Commerce · Land use · Single-family home
Where is a single-family home allowed in Commerce?
In Commerce, a single-family home is allowed in 4 base zones (R-1, R-2, R-3 and C-2, all with a condition) (Commerce use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: R-1, R-2, R-3 and C-2
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Commerce Municipal Code use tables (read October 2026). Base zones only. General information, not legal advice — check with the city before you apply.
Zones where a single-family home can go
Commerce's code calls this use “Dwelling, Single-Family”. Each row links to the use table it comes from. A zone marked “see note” has a condition in the code, for example upper floors only or a larger lot.
| Zone | Status | Code |
|---|---|---|
| R-1 Low Density Residential Zone | Allowed — see note Note variant: Row "Dwelling, Single-Family; new construction and additions where the total floor area of all structures is greater than 2,300 square feet" is C (Conditional Use Permit) in R-1, R-2 and R-3. | Division 1 — PERMITTED USES AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS |
| R-2 Medium Density Residential Zone | Allowed — see note Note variant: Row "Dwelling, Single-Family; new construction and additions where the total floor area of all structures is greater than 2,300 square feet" is C (Conditional Use Permit) in R-1, R-2 and R-3. | Division 1 — PERMITTED USES AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS |
| R-3 High Density Residential Zone | Allowed — see note Note variant: Row "Dwelling, Single-Family; new construction and additions where the total floor area of all structures is greater than 2,300 square feet" is C (Conditional Use Permit) in R-1, R-2 and R-3. | Division 1 — PERMITTED USES AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS |
| C-2 Commercial Zone | Allowed — see note Code row: “Dwelling, Single-Family (a)” Note a: A residential structure originally constructed for a residential use shall not be used for simultaneous tenancy of a residential use and commercial business. | § 19.09.020 |
What else applies
- Row "Dwelling, Single-Family; new construction and additions where the total floor area of all structures is greater than 2,300 square feet" is C in R-1, R-2, R-3. Manufacturing zone table (Table 19.11.030A) is not in the packet.
- State law: State law lets most single-family lots add an ADU and a JADU (California ADU law) and a second home or a lot split under SB 9 (Gov. Code § 65852.21).
- Not covered here: Manufacturing zones (M-1 and others): Table 19.11.030A is not in the packet text (S4 has only the introduction). Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in Commerce
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a single-family home in the R-1 zone in Commerce?
Yes, with a condition. Commerce's use table lists it as allowed in R-1 (Low Density Residential Zone) (Division 1 — PERMITTED USES AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS). The code adds a condition: “Row "Dwelling, Single-Family; new construction and additions where the total floor area of all structures is greater than 2,300 square feet" is C (Conditional Use Permit) in R-1, R-2 and R-3.”
General information, not legal advice.
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