKS (Minimum) 1 | SETBACKS (Minimum) 1 | SETBACKS (Minimum) 1 | SETBACKS (Minimum) 1 | SETBACKS (Minimum) 1 | SETBACKS (Minimum) 1 | SETBACKS (Minimum) 1 |
| Front Yard (Feet) | 40 | 40 | 40 | 25 | 25 | 20 2 | |
| Corner Side Yard (Feet) | 40 | 40 | 20 | 15 | 15 | 15 | |
| Interior Side Yard (Feet) | 25 | 25 | 15 | 15 | 10 | 10 | |
| Rear Yard (Feet) | 25 | 25 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | |
| BUILDING HEIGHT (Maximum) | BUILDING HEIGHT (Maximum) | BUILDING HEIGHT (Maximum) | BUILDING HEIGHT (Maximum) | BUILDING HEIGHT (Maximum) | BUILDING HEIGHT (Maximum) | BUILDING HEIGHT (Maximum) | BUILDING HEIGHT (Maximum) |
| Building Height (Feet) | 35 | 35 | 35 | 35 | 35 | 35 | Chapter 9.160 (General Development Standards) |
| BUILDING COVERAGE (Maximum) | BUILDING COVERAGE (Maximum) | BUILDING COVERAGE (Maximum) | BUILDING COVERAGE (Maximum) | BUILDING COVERAGE (Maximum) | BUILDING COVERAGE (Maximum) | BUILDING COVERAGE (Maximum) | BUILDING COVERAGE (Maximum) |
| Building Coverage (Percent) | 10% | 10% | 15% | 20% | 25% | 25% | |
| OPEN SPACE COVERAGE (Minimum) | OPEN SPACE COVERAGE (Minimum) | OPEN SPACE COVERAGE (Minimum) | OPEN SPACE COVERAGE (Minimum) | OPEN SPACE COVERAGE (Minimum) | OPEN SPACE COVERAGE (Minimum) | OPEN SPACE COVERAGE (Minimum) | OPEN SPACE COVERAGE (Minimum) |
| Open Space Required (Percent) | 75% | 75% | 70% | 60% | 50% | 40% | |
| Private Open Space/ |
N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | |
| Setback encroachment allowances for architectural features can be found in 9.160.030 Side-loaded garages may have a front yard setback of 15 feet. Non-Conforming Lot Development Provision. Due to the existence of established lots prior to December 18, 2013, that do not meet the minimum lot size requirements of their designated zoning district, the following provisions shall apply: In accordance with General Plan Policy LU-1.11, the development of a single-family residential dwelling shall be permitted on residentially designated, undeveloped, non-conforming parcels that were legally established on or before December 18, 2013, even if their lot size does not conform to the density requirements of the General Plan land use designation. This provision aligns with and supports the housing production objectives outlined in the Housing Element of the General Plan and with State housing laws. Notwithstanding this allowance, any proposed dwelling on a non-conforming parcel shall be subject to all applicable development standards set forth in the General Plan and Development Code. Development may be restricted based on parcel constraints, including lot size and physical conditions, and must not result in any adverse impact on public health, safety, or welfare | Setback encroachment allowances for architectural features can be found in 9.160.030 Side-loaded garages may have a front yard setback of 15 feet. Non-Conforming Lot Development Provision. Due to the existence of established lots prior to December 18, 2013, that do not meet the minimum lot size requirements of their designated zoning district, the following provisions shall apply: In accordance with General Plan Policy LU-1.11, the development of a single-family residential dwelling shall be permitted on residentially designated, undeveloped, non-conforming parcels that were legally established on or before December 18, 2013, even if their lot size does not conform to the density requirements of the General Plan land use designation. This provision aligns with and supports the housing production objectives outlined in the Housing Element of the General Plan and with State housing laws. Notwithstanding this allowance, any proposed dwelling on a non-conforming parcel shall be subject to all applicable development standards set forth in the General Plan and Development Code. Development may be restricted based on parcel constraints, including lot size and physical conditions, and must not result in any adverse impact on public health, safety, or welfare | Setback encroachment allowances for architectural features can be found in 9.160.030 Side-loaded garages may have a front yard setback of 15 feet. Non-Conforming Lot Development Provision. Due to the existence of established lots prior to December 18, 2013, that do not meet the minimum lot size requirements of their designated zoning district, the following provisions shall apply: In accordance with General Plan Policy LU-1.11, the development of a single-family residential dwelling shall be permitted on residentially designated, undeveloped, non-conforming parcels that were legally established on or before December 18, 2013, even if their lot size does not conform to the density requirements of the General Plan land use designation. This provision aligns with and supports the housing production objectives outlined in the Housing Element of the General Plan and with State housing laws. Notwithstanding this allowance, any proposed dwelling on a non-conforming parcel shall be subject to all applicable development standards set forth in the General Plan and Development Code. Development may be restricted based on parcel constraints, including lot size and physical conditions, and must not result in any adverse impact on public health, safety, or welfare | Setback encroachment allowances for architectural features can be found in 9.160.030 Side-loaded garages may have a front yard setback of 15 feet. Non-Conforming Lot Development Provision. Due to the existence of established lots prior to December 18, 2013, that do not meet the minimum lot size requirements of their designated zoning district, the following provisions shall apply: In accordance with General Plan Policy LU-1.11, the development of a single-family residential dwelling shall be permitted on residentially designated, undeveloped, non-conforming parcels that were legally established on or before December 18, 2013, even if their lot size does not conform to the density requirements of the General Plan land use designation. This provision aligns with and supports the housing production objectives outlined in the Housing Element of the General Plan and with State housing laws. Notwithstanding this allowance, any proposed dwelling on a non-conforming parcel shall be subject to all applicable development standards set forth in the General Plan and Development Code. Development may be restricted based on parcel constraints, including lot size and physical conditions, and must not result in any adverse impact on public health, safety, or welfare | Setback encroachment allowances for architectural features can be found in 9.160.030 Side-loaded garages may have a front yard setback of 15 feet. Non-Conforming Lot Development Provision. Due to the existence of established lots prior to December 18, 2013, that do not meet the minimum lot size requirements of their designated zoning district, the following provisions shall apply: In accordance with General Plan Policy LU-1.11, the development of a single-family residential dwelling shall be permitted on residentially designated, undeveloped, non-conforming parcels that were legally established on or before December 18, 2013, even if their lot size does not conform to the density requirements of the General Plan land use designation. This provision aligns with and suppor | |||
| ts the housing production objectives outlined in the Housing Element of the General Plan and with State housing laws. Notwithstanding this allowance, any proposed dwelling on a non-conforming parcel shall be subject to all applicable development standards set forth in the General Plan and Development Code. Development may be restricted based on parcel constraints, including lot size and physical conditions, and must not result in any adverse impact on public health, safety, or welfare | Setback encroachment allowances for architectural features can be found in 9.160.030 Side-loaded garages may have a front yard setback of 15 feet. Non-Conforming Lot Development Provision. Due to the existence of established lots prior to December 18, 2013, that do not meet the minimum lot size requirements of their designated zoning district, the following provisions shall apply: In accordance with General Plan Policy LU-1.11, the development of a single-family residential dwelling shall be permitted on residentially designated, undeveloped, non-conforming parcels that were legally established on or before December 18, 2013, even if their lot size does not conform to the density requirements of the General Plan land use designation. This provision aligns with and supports the housing production objectives outlined in the Housing Element of the General Plan and with State housing laws. Notwithstanding this allowance, any proposed dwelling on a non-conforming parcel shall be subject to all applicable development standards set forth in the General Plan and Development Code. Development may be restricted based on parcel constraints, including lot size and physical conditions, and must not result in any adverse impact on public health, safety, or welfare | Setback encroachment allowances for architectural features can be found in 9.160.030 Side-loaded garages may have a front yard setback of 15 feet. Non-Conforming Lot Development Provision. Due to the existence of established lots prior to December 18, 2013, that do not meet the minimum lot size requirements of their designated zoning district, the following provisions shall apply: In accordance with General Plan Policy LU-1.11, the development of a single-family residential dwelling shall be permitted on residentially designated, undeveloped, non-conforming parcels that were legally established on or before December 18, 2013, even if their lot size does not conform to the density requirements of the General Plan land use designation. This provision aligns with and supports the housing production objectives outlined in the Housing Element of the General Plan and with State housing laws. Notwithstanding this allowance, any proposed dwelling on a non-conforming parcel shall be subject to all applicable development standards set forth in the General Plan and Development Code. Development may be restricted based on parcel constraints, including lot size and physical conditions, and must not result in any adverse impact on public health, safety, or welfare | Setback encroachment allowances for architectural features can be found in 9.160.030 Side-loaded garages may have a front yard setback of 15 feet. Non-Conforming Lot Development Provision. Due to the existence of established lots prior to December 18, 2013, that do not meet the minimum lot size requirements of their designated zoning district, the following provisions shall apply: In accordance with General Plan Policy LU-1.11, the development of a single-family residential dwelling shall be permitted on residentially designated, undeveloped, non-conforming parcels that were legally established on or before December 18, 2013, even if their lot size does not conform to the density requirements of the General Plan land use designation. This provision aligns with and supports the housing production objectives outlined in the Housing Element of the General Plan and with State housing laws. Notwithstanding this allowance, any proposed dwelling on a non-conforming parcel shall be subject to all applicable development standards set forth in the General Plan and Development Code. Development may be restricted based on parcel constraints, including lot size and physical conditions, and must not result in any adverse impact on public health, safety, or welfare |
(2025-417, 07/16/2025)
Effective on: 8/16/2025
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